More Than a Duty Station—It’s a Community

We’re excited to have you here and look forward to supporting you and your family in this vibrant community! Barksdale Air Force Base is located in the heart of Northwest Louisiana, affectionately known as “Sportsman’s Paradise.” This region offers an abundance of outdoor adventures, including fishing, hunting, boating, and camping—perfect for nature lovers and weekend explorers.

Beyond the great outdoors, the area is rich in culture and entertainment, with something for everyone. Enjoy Shreveport and Bossier City‘s vibrant blend of casinos, art museums, live music, food festivals, and historic landmarks. Northwest Louisiana offers a warm community and family-friendly lifestyle that will make you feel right at home.

Barksdale Air Force Base is conveniently located near Shreveport-Bossier- two vibrant cities packed with delicious dining, exciting attractions, and a whole lot of Southern soul. From world-class cuisine and local favorites to riverfront casinos, music festivals, museums, and family-friendly fun, Shreveport-Bossier offers a one-of-a-kind cultural experience you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re craving bold flavors, outdoor excitement, or a night out, there’s always something to enjoy just minutes from base.

Interesting Facts:

  • Barksdale AFB is home to a dynamic and diverse military community, serving approximately 15,000 individuals on base. This includes over 5,000 Active-Duty Airmen, 1,300 Reservists, 5,500 Military Family Members, and 2,500 Civilian Employees (including appropriated, non-appropriated, and contract personnel).
  • Bossier City, founded around 1907, is the second-most populous city in the Shreveport–Bossier City metropolitan area, with a population of approximately 62,700. Located on the eastern bank of the Red River, it shares a close connection with its larger sister city, Shreveport, situated just across the river.
  • Shreveport, founded in 1836 by the Shreve Town Company, is the educational, commercial, and cultural center of the Ark-La-Tex region. Situated along the west bank of the Red River, it is Louisiana’s third-largest city, with a population of approximately 201,573. Originally established at the junction of the newly navigable Red River and the Texas Trail, Shreveport has grown into a vibrant hub known for its rich history, diverse economy, and cultural significance in Northwest Louisiana.

New Place, New Chapter—We’ve Got You.

This page is designed especially for military members and their families relocating to this great area. We’ve put together key information to help you settle in and get familiar with the community. Sign up for an e-newsletter or request a visitor guide to get the latest updates, local tips, and helpful resources delivered straight to you!

From Base to Bayou: Life in Northwest Louisiana

Welcome to your new home in the Shreveport-Bossier area! As you begin this exciting journey, we’re here to help make your transition smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you love the outdoors or prefer indoor adventures, the Shreveport-Bossier area has something for everyone.

Enjoy fishing, nature trails, parks, and family-friendly activities—or explore a wide variety of local eateries, shopping spots, and entertainment venues.

Looking for inspiration?

Military members and their families can visit the Bossier Chamber of Commerce website to find information about local businesses offering special discounts and benefits for the military community.

Welcome to a place where you and your family can truly feel at home!

Local Schools

The Shreveport/Bossier region offers a welcoming and well-rounded educational environment for military families.

Bossier Parish Schools lead the way with 28 Purple Star Schools, each providing specialized support for military-connected students. These schools offer transition programs, dedicated counselors, and embedded Military Family Life Counselors (MFLCs) to help students adjust and thrive despite frequent moves.

Caddo Parish Schools proudly offers 5 Purple Star Schools and is home to 12 National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence. The district also features advanced academics through its Magnet Program, offering pathways in STEM, arts, and college prep.

No matter your child’s needs or learning style, the Shreveport-Bossier area provides a strong foundation for academic success.

Families can also choose from a variety of private, parochial, or charter schools to meet their educational preferences. For those who prefer to educate at home, Louisiana State offers both Nonpublic Schools Not Seeking State Approval and BESE-Approved Home Study Programs.

Learn More About Louisiana Schools for Military Families

There’s a lot to consider when choosing the right school in the Shreveport-Bossier area. We recommend connecting with your Barksdale School Liaison office for expert guidance, resources, and up-to-date information tailored to military families. Contact: BarksdaleSchoolLiaison@us.af.mil

Explore More with Military One

Our favorite website is Military One, where you can find a wealth of information about each base. This trusted site offers a wealth of information about base services, history, and support programs.

The Neighborhood Navigator tool on Military OneSource makes it easy to explore your new surroundings. You can:

  • View demographics by zip code or city (including crime rate)
  • Compare neighborhoods and cities side by side
  • Find a list of local schools and nearby businesses
  • Check home values zip code

More Resources

  • Choose Shreveport is the official relocation portal for Shreveport – Northwest Louisiana. It’s designed to help newcomers: military families, professionals & entrepreneurs learn about: living, working, playing in Shreveport.
  • BeBossier.com’s, written by locals, the Relocation Guide is a comprehensive resource for anyone considering a move to Bossier City and Bossier Parish. It offers: moving checklist, local neighborhood info, cultural amenities and more!
  • BeBossier.com a community-focused blog and lifestyle site dedicated to showcasing the best of Bossier City and Bossier Parish, Louisiana. It’s run by local residents!
  • Visit Shreveport-Bossier official tourism portal for the Shreveport‑Bossier region featuring highlights of the region and events.
  • Inclusive Overview of Barksdale AFB The Military OneSource page for Barksdale Air Force Base is a must-visit for both new arrivals and current personnel because it packs a powerful toolkit tailored to life on base. Check it out!

Have more questions? We can help!

Email the military liaison for the Northwest Louisiana Military Support Foundation at krista@bossierchamber.com