Relocation

History  |  Demographics  |  Climate  |  Land Area  |  Cost of Living 
Average Housing Cost   |  Taxes  |   Religion  |  Transportation  |  Education
Public Libraries  |  Recreation  |  Attractions, Fairs and Festivals
Shopping Centers  |  Media 

History

In 1714, Louis Juchereau de St. Denis traveled up the Mississippi and into the Red River to build Fort St. Jean Baptiste near a village of an Indian tribe of the Caddo family, the Natchitoches. This military trading post, 14 miles east of the Spanish settlement of Los Adaes, guarded French-Spanish empires, ending finally in American domination. Thus, Natchitoches became the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase Territory.

The Red River began changing course in 1825, finally leaving Natchitoches bereft of transportation advantages. It was not until the 20th century that the river to Natchitoches was dammed, creating the serene Cane River that meanders peacefully through the center of this historic city and into the now Cane River National Heritage Area.

Known as the City of Lights in honor of the world-famous Festival of Lights, Natchitoches became famous in recent years through the film industry. In 1988, the popular movie Steel Magnolias was filmed here, following the successful saga of The Horse Soldiers nearly 30 years earlier. In 1990, Man in the Moon occupied attention throughout the entire parish.

Natchitoches continues to retain its magic, charm and heritage while maintaining a perfect balance with progressive industries. Coupled with scenic beauty and friendly hospitality, our quality of life makes Natchitoches a retirement haven. In this old-world, modern city and parish, both visitor and citizen can seek their heart's desire.

Thirty-three blocks in the downtown area are in the National Historic Landmark District that overlooks the picturesque Cane River Lake. Points of interest include the first French settlement, Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Commemorative Area, the American Cemetery, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, the National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium, as well as sites used in the filming of the movie Steel Magnolias.

In the countryside, along the winding Cane River Lake, are some of the earliest plantations in the state, including Beau Fort, Magnolia and Oaklawn Plantations.  Near Melrose, a Landmark Plantation, is the St. Augustine Church and Cemetery.  The Cane River National Heritage Area, established by Congress in 1994, is a largely rural, agricultural landscape known for its historic Creole-style plantations and structures, and its unique people and culture.

Kisatchie National Forest and freshwater lakes offer recreational opportunities to anglers, hunters, campers and hikers.

The City of Natchitoches has been named in the following publications special recognitions:  June, 1998, named One of the Top Six Places to Retire in the United States, by "Kiplinger's Personal Finance" magazine - December, 2001, named One of Top 100 Places to Retire, by "Where to Retire" magazine - Winter, 2002, named One of the Eight Great Tax Friendly Towns, by "Where to Retire" magazine.  In 2006 the Natchitoches Main Street Program was named 1 of 3 Great American Main Street Communities in the United States and received the Louisiana Municipal Association Community Achievement Award.  In 2007 recognized as One of Seven Louisiana's Certified Retirement Communities by the Office of the Lt. Governor and the Louisiana Retirement Development Commission.  Received Preserve America Presidential Award for Heritage Tourism Initiative.  Named as Top 10 Places in which to Retire, by "U.S. News & World Report" (June 11th edition).&nbsped as a Top Retirement Town, but "Where to Retire" magazine (August, 1, 2008).  Named One of Great Town of America in the "All New Guide to the 100 Best Getaways fora Vacation of a Lifetime" (January, 2009).  Diverse recreation opportunities, low cost of living and taxes, weather, and cultural offerings attract retirees to our area.

Source: Census 2000 Estimates Base

Land Area

Natchitoches is in north central Louisiana, about 60 miles north of Alexandria and 70 miles south of Shreveport. The parish consists of 1,264 square miles on 803,488 acres, is 55 miles long (north to south), and varies in width by 14 to 34 miles. Natchitoches Parish is bordered on the southeast by the Red River. Interstate 49 runs just west of Natchitoches and travels the length (north-south) through the parish. It is the main north-south Interstate serving the State of Louisiana. The parish is also served by US Highways 71 and 84.

Cost of Living

Figures are not tabulated for Natchitoches, but the cost of living index for Alexandria is 92.2 percent of the nationwide average, and the index for Shreveport is 92 percent. Natchitoches lies between the two cities.

Average Housing Cost

A typical existing home with 1,600 to 1,800 square feet of living area is in the $135,000 to $155,000 price range. Home-ownersÕ insurance, depending on the coverage, is $700 to $900 per year. The sales price for new construction homes, including the lot, is around $100 per square foot of living area. Townhomes in the 1,200 to 1,400 square-foot range are from $100,000 to $125,000.

Taxes

Sales Tax

Combined city, parish school board, parish and state sales tax is nine percent. Groceries and prescription drugs are taxed at 4.5 percent.

State Income Tax

Married couples filing a joint return are taxed the following rates:  two percent on the first $20,000, four percent of the next $80,000, and six percent of taxable income in excess of $100,000.

Income Tax Exemptions

The combined personal exemption and standard deduction is $9,000 for married couples filing jointly. Federal, state and local government pensions are exempt, as are Social Security benefits.

Inheritance Tax

Effective July 1, 1998, Louisiana's inheritance tax was phased out over a three-year period.

Property Tax

The tax rate in Natchitoches Parish is $107 per $1,000 of assessed value. Land and residential improvements are assessed at ten percent of fair market value, and there's a $75,000 homestead exemption. Household goods and intangibles are exempt, and residential assessments are reevaluated every four years. Commercial property and other categories of personal property are assessed at 15 percent of fair market value. In the City of Natchitoches, the tax rate is $17 per $1,000 of assessed value, with the land and residential improvements assessed at ten percent of fair market value, with no homestead exemption. On a $100,000 home, you would pay parish taxes on $2,500 and city taxes on $10,000. Taxes due the parish would be $268, and taxes due the city would be $170, for a total bill of $438. For more information, contact the Natchitoches Parish Assessor's Office at (318) 352-2377 or visit www.natchitochesassessor.org.

Homestead Exemption

$75,000 on parish property taxes

Religion

Natchitoches has more than 90 houses of worship representing 30 denominations.

Transportation

There is no public bus system. Shreveport Regional Airport, 70 miles away, is served by five national airlines. Alexandria International Airport, 55 miles away, is served by four airlines.

Education

Public Schools

The Natchitoches Parish School System includes five preschools, 13 elementary (K-8), and three high schools (9-12). There are approximately 6,840 students and 464 teachers involved in the public school system. The school system has a special education program that involves 311 students and 100 teachers. This yields a teacher-to-pupil ratio of 1 to 13. In addition, the Laboratory Schools at Northwestern State University operate within the parish school system, experimenting with new teaching methods and developing innovative educational programs.

The schools have a comprehensive program to encourage gifted students, and special classrooms and teachers assist students who have learning problems. Juniors and seniors may attend classes for credit at the Bossier Parish Community College, www.bpcc.edu; Louisiana Technical College, www.region7.ltc.edu/natchitoches; or Northwestern State University, www.nsula.edu. High school students participate in a full range of extracurricular activities including football and other sports.

The Louisiana School of Math, Science and the Arts provide high-quality education for the state's most gifted high school students. Current enrollment is approximately 400 juniors and seniors. Newsweek magazine named LSMSA to its Public Elite list of high schools in 2007, a list of 21 schools too good to be included in the Top 100 in USA. www.lsmsa.edu

Private Schools

There are two church-affiliated schools in Natchitoches Parish that provide an alternative for students not attending public schools. St. Mary's School offers the standard curriculum approved by the Louisiana State Department of Education, as well as religious instruction. www.smstigers.com. Victory Assembly of God Church offers the Abeka curriculum as well as training in religion.

Vocational Training

Vocational training is available at the Louisiana Technical College-Natchitoches Campus, a state-funded facility, and in the vocational program of parish schools. Vocational training includes welding, mechanics, small engine repair, business, licensed practical nursing, machine shop, drafting, and instrumentation. Special education courses are also organized to meet specific interests and needs.
The Louisiana Technical College also offers the short-term education program Quick Start to meet the growing demands of business and industry. This program is set up to train students in as little as three weeks. www.region7.ltc.edu/natchitoches

Northwestern State University

Northwestern State University was established in 1884 as a normal school for the training of teachers. After several changes in name and purpose, it officially became a university in 1970. The university offers graduate and undergraduate programs along with general opportunities for research and individual study in a variety of fields. Doctor of Education and Specialist in Education degrees are offered in elementary education, health and physical education, and secondary education. The university operates a two-year pre-nursing program to prepare students for its nursing school at NSU-Shreveport. A comprehensive athletic program provides opportunities for participation in intercollegiate and intramural teams for football, basketball, baseball and other sports.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, and various specialized accrediting groups for the different academic departments accredit the university. Enrollment for Northwestern State University and the Louisiana Scholars College is approximately 10,000 students.

In addition to the commitment to academic excellence, Northwestern State University has several important community outreach programs including the Office of Cooperative Education and Small Business Development Center, as well as courses and workshops on how to get out of debt, pre-licensing real estate education, Cajun dancing, water aerobics and others. For more information, please call (318) 357-5682, (800) 376-2422 or visitwww.nsula.edu.

Public Libraries

Natchitoches Parish enjoys an excellent parish-supported public library system. The library is located on Second Street in downtown Natchitoches. Volumes in the library number in excess of 54,000, with approximately 400 new additions per month. The facility offers reading and other reference materials such as periodicals, film and audio materials for all ages. www.youseemore.com/natchitoches

The large collection of materials at Watson Library on Northwestern State UniversityÕs campus is available to parish residents. Visitors find the Cammie G. Henry Research Room, located in Watson Library, of interest. These archives contain many old books and papers pertaining to the history of the city, parish and university. www.nsula.edu/watson_library

The Williamson Museum, located in the Arts and Science Building, contains collections of archaeological importance to the area.

The Natchitoches Genealogical & Historical Association operates a research library located on the second floor in the Old Courthouse building on the corner of Church and Second streets. The library is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm; Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. (318) 357-2235. www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~lanatchi

Recreation

Natchitoches Parish has ten public parks, two golf courses, three community swimming pools, 12 ball fields, a skating rink, a bowling alley, a six-screen movie theater with two of the screens having stadium seating, and many tennis courts. Boating and fishing on Cane River Lake, Saline Lake, Black Lake, Clear Lake, Chaplin's Lake and Sibley Lake are also major activities for visitors and residents. One country club is available in the parish, and the recreation center at Northwestern State University, featuring golf, tennis and swimming, is available to local residents.

Northwestern State University enhances the cultural aspects of Natchitoches by offering and supporting a symphony, ballet, dinner theater, plays, music recitals, and other forms of entertainment. Athletic activities at the university include football, baseball, softball, basketball, track and field, tennis, volleyball, soccer, rodeoing, and rowing.

Campers appreciate the area's wildlife, and canoeing and swimming in the parish's clear freshwater rivers or slow-moving bayous. Trapping, fishing and hunting are available in the many rivers, streams, bayous and lakes such as Cane River Lake, Sibley Lake and Black Lake. There are 129,174 acres of Kisatchie National Forest contained in Natchitoches and Winn parishes.

Attractions, Fairs and Festivals

For a complete listing of area attractions, fairs and festivals, call the Natchitoches Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau, (318) 352-8072 or (800) 259-1714. Their office is located in downtown Natchitoches at 781 Front Street. www.natchitoches.net

Shopping Centers

Natchitoches has several shopping centers, including the Dixie Plaza Shopping Center, Bienville Square, Broadmoor Shopping Center, Magnolia Commons Shopping Center, River South Commons, Wal-Mart Plaza, and downtown riverfront shopping in the historic district along Cane River Lake. Shops include boutiques, Maurices, Stage, Wal-Mart Supercenter, Blockbuster, music shops, shoe stores, sporting goods, and many more.