Moving to Alexandria, Louisiana: A Comprehensive Relocation Guide

Considering moving to Alexandria, Louisiana? This historic Central Louisiana city offers military community presence, affordable living, and Red River location. With approximately 45,000 residents in 2025 (metro 153,000+), Alexandria combines Southern hospitality with cultural heritage and Central Louisiana’s regional hub character.

Demographic Profile to Consider If Moving to Alexandria:

Alexandria’s 2025 population is approximately 45,000 residents in this Rapides Parish seat, forming a twin-city area with Pineville across the Red River, with the metro exceeding 153,000. The median age is around 37 years, with military families (England Air Force Base former presence, now England Airpark), working families, and diverse residents. The population is approximately 57% White, 38% Black or African American, 3% Hispanic, 2% Asian. Alexandria features historic downtown along the Red River, diverse neighborhoods, military community influence, and serves as Central Louisiana’s economic center. The city attracts military families, working families seeking Central Louisiana affordability, and those wanting regional hub amenities with small-city costs. Alexandria appeals to diverse residents prioritizing affordability and central location. The community balances military heritage with Southern culture and maintaining regional hub status.

Cost of Living to Consider If Moving to Alexandria:

Alexandria offers exceptional affordability. Median home values range from $140,000 to $210,000 in 2025, providing tremendous value with regional hub amenities and Red River location. The median household income is approximately $48,000. Rental properties average $800 to $1,100 monthly. Louisiana has no state income tax on military retirement pay; individual income tax is progressive 1.85%-4.25%. Property taxes are very low. Overall cost of living is very competitive, making Alexandria highly attractive for military families, working residents, and those seeking Central Louisiana affordability. The city provides exceptional value with stable employment. Housing costs create accessibility across diverse income levels.

Economy and Job Market:

Alexandria’s economy includes healthcare, military/government, retail, and manufacturing. Major employers include Rapides Regional Medical Center (major regional hospital), CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital, England Airpark (former Air Force base now business park), Union Tank Car Company, Procter & Gamble, Roy O. Martin Lumber Company, and government. Healthcare dominates employment serving Central Louisiana. Typical industries include healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and services. The economy provides stability for the regional hub. Wages reflect Central Louisiana levels. Many residents work in healthcare, military-related positions, manufacturing, and services.

Education:

Rapides Parish School Board serves Alexandria students with schools including Alexandria Senior High School and Peabody Magnet High School. School quality varies requiring family research. Louisiana State University of Alexandria provides higher education and community college programs. The educational infrastructure serves the diverse population with schools reflecting regional character.

Recreation and Lifestyle:

Alexandria offers Alexandria Zoo, Kent Plantation House (historic antebellum home), Alexandria Museum of Art, and Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site. The Red River provides recreation access. Residents enjoy Kisatchie National Forest (nearby), Indian Creek Recreation Area, diverse dining reflecting Louisiana cuisine, and community events. The lifestyle emphasizes affordable Southern living, diverse culture, military community connections, and Central Louisiana character. The humid subtropical climate features hot summers and mild winters. The community values military heritage, Southern hospitality, diversity, and maintaining regional center status. Living in Alexandria means accepting Central Louisiana isolation (geographic center of state, substantial drives to major metros), limited cultural offerings beyond regional amenities, some urban challenges, diverse economic base, and regional hub character while enjoying exceptional affordability, stable healthcare employment, military community atmosphere, and authentic Louisiana culture with Cajun and Southern influences defining Central Louisiana’s hub where affordability meets diversity and regional center status creates the Pelican State’s geographic heart.

Healthcare and Services:

Alexandria residents access comprehensive healthcare through Rapides Regional Medical Center and CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. The concentration of hospitals serves Central Louisiana as the regional medical hub with quality care.

Transportation:

Alexandria is accessed via Interstate 49, U.S. Route 71, U.S. Route 165, and various corridors. Alexandria International Airport provides limited commercial service. Most residents use personal vehicles. The central Louisiana location creates isolation with Baton Rouge 2 hours southeast, Shreveport 2 hours north. Typical travel times to major metros are substantial.

Conclusion:

Moving to Alexandria in 2025 offers affordable Central Louisiana living with military community character, healthcare employment, and regional hub amenities. The city’s combination of exceptionally low housing costs, stable healthcare jobs, and central location makes it ideal for military families, healthcare professionals, and those seeking Central Louisiana affordability where military heritage meets diverse Southern culture and exceptional value defines the Pelican State’s geographic and economic heart.