Best Cities for Veterans in Louisiana 2025: Comprehensive Cost & Benefits Guide
Detailed analysis of the best Louisiana cities for veterans including New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette - housing costs, jobs, VA healthcare, and quality of life.
Best Cities for Veterans in Louisiana 2025: Comprehensive Cost & Benefits Guide
Louisiana offers veterans exceptional value through full property tax exemptions for 100% disabled veterans, zero tax on military retirement pay, and a cost of living 8% below the national average. But which Louisiana cities provide the best combination of affordable housing, employment opportunities, VA healthcare access, and quality of life for veterans?
This guide analyzes the top Louisiana cities for veterans based on real data: housing costs, veteran populations, job markets, healthcare access, and honest assessments of each community.
Bottom Line Up Front
Best overall for veterans: Lafayette - Strong veteran community (13,000+ veterans), excellent employment in oil & gas and healthcare, lower cost of living than New Orleans/Baton Rouge, rich Cajun culture, and proximity to VA healthcare.
Best for employment: Baton Rouge - Petrochemical industry hub, state government jobs, strong veteran hiring preference, LSU presence, growing tech sector.
Best for military connection: Shreveport-Bossier City - Adjacent to Barksdale Air Force Base, massive military community, VA medical center in city, lowest housing costs, strong defense industry presence.
Best for culture and entertainment: New Orleans - Unique culture, world-class food and music, VA medical center, diverse economy, but higher costs and crime considerations.
Rankings Summary (based on veteran value):
- Lafayette - Best overall veteran value
- Shreveport-Bossier City - Best for military retirees and defense careers
- Baton Rouge - Best for petrochemical/state government careers
- New Orleans - Best for culture, but weigh costs carefully
Let's dive into the details of each city.
Louisiana Veterans By the Numbers
- Total Louisiana veteran population: ~257,000 (6% of adult population)
- Federal dollars brought in by veterans: $4.7 billion annually
- VA medical centers in Louisiana: 3 (New Orleans, Shreveport, Alexandria/Pineville)
- State veterans homes: 5 facilities across Louisiana
- Top parishes by veteran population: Jefferson Parish (16,500+), Caddo Parish (15,000+), Orleans Parish (13,500+)
1. Lafayette (Acadiana Region)
Overview
Population: 121,000 (metro area: 490,000) Veteran population: ~13,000 veterans Federal dollars from veterans: $100+ million annually into parish Ranking: Best overall veteran value in Louisiana
Lafayette was ranked the #1 best place to live in Louisiana in 2024, beating out Shreveport and Baton Rouge. It's the heart of Cajun Country and offers the strongest combination of affordability, employment, veteran community, and quality of life.
Housing Costs
Median home price: $240,000 Average rent: $1,200-1,400/month for 2-bedroom Property tax rate: ~0.54% (Louisiana average: 0.55%)
100% disabled veteran benefit: Pay ZERO property taxes on primary residence
- Annual savings on $240,000 home: ~$1,296
Comparison to national average: Lafayette housing is ~30% below national median
Affordability rating: Excellent - among most affordable mid-size cities in Louisiana
Employment Opportunities
Major employers:
- Oil & gas industry: CGI, Schlumberger, Baker Hughes, Halliburton, Devon Energy
- Healthcare: Ochsner Health, Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, Lafayette General Health
- Education: University of Louisiana at Lafayette (700+ student veterans on GI Bill bringing $13M annually)
- Retail/hospitality: Strong service sector
Unemployment rate: Below state average Veteran employment initiatives: Lafayette Parish Veterans Affairs Commission focuses on job support
Typical veteran-friendly jobs:
- Oil & gas field services: $50,000-85,000
- Petrochemical operations: $55,000-90,000
- Healthcare: $45,000-95,000 (depending on role)
- State/local government: $40,000-75,000
- Skilled trades: $45,000-75,000
Job market rating: Excellent for oil & gas, healthcare, and skilled trades
VA Healthcare Access
Primary VA facility: Lafayette VA Clinic Address: 2100 Jefferson Street, Lafayette, LA 70501 Phone: (337) 261-0734 Services: Primary care, mental health, laboratory
Full VA medical centers nearby:
- Alexandria VA Health Care System: 90 miles (1.5 hours)
- New Orleans VA Medical Center: 135 miles (2.5 hours)
Additional healthcare: Ochsner Health, Lafayette General Health, other private hospitals provide excellent civilian healthcare options
Healthcare rating: Good VA clinic access, excellent civilian healthcare, reasonable drive to full VA medical centers
Military Community and Culture
Veteran community strength: Exceptional
- 13,000 veterans in parish (one of strongest veteran communities in state)
- Lafayette Parish Veterans Affairs Commission actively supports veterans
- Strong community support and veteran-focused events
- "The Boot" nonprofit initiative to keep veterans in Louisiana hosts events in Lafayette
Military connections: No major active-duty installation nearby, but strong veteran presence
Cultural advantages:
- Heart of Cajun culture (food, music, festivals)
- French Louisiana heritage
- Festival capital of Louisiana (over 60 annual festivals)
- Excellent food scene (Cajun and Creole cuisine)
- Family-friendly community
- Lower crime rates than New Orleans or Baton Rouge
Quality of life rating: Excellent - strong community feel, rich culture, affordable
Education Benefits
University of Louisiana at Lafayette:
- 700+ student veterans on GI Bill
- Brings $13 million into the school annually
- BAH rate (Post-9/11 GI Bill): $1,572/month
- Veteran & Military Student Services office
- In-state tuition with Choice Act
- Louisiana Title 29 tuition exemption for qualifying dependents
Other schools: South Louisiana Community College (multi-campus system)
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Best overall value for veterans in Louisiana
- Strong veteran community (13,000+ veterans)
- Affordable housing ($240,000 median)
- Excellent employment in oil & gas and healthcare
- Rich Cajun culture and festivals
- Lower crime than New Orleans/Baton Rouge
- Family-friendly community
- Proximity to Gulf Coast beaches (1.5 hours)
- 100% disabled veteran property tax exemption saves ~$1,300/year
Cons:
- VA clinic only (not full medical center) - nearest full VA medical center 90 miles
- Hurricane risk (coastal proximity)
- Hot, humid summers
- Smaller metro than New Orleans/Baton Rouge
- Oil & gas industry can be cyclical (boom/bust)
- French/Cajun culture may feel insular to outsiders initially
Best for: Veterans seeking strong community feel, affordable cost of living, oil & gas or healthcare careers, Cajun culture, and family-friendly environment
2. Shreveport-Bossier City
Overview
Population: Shreveport 200,000 / Bossier City 68,000 (metro: 440,000) Veteran population: ~15,000+ (Caddo Parish) Military installation: Barksdale Air Force Base (14,500 personnel, 27,000-acre base) Ranking: Best for military retirees and defense careers
Shreveport-Bossier City is Louisiana's military hub, with Barksdale AFB as one of the most important Air Force installations in the nation. The dual-city area offers the lowest cost of living among Louisiana's major cities, a massive military community, and direct access to a VA medical center.
Housing Costs
Median home price:
- Shreveport: $200,000
- Bossier City: $210,000
Average rent: $960-1,215/month for 2-bedroom Property tax rate: Caddo Parish ~0.56% Cost of living: 90.7% of national average (extremely affordable)
100% disabled veteran benefit: Pay ZERO property taxes on primary residence
- Annual savings on $200,000 home: ~$1,120
Affordability rating: Excellent - lowest housing costs among Louisiana major cities
Housing note: Barksdale Family Housing offers 991 homes for active-duty, retirees, veterans, DOD employees, and civilians - unique benefit
Employment Opportunities
Major employers:
- Barksdale Air Force Base: 3,000+ civilian jobs (GS-5 to GS-13, $35,000-95,000)
- Defense contractors: Supporting Barksdale operations
- Healthcare: Willis-Knighton Health System, Christus Health, Overton Brooks VA Medical Center (employment)
- Gaming/hospitality: Multiple casinos (Boomtown, Margaritaville, Horseshoe)
- Manufacturing: Various industrial facilities
Unemployment rate: Moderate Veteran hiring preference: Federal preference at Barksdale AFB (5-10 points)
Typical veteran-friendly jobs:
- Barksdale AFB civilian: $40,000-90,000
- Healthcare: $45,000-95,000
- Gaming/hospitality: $35,000-65,000
- Manufacturing: $40,000-70,000
- State/local government: $38,000-70,000
Job market rating: Excellent for military/defense careers, good for healthcare
VA Healthcare Access
VA Medical Center: Overton Brooks VA Medical Center Address: 510 East Stoner Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71101-4295 Phone: (318) 221-8411 Services: Full medical center with 100+ beds, emergency care (24/7), surgery, mental health, specialty care
Shreveport Vet Center Address: 2800 Youree Drive, Building 1, Suite 105, Shreveport, LA 71104 Phone: (318) 861-1776 Services: Free counseling (PTSD, MST, readjustment)
Healthcare rating: Excellent - full VA medical center in city, Vet Center, excellent civilian hospitals
Military Community and Culture
Military community strength: Exceptional
- Barksdale AFB hosts 15,000+ active-duty and Air Force Reserve members
- 15,000+ veterans in Caddo Parish
- Strong military identity and support network
- Easy transition for active-duty separating from Barksdale
Military connections:
- Barksdale Air Force Base - home of 2nd Bomb Wing (B-52 bombers), Eighth Air Force HQ, Air Force Global Strike Command
- Major strategic deterrence mission
- One of most important Air Force bases in nation
Cultural advantages:
- Southern hospitality
- Louisiana's "Other Louisiana" (different from Cajun south)
- Historic downtown Shreveport
- Casinos and entertainment (Boomtown, Margaritaville, Horseshoe)
- Growing food scene
- Cross Lake recreation
Quality of life rating: Good - strong military community, affordable, but higher crime in some areas
Crime consideration: Shreveport has higher crime rates than other Louisiana cities - choose neighborhoods carefully (Bossier City generally safer than Shreveport)
Education Benefits
Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSUS):
- Military & Veterans services office
- BAH rate (Post-9/11 GI Bill): Shreveport area rate
- In-state tuition with Choice Act
- Close to Barksdale AFB
Bossier Parish Community College:
- Near Barksdale AFB
- Strong veteran support
- Technical training programs
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Barksdale AFB provides massive military community and civilian job opportunities
- Full VA medical center in city (Overton Brooks)
- Vet Center for free counseling
- Lowest housing costs ($200,000-210,000 median)
- Cost of living 9.3% below national average
- Strong military identity and veteran support
- Excellent for recently separated Air Force veterans
- 100% disabled veteran property tax exemption saves ~$1,100/year
- Barksdale Family Housing available to retirees and veterans
Cons:
- Higher crime rates (especially Shreveport - Bossier City safer)
- Economy heavily tied to Barksdale AFB and gaming
- Less diverse economy than Baton Rouge
- Less cultural attractions than New Orleans
- Hot, humid summers
- Some neighborhoods have economic challenges
- Fewer Fortune 500 companies than Baton Rouge
Best for: Air Force veterans, military retirees seeking strong military community, veterans prioritizing low cost of living and direct VA medical center access, defense industry careers
3. Baton Rouge
Overview
Population: 227,000 (metro area: 860,000) Veteran population: Substantial (East Baton Rouge Parish) Capital: Louisiana state capital Ranking: Best for petrochemical/state government careers
Baton Rouge is Louisiana's capital and a petrochemical industry powerhouse. Home to one of the largest oil refineries in the U.S. (ExxonMobil Baton Rouge), numerous chemical plants, Louisiana State University, and thousands of state government jobs, Baton Rouge offers the strongest employment opportunities for veterans in Louisiana.
Housing Costs
Median home price: $250,000 Average rent: $1,260/month for 2-bedroom Property tax rate: ~0.52% (below state average)
100% disabled veteran benefit: Pay ZERO property taxes on primary residence
- Annual savings on $250,000 home: ~$1,300
Affordability rating: Good - moderate costs, but better employment opportunities balance higher housing prices
Employment Opportunities
Major employers:
- Petrochemical: ExxonMobil (2,000+ employees, one of largest refineries in U.S.), Dow Chemical (2,000+ in Plaquemine), BASF, Albemarle, Entergy, Sasol
- State government: Thousands of state jobs (veteran preference applies)
- Healthcare: Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Baton Rouge General, Ochsner Health
- Education: Louisiana State University (LSU) - major employer
- Technology: Growing tech sector
Unemployment rate: Below state average Veteran hiring preference: 5-10 points for state jobs, direct hire authority
Typical veteran-friendly jobs:
- Petrochemical operations: $60,000-100,000+
- State government: $40,000-80,000
- Healthcare: $45,000-100,000
- LSU employment: $35,000-90,000
- Skilled trades (refinery/chemical): $50,000-85,000
- Engineering: $70,000-120,000
Job market rating: Excellent - strongest employment market in Louisiana for veterans
Notable: Baton Rouge ranked as one of the best places in the U.S. to start a business, with booming employment in technology, logistics, and medical industries
VA Healthcare Access
Primary VA facility: Baton Rouge VA Clinic Address: 5550 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 Phone: (225) 761-3400 Services: Primary care, mental health, laboratory, telehealth
Baton Rouge Vet Center Address: 6585 Siegen Lane, Suite B, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 Phone: (225) 761-3140 Services: Free counseling (PTSD, MST, readjustment)
Full VA medical centers nearby:
- New Orleans VA Medical Center: 80 miles (1.5 hours)
- Alexandria VA Health Care System: 100 miles (1.5 hours)
Additional healthcare: Our Lady of the Lake (major regional medical center), Baton Rouge General, excellent civilian healthcare
Healthcare rating: Good VA clinic access, Vet Center, excellent civilian healthcare, reasonable drive to full VA medical centers
Military Community and Culture
Veteran community strength: Good
- Substantial veteran population
- LSU has 1,200+ student veterans
- Veteran-focused programs at state level (capital city)
- Growing veteran support initiatives
Military connections: No major active-duty installation, but strong Louisiana National Guard presence
Cultural advantages:
- State capital - access to state government resources
- LSU campus provides college town atmosphere
- Growing food and entertainment scene
- Mississippi River location
- Close to New Orleans (80 miles) for weekend culture trips
- More business-oriented than New Orleans
Quality of life rating: Good - growing city, strong economy, but moderate crime in some areas
Crime consideration: Baton Rouge has crime challenges - choose neighborhoods carefully (Mid-City, Shenandoah, areas near LSU generally safer)
Education Benefits
Louisiana State University (LSU):
- 1,200+ student veterans
- William A. Brookshire Military & Veterans Student Center
- BAH rate (Post-9/11 GI Bill): $1,831/month (highest in Louisiana)
- Excellent veteran services (225-578-4647)
- Top-tier university (SEC athletics, strong academic programs)
- In-state tuition with Choice Act
- Louisiana Title 29 tuition exemption for qualifying dependents
- Louisiana HB167 gap coverage for disabled veterans
Southern University: Historically Black university with veteran services
Baton Rouge Community College: Affordable option for technical training
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Best employment opportunities in Louisiana (petrochemical, state government)
- LSU presence (excellent education benefits, highest BAH in state at $1,831/month)
- State capital advantages
- Growing tech sector
- Excellent civilian healthcare
- Competitive salaries (petrochemical jobs $60K-100K+)
- VA clinic and Vet Center in city
- 100% disabled veteran property tax exemption saves ~$1,300/year
- State hiring preference for veterans (5-10 points, direct hire authority)
Cons:
- No full VA medical center (nearest 80-100 miles)
- Higher housing costs than Shreveport or Lafayette ($250,000 median)
- Crime in certain areas
- Traffic congestion (growing city)
- Industrial areas can be less attractive
- Hot, humid summers
- Some neighborhoods have economic challenges
- Less "charming" than New Orleans or Lafayette
Best for: Veterans seeking careers in petrochemical industry, state government jobs, LSU students using GI Bill, veterans prioritizing strong employment and salaries over military community feel
4. New Orleans
Overview
Population: 376,000 (metro area: 1.3 million) Veteran population: ~13,500 (Orleans Parish) Ranking: Best for culture and entertainment, but higher costs
New Orleans is Louisiana's largest city and one of the most unique places in America. World-famous for jazz, Mardi Gras, incredible food, and vibrant culture, New Orleans offers veterans unmatched cultural experiences. However, it comes with higher costs, crime considerations, and hurricane risk that veterans should carefully weigh.
Housing Costs
Median home price: $305,000 (highest in Louisiana) Average rent: $1,354/month for 2-bedroom Property tax rate: Orleans Parish ~0.60%
100% disabled veteran benefit: Pay ZERO property taxes on primary residence
- Annual savings on $305,000 home: ~$1,830
Affordability rating: Fair - highest costs in Louisiana, but 100% disabled exemption provides significant savings
Neighborhood note: Housing varies dramatically by neighborhood
- French Quarter/Downtown: Very expensive
- Uptown/Garden District: Expensive
- Mid-City: Moderate
- Gentilly/East New Orleans: More affordable
Employment Opportunities
Major employers:
- Healthcare: Ochsner Health System (30,000+ employees statewide, major New Orleans presence), LCMC Health, Tulane Medical Center
- Hospitality/Tourism: Hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues (major industry)
- Port of New Orleans: Maritime, logistics
- Oil & gas: Corporate offices, offshore support
- Technology: Growing tech scene (DXC Technology 2,000+, Capital One, others)
- Aerospace: Michoud Assembly Facility (NASA, Lockheed Martin)
- Education: Tulane University, Loyola University, University of New Orleans
Unemployment rate: Moderate Veteran hiring preference: State and federal preference applies
Typical veteran-friendly jobs:
- Healthcare: $45,000-100,000
- Hospitality management: $40,000-70,000
- Port/logistics: $45,000-80,000
- Oil & gas corporate: $60,000-110,000
- Technology: $60,000-100,000
- Skilled trades: $45,000-75,000
Job market rating: Good - diverse economy, strong healthcare and hospitality sectors
VA Healthcare Access
VA Medical Center: New Orleans VA Medical Center Address: 2400 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119 Phone: (504) 412-3700 Services: Full medical center with emergency care (24/7), surgery, mental health, specialty care, spinal cord injury care, TBI treatment
New Orleans Vet Center Address: 2200 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Suite 114, Kenner, LA 70062 Phone: (504) 464-4743 Services: Free counseling (PTSD, MST, readjustment)
Slidell VA Clinic (Northshore): 30 miles from New Orleans
Healthcare rating: Excellent - full VA medical center in city, Vet Center, world-class civilian medical facilities (Ochsner, Tulane Medical)
Military Community and Culture
Veteran community strength: Good
- 13,500 veterans in Orleans Parish
- Student veteran populations at Tulane, UNO
- Veteran organizations active
Military connections:
- NAS Joint Reserve Base New Orleans (Belle Chasse, 15 miles south) - Navy/Air Force/Marine Corps Reserve
- No major active-duty installation in city
Cultural advantages:
- World-class culture: Jazz, blues, brass bands, live music everywhere
- Incredible food: Creole and Cajun cuisine at its finest (Cafe Du Monde, Commander's Palace, thousands of restaurants)
- Festivals: Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, French Quarter Festival, Voodoo Fest, countless others
- History: French Quarter, Garden District, historic architecture
- Arts: Museums, galleries, street performers
- Unique character: Unlike anywhere else in America
- Entertainment: Bourbon Street, Frenchmen Street, casinos
Quality of life rating: Excellent for culture lovers, but consider crime and costs
Crime consideration: New Orleans crime dropped 26% in 2024 (murder down 35%), but remains higher than Louisiana average. Choose neighborhoods carefully:
- Safer areas: Uptown, Garden District, Lakeview, parts of Mid-City
- Higher crime: Certain parts of downtown, some neighborhoods
Education Benefits
Tulane University:
- Prestigious private university
- BAH rate (Post-9/11 GI Bill): $1,774/month
- Yellow Ribbon Program participant ($163,891 awarded last year, average $6,070 per veteran)
- Student Veterans Services Office
- Private school tuition cap: $29,920.95/year (Yellow Ribbon helps bridge gap to actual cost of $58,852/year)
University of New Orleans (UNO):
- Public university
- Veteran services
- In-state tuition with Choice Act
- More affordable than Tulane
Delgado Community College: 800+ student veterans, comprehensive veteran services
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Full VA medical center in city (New Orleans VA)
- Vet Center for free counseling
- World-class culture, food, music (unmatched)
- Diverse economy (healthcare, hospitality, oil & gas, tech, port)
- Excellent civilian healthcare (Ochsner, Tulane Medical)
- Tulane Yellow Ribbon Program makes prestigious university accessible
- Unique character and lifestyle
- 100% disabled veteran property tax exemption saves ~$1,830/year (highest savings in state due to higher home values)
- Strong arts and entertainment scene
Cons:
- Highest housing costs in Louisiana ($305,000 median, $1,354 rent)
- Crime rates higher than state average (improving but still a concern)
- Hurricane risk (coastal city, Hurricane Katrina 2005)
- Flood insurance required in many areas (additional cost)
- Traffic and parking challenges
- Hot, humid summers
- Infrastructure challenges (roads, drainage)
- Higher overall cost of living
- Tourism can make city feel crowded
- Economic challenges in some neighborhoods
Best for: Veterans who prioritize culture, food, music, and unique lifestyle; healthcare professionals; veterans using Tulane Yellow Ribbon Program; veterans who can afford higher costs or have 100% disabled property tax exemption
Other Louisiana Cities Worth Considering
Lake Charles (Southwest Louisiana)
Population: 80,000 Veteran population: Moderate (Calcasieu Parish) Pros: Petrochemical industry (Sasol, Northrop Grumman presence), gaming (casinos), affordable housing, VA clinic Cons: Hurricane damage recovery (Laura 2020, Delta 2020), smaller city, limited VA services Best for: Petrochemical industry veterans, gaming industry, affordable cost of living
Alexandria (Central Louisiana)
Population: 45,000 VA Medical Center: Alexandria VA Health Care System (full medical center in nearby Pineville) Pros: Full VA medical center, central Louisiana location, affordable, small-town feel Cons: Smaller job market, limited entertainment, near Fort Johnson Best for: Veterans prioritizing full VA medical center access, small-town living, central location
Monroe (Northeast Louisiana)
Population: 47,000 Veteran population: Moderate Pros: VA clinic, affordable housing, Northeast Louisiana Veterans Home, small-town feel Cons: Limited job market, smaller city, fewer amenities Best for: Veterans seeking small-town affordable living with VA clinic access
Side-by-Side Comparison: Top 4 Cities
| Factor | Lafayette | Shreveport-Bossier | Baton Rouge | New Orleans |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $240,000 | $200,000-210,000 | $250,000 | $305,000 |
| Property Tax Savings (100% Disabled) | ~$1,296/year | ~$1,120/year | ~$1,300/year | ~$1,830/year |
| VA Medical Center | No (clinic only) | Yes (Overton Brooks) | No (clinic only) | Yes (New Orleans VA) |
| VA Clinic | Yes | Yes (plus full center) | Yes | Yes (plus full center) |
| Vet Center | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Major Military Installation | No | Barksdale AFB | No | NAS JRB (Belle Chasse) |
| Veteran Population | 13,000+ | 15,000+ | Substantial | 13,500+ |
| Top Industry | Oil & gas, healthcare | Military, gaming | Petrochemical, state gov | Healthcare, hospitality |
| Unemployment | Below average | Moderate | Below average | Moderate |
| Cost of Living (vs national) | Below average | 9.3% below | Moderate | Above average |
| Crime Rate | Moderate | High (Shreveport) | High | High (improving) |
| Culture | Cajun/festivals | Southern/military | Business/LSU | World-class |
| GI Bill BAH (LSU/Tulane) | $1,572 (UL Lafayette) | Moderate | $1,831 (LSU - highest) | $1,774 (Tulane) |
| Best For | Overall value, community | Military retirees | Employment, LSU | Culture lovers |
How to Choose the Right Louisiana City
Choose Lafayette if you want:
- Best overall veteran value
- Strong veteran community without active military base
- Oil & gas or healthcare careers
- Cajun culture and festivals
- Family-friendly environment
- Affordable housing with good quality of life
Choose Shreveport-Bossier City if you want:
- Strongest military community (Barksdale AFB)
- Lowest housing costs
- Full VA medical center in city
- Defense industry careers
- Recently separated from Air Force (easy transition from Barksdale)
- Cost of living prioritized over other factors
Choose Baton Rouge if you want:
- Best employment opportunities (petrochemical, state government)
- LSU education benefits (highest BAH: $1,831/month)
- State capital advantages
- Strong salaries (petrochemical $60K-100K+)
- Career advancement opportunities
- Growing city with diverse economy
Choose New Orleans if you want:
- World-class culture, food, and entertainment
- Full VA medical center in city
- Diverse economy (healthcare, hospitality, tech)
- Unique lifestyle and character
- Tulane Yellow Ribbon Program
- Value culture over costs (or have 100% disabled exemption)
Louisiana's Statewide Veteran Benefits (Apply Everywhere)
No matter which Louisiana city you choose, you'll receive these statewide benefits:
Tax benefits:
- 100% military retirement income tax exemption
- 100% disabled veteran property tax exemption (full - pay ZERO taxes)
- 50-99% disabled partial property tax exemptions ($250-450 savings)
- 3% flat income tax rate (lowest in region)
Education benefits:
- Title 29 tuition exemption (free college for qualifying dependents)
- In-state tuition for GI Bill users (Choice Act)
- Louisiana HB167 gap coverage for disabled veterans
Other benefits:
- Free hunting/fishing license (50%+ disabled)
- Purple Heart license plates (free registration)
- $90 vehicle use tax for new residents (vs. $400-800+ standard)
- State hiring preference (5-10 points, direct hire authority)
Healthcare:
- 3 VA medical centers statewide
- Multiple VA clinics and Vet Centers
- 5 state veterans homes
Final Recommendations
Best overall: Lafayette offers the strongest combination of affordability, veteran community, employment, culture, and quality of life. With 13,000 veterans, $240,000 median homes, excellent oil & gas and healthcare jobs, and rich Cajun culture, Lafayette provides the best value for most veterans.
Best for military retirees: Shreveport-Bossier City with Barksdale AFB, full VA medical center, lowest costs ($200,000 homes), and massive military community (15,000+ veterans) is ideal for veterans transitioning from active duty or seeking strong military connection.
Best for careers: Baton Rouge with petrochemical industry, state government jobs, LSU ($1,831 BAH), and strongest employment market offers the best career advancement and earning potential.
Best for culture: New Orleans with world-class food, music, arts, full VA medical center, and unique character is unmatched for culture lovers willing to pay higher costs ($305,000 homes) or who have 100% disabled property tax exemption.
Honest truth: Louisiana offers exceptional veteran value through full property tax exemptions, zero tax on military retirement, and low cost of living. Choose your city based on your priorities: community (Lafayette), military connection (Shreveport), careers (Baton Rouge), or culture (New Orleans). You can't go wrong with any of these cities if you understand what you're getting into.
Resources
- Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs: (225) 219-5000 | vetaffairs.la.gov
- Lafayette Parish Veterans Affairs Commission: (337) 291-8400
- Shreveport/Caddo Parish Veterans Service Office: (318) 226-6630
- Baton Rouge/East Baton Rouge Veterans Service Office: (225) 389-5468
- Orleans Parish Veterans Affairs: (504) 658-1500
- New Orleans VA Medical Center: (504) 412-3700
- Overton Brooks VA Medical Center (Shreveport): (318) 221-8411
- Barksdale Air Force Base: barksdale.af.mil
- LSU Military & Veterans Student Center: (225) 578-4647
- Tulane Student Veterans Services: (504) 865-5231
Information current as of January 2025. Housing prices, employment conditions, and crime rates change over time. Verify current conditions before relocating. Contact Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs for personalized guidance.