Shreveport is one of the largest cities in Louisiana. Located on the Red River near the point where Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas converge, it is a large commercial center with businesses and industries that serve all three states. Beyond being a thriving center for business, however, Shreveport is also a diverse, welcoming city with a thriving arts and culture scene, five colleges and universities, and much to see and do for visitors and residents alike. If you’re thinking of calling Shreveport home, you’ll find plenty about it to love!
Some Shreveport History
The area that is now Shreveport was initially settled in 1803 and was called "Shreve Town" at the time, after the development company that was established to start a town where the Texas Trail and the Red River met. In 1839, the name was officially changed to “Shreveport”. The town eventually became a center of steamboat commerce for boats carrying cotton and other crops downriver. Eventually, railroads moved into the area, and as they did, Shreveport’s population continued to grow. Today, it is one of Louisiana’s largest cities, and it is a diverse, bustling metropolis with a unique personality and a friendly vibe.
Shreveport - A Few Fun Facts
Read more fun facts about Shreveport here.
The LGBTQ Community in Shreveport
Shreveport is a city with a growing and thriving LGBTQ community that is well-supported by a variety of community resources, including:
PACE Louisiana, "People Acting for Change and Equality" is a local community-based organization that seeks to celebrate and serve the LGBTQ community in the greater Shreveport area and across the state. The group hosts events provides resources and offers a wide variety of services to the LGBTQ community, friends, and allies.
PFLAG Shreveport is the city’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization. PFLAG is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country, with 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members across the United States, PFLAG plays an important and necessary role in providing advocacy, resources, networking opportunities, and support to the LGBTQ community.
What's the Weather Like in Shreveport?
Shreveport has a generally warm and temperate climate. It receives a significant amount of rainfall throughout the year and very little snow. Over the year, the temperature in Shreveport can vary from around 38°F to 93°F. Spring and fall are generally the most pleasant seasons to be outdoors, although Shreveport's climate is mild enough that the outdoors can truly be enjoyed during any time of the year.
Can’t-Miss Events in Shreveport
Pride in the Park is an annual celebration of the LGBTQ community and all that it adds to Shreveport. It draws large crowds and offers plenty of fun, as well as an opportunity to meet others in the community and give to causes you believe in.
Crawfest is an annual event held at Betty Virginia Park in the heart of Shreveport. This family-friendly event celebrates Shreveport's culinary heritage and offers delicious food, drinks, and plenty of fun for festival-goers. You'll want to be sure to put it on your calendar.
Where to Live in Shreveport
Unlike some larger cities that have one specific “gayborhood,” where most of the gay community lives, Shreveport tends to an LGBTQ community that is a bit more spread out across the city, as there are many neighborhoods that are great places to call home. One of the neighborhoods that is particularly popular with the LGBTQ community is the Downtown Shreveport area. Downtown Shreveport is a walkable, eclectic, friendly area with many popular LGBTQ bars, shops, and restaurants. Shreveport has many reasonably priced homes in a wide variety of styles. The median value of homes in Shreveport is currently around $114,000.
Arts and Entertainment
The North Louisiana Gay & Lesbian Film Festival
The North Louisiana Gay and Lesbian Film Festival is an annual festival held in Shreveport honoring filmmakers who share the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQ community with the rest of the world. A wide variety of films from several genres are offered, and the festival is a wonderful chance to enjoy inspiring films and build community at the same time.
The R.W. Norton Art Gallery is Shreveport’s largest museum, and it offers an impressive collection of artwork from many genres and periods. Since its opening in 1966, the museum has been well-known across the country for its art collection, and particularly for its collection of western art.
Parks and Recreation
Red River National Wildlife Refuge
The Red River National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful nature preserve that offers plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities, including options for mountain biking, hiking, camping, and more.
The Shreveport Aquarium is a wonderful idea for a family-friendly daytime outing. The aquarium offers several interactive exhibits and marine life from around the world. It’s a great place to learn, explore, and play.
Shreveport Nightlife
The Korner Lounge is located on Cotton Street and is one of Shreveport’s oldest LGBTQ bars, and has been providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere to the LGBTQ community since the 1930s. Definitely put it on your list of must-try nightspots when out on the town.
Central Station is the largest LGBTQ nightclub in the city and is always a popular place to spend a night out. With several themed areas, including a country bar, a disco bar, a video lounge, and a show bar, there's something here for everyone!
Contact a Shreveport Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Shreveport, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Shreveport, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Shreveport gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
