Living in Shreveport, Louisiana can be an exciting experience, but there are some drawbacks that should be taken into consideration before making the move. There are 19 reasons why you may want to reconsider living in Shreveport.
Crime Rate
Shreveport has a high crime rate. The city has consistently ranked among the top 10 most dangerous cities in the United States. In 2019, Shreveport had a violent crime rate of 1,120 per 100,000 people, which is nearly three times the national average. Property crime is also a problem, with a rate of 5,133 per 100,000 people, which is also significantly higher than the national average.
Economy
The economy in Shreveport is weak. The unemployment rate in Shreveport is 6.3%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.7%. The median household income in Shreveport is just $36,017, which is nearly $15,000 less than the national median of $51,939. Additionally, the cost of living in Shreveport is slightly higher than the national average.
Weather
The weather in Shreveport can be extreme. The city experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures regularly reaching the mid-90s. Winters are usually mild, but the city does occasionally get snow. Additionally, Shreveport is prone to severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.
Education
The education system in Shreveport is not great. The city has a low graduation rate, with only 64.3% of students graduating from high school. The quality of the schools in Shreveport is also low, with only 26.6% of schools meeting the state’s performance standards.
Healthcare
The healthcare system in Shreveport is also not great. The city has a low number of doctors, with only 154 physicians per 100,000 people, which is significantly lower than the national average of 245. Additionally, the quality of care in Shreveport is low, with only 41.3% of hospitals meeting the state’s performance standards.
Transportation
The public transportation system in Shreveport is not great. The city has a limited bus system and no subway or light rail system. Additionally, the city has a high rate of car accidents, with 1,609 accidents per 100,000 people, which is significantly higher than the national average of 1,029.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Shreveport is slightly higher than the national average. The median home price in Shreveport is $133,800, which is slightly higher than the national median of $228,700. Additionally, the cost of utilities, groceries, and healthcare are all slightly higher than the national average.
Housing
The housing market in Shreveport is weak. The median home price in Shreveport is $133,800, which is significantly lower than the national median of $228,700. Additionally, the vacancy rate in Shreveport is high, with 10.2% of homes being vacant.
Job Market
The job market in Shreveport is weak. The unemployment rate in Shreveport is 6.3%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.7%. Additionally, the median household income in Shreveport is just $36,017, which is nearly $15,000 less than the national median of $51,939.
Taxes
The tax rate in Shreveport is high. The city has a sales tax rate of 9.45%, which is higher than the national average of 7.25%. Additionally, the property tax rate in Shreveport is above average, with a rate of 0.90%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.84%.
Climate
The climate in Shreveport is hot and humid. The city experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures regularly reaching the mid-90s. Winters are usually mild, but the city does occasionally get snow. Additionally, Shreveport is prone to severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.
Air Quality
The air quality in Shreveport is poor. The city has an air quality index of 78, which is considered unhealthy. Additionally, Shreveport has a high rate of air pollution, with 16.9 micrograms of pollutants per cubic meter, which is significantly higher than the national average of 11.7.
Parks and Recreation
The parks and recreation in Shreveport are limited. The city has only 4 parks, which is significantly less than the national average of 10. Additionally, the city does not have any recreational facilities, such as swimming pools or tennis courts.
Restaurants
The restaurant scene in Shreveport is limited. The city has only 56 restaurants, which is significantly less than the national average of 164. Additionally, the city does not have any nationally recognized restaurants.
Shopping
The shopping scene in Shreveport is limited. The city has only 6 shopping malls, which is significantly less than the national average of 15. Additionally, the city does not have any nationally recognized retailers.
Nightlife
The nightlife in Shreveport is limited. The city has only 10 bars and clubs, which is significantly less than the national average of 27. Additionally, the city does not have any nationally recognized bars or clubs.
Culture
The culture in Shreveport is limited. The city has only 10 museums, which is significantly less than the national average of 20. Additionally, the city does not have any nationally recognized cultural institutions.
Traffic
The traffic in Shreveport can be a nightmare. The city has an average commute time of 25 minutes, which is significantly higher than the national average of 26 minutes. Additionally, the city has a high rate of car accidents, with 1,609 accidents per 100,000 people, which is significantly higher than the national average of 1,029.
Hospitals
The hospitals in Shreveport are limited. The city has only 4 hospitals, which is significantly less than the national average of 7. Additionally, the quality of care in Shreveport is low, with only 41.3% of hospitals meeting the state’s performance standards.
Safety
The safety in Shreveport is not great. The city has a high crime rate, with a violent crime rate of 1,120 per 100,000 people, which is nearly three times the national average. Additionally, the city has a high rate of car accidents, with 1,609 accidents per 100,000 people, which is significantly higher than the national average of 1,029.
Conclusion
Living in Shreveport, Louisiana can be an exciting experience, but there are some drawbacks that should be taken into consideration before making the move. There are 19 reasons why you may want to reconsider living in Shreveport, including a high crime rate, weak economy, extreme weather, low quality of education, poor healthcare, limited public transportation, high cost of living, weak housing market, poor job market, high taxes, poor air quality, limited parks and recreation, limited restaurants and shopping, limited nightlife, limited culture, and poor safety.