Life can be hard.
Discover the real meaning of easy living in Central Louisiana - The Real Easy
Smack dab in the middle of Louisiana is a charming region known as Central Louisiana, with Alexandria at its center. Here, it’s easier to build a community, grow a career, raise a family and so much more. That’s because you can experience the best of small-town living – connected communities, affordable costs and knowing your neighbors – with easy access to big-city amenities.
Life can be hard. Choose a place that makes life easy, every day.
Explore Beyond the Bayou
Step into a region that redefines the Louisiana bayou experience. Our unique landscape features green forests, plus water attractions of all kinds – from numerous beautiful lakes to picturesque rivers. This scenic landscape is also home to the state’s only national forest, Kisatchie, featuring 600,000+ stunning acres, four national wildlife refuges and 500+ miles of trails, including the Wild Azalea Trail, known as Louisiana’s longest hiking trail. Lovers of hunting and fishing will feel right at home here in Central Louisiana thanks to assets like Honey Brake Lodge, one of the top luxury hunting recreation centers in the US. We’d call ourselves a Sportsman’s Paradise, but the truth is, we’re a paradise for just about anyone who wants to get outside and reconnect with nature. So, come explore Central Louisiana. You’ll see why the grass is greener beyond the bayou.
Where Life is Easy
Time is precious, and we often take it for granted in the relentless pace of modern life. Here in Central Louisiana, life moves at your pace. We offer an oasis where the ease of small-town living meets engaging communities like Alexandria, rated one of the top 10 most affordable cities to live in 2024. Away from the hustle and bustle, you can truly unwind and savor each moment with the people who matter most while tapping into a welcoming community, engaging events and a sense of community values. We may be blessed with serene surroundings and commute times of 15 minutes or less, but life here is far from slow. Picture spending less time in traffic and more time enjoying community festivals, dinner and drinks with friends, arts events, hiking in the forest and making your kid’s soccer game. With opportunities to choose your own adventure at every turn, Central Louisiana offers a fulfilling life that’s easy to enjoy every day.
Grow Roots Here
Central Louisiana is where tradition meets opportunity. It is a perfect place to plant roots and grow – and that extends to families, professionals and businesses of all kinds. Thanks to our blend of quality education, strong community values and the safety of small-town living, Central Louisiana is a wonderful place to build a life. Whether you’re starting a family, starting a business or both, you will find fertile ground to thrive here. With well-ranking schools, including the #3 district with the best teachers in Louisiana, families will be set up for success, while young professionals and businesses will benefit from a closeknit business community where mentorship and growth opportunities are within close reach. Here, neighbors aren’t just people who live next door – they’re friends who help each other grow. So, come plant roots here and see how you, your family and your career will thrive.
Better Careers, Made Here
In Central Louisiana, we are makers – not only of great products, but also rewarding careers. From consumer goods to infrastructure to art, a rich maker heritage is in our DNA. Here, you can be a big fish in a small pond, advancing your career with well-paying, fulfilling jobs while enjoying life outside of work. Major employers like Procter and Gamble, Crest Industries and RoyOMartin have called this area home for over 40 years, making for a stable and diverse job market. Local companies such as Cleco, Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital, Rapides Regional Medical Center, Red River Bank, Ratcliff Companies, Barron Heinberg & Brocato Architects & Engineers, and Meyer, Meyer, LaCroix & Hixson, Inc. also contribute to our growing economy, offering great benefits and competitive pay. Opportunities to serve on nonprofit boards, network and get connected through organizations like the Young Professionals Group of Central LA, the Central LA Regional Chamber of Commerce and civic groups like Rotary Clubs and Kiwanis, ensure that you’ll be well-integrated into our diverse and active community. Come and see why better careers are made here.
Louisiana Living For Less
Why pay more for the same comforts? Living in Central Louisiana means enjoying a higher standard of living without the big price tag. With a cost of living approximately 15% lower than the national average and 6.1% lower than the state average, residents benefit from more affordable housing, utilities and daily expenses. Imagine owning a home that comes with a big backyard, while still having extra cash for travel, events and more. Our competitive costs allow for greater flexibility and comfort in your lifestyle, making Central Louisiana a perfect place to call home. Here, you can stretch your dollar further while still enjoying all the amenities and opportunities that make life fulfilling. In Central Louisiana, the good life doesn’t come with a hefty price tag – it comes naturally.
Where Access is Effortless
Positioned perfectly in the heart of Louisiana, Central Louisiana offers the ease and convenience of small-town living with easy access to big-city excitement. Living here, you will be within a five-hour drive of Dallas and just 2-4 hours from New Orleans, Houston, Baton Rouge and Shreveport. That means fine dining experiences, professional sports games and world-class entertainment are just a car ride away. If you need to book a flight, the Alexandria International Airport (AEX), is sure to get you to your next destination with direct flights to Dallas/Fort Worth, Atlanta and many more connections beyond. In Central Louisiana, accessibility isn’t just about location – it’s about the freedom to live life on your own terms.
Learning That Pays Off
The opportunity to earn while you learn is more than just a concept in Central Louisiana – it’s a reality. Many of our leading companies, such as Cleco, Red River Bank, Ratcliff Construction, Crest Industries, Roy O Martin, Rapides Regional Medical Center and Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital, offer innovative earn-while-you-learn programs that empower you to upskill and advance your career without putting your financial goals on hold. We also have resources like the ACE Aviation Center and the CLTCC Cleco Advanced Manufacturing Training Center, where you can access state-of-the-art training facilities and programs designed to enhance your skills and open doors to new career opportunities. Our region also gives you access to dynamic and affordable educational opportunities at Louisiana State University of Alexandria, Louisiana Christian University, Northwestern State University, and Central Louisiana Technical Community College that can help you take the next step in your professional journey. Whether you’re looking to shift careers or upgrade your current skills, Central Louisiana provides the tools and support you need to succeed in today’s evolving job market.
Where Culture Meets Connection
Central Louisiana will surprise you with its cultural vibrancy. Here, the fun doesn’t stop at our abundance of natural assets. We have diverse and growing cultural, entertainment and recreation scenes that are beginning to be explored. With a wide range of events and activities, there’s always something worth checking out. Known for “punching above our weight” in arts and culture, Central Louisiana offers a unique blend of northern and southern Louisiana influences and many opportunities to engage with art of all kinds. From classical compositions at the Rapides Symphony Orchestra to bull riding and rock concerts at the Rapides Parish Coliseum to performances of all kinds at our local theaters, we offer activities that inspire and entertain. The River Oaks Arts Center adds a distinctive touch to our arts landscape, serving as a cultural hub with 30+ resident artists and community education across all types of media. Our region is buzzing with local events and festivals, like the Alex WinterFete, Alex RiverFete, Louisiana Forest Festival, Louisiana Pecan Festival and Cochon de Lait Festival, celebrating the region’s heritage through arts, culture, activities and food. Experience a place where the arts, music and traditions come together to create a vibrant, connected community.
