Welcome to Barksdale AFB and Bossier City/Shreveport! The first thing you’ll want to note about the area is that Shreveport and Bossier City are separate cities with separate school districts, yet their boundaries do overlap and the area is referred to at SBC (Shreveport-Bossier City). So, they are both two cities and one city! Here in Louisiana, state counties are called arishes. Bossier City is Bossier Parish and Shreveport is Caddo Parish. There is plenty to do here, and don’t believe it if someone tells you that you have to drive the 3 hours into Dallas to find anything to do, it just isn’t true!
If you google this area, you may find that police reports dictate that it is really high in crime, which is not untrue, but don’t let it scare you off! There are plenty of safe and awesome places to live and have fun! Some of the high crime places, like most cities, happen in the shady spots in downtown Shreveport and you will see those when you see them. Read more below for specifics about this cool area!
As far as the actual base is concerned, you should know that the base is very large in terms of mileage. There are two separate sections of the base that are 15 minutes from each other. There is what is referred to as “Main Base ” which contains the beautiful entrance to Barksdale AFB, and all the base amenities (ex the Commissary, BX, base pool, CDC and so on). This area lets out to the bridge that leads to Shreveport and is very close to shopping and restaurants. On the Main Base portion of Barksdale, they have the Historic Homes for housing. These houses are older and very unique from the outside with Georgian style architecture and large, beautiful trees. Although pretty, these houses are older, and some have their own share of problems. I will talk about that more in the housing portion of this blog. On the Eastside of base is where the East Reservation housing is located. These are mostly duplexes, but all are newer, the newest completed in 2011. The east side has its own pool, shoppette, playgrounds and close-knit community, but the only gate near the east side is not open 24 hours a day and only leads to a very un- populated part of BossierCity. So, living out here, you have at least a 15-minute drive to any major shopping of any kind.
Home of the B-52, Barksdale is a really special place filled with history. Many people say moving here was like stepping back in time which comes with good and bad. The jobs that get done here are very important and because of that, base security is notoriously strict. Unlike our previous bases, everyone who comes on base must have a visitor pass or Military ID at all times.
Welcome to Striker Nation!
Things to know about Barksdale Air Force Base
When we first got married, my husband had not been accepted into the air force yet and we were dreaming about the future. I had said “I will live anywhere in the world except the state of Louisiana.” he replied with “I will live anywhere in the world except the Dakotas.” So, when he dropped B-52’s it was a little disappointing. We were now limited to Minot and Barksdale. Living less than an hour away from where we went to college, in a state I never wanted to live in and not somewhere “dreamy” has taught me to be thankful plans do not always go our way. Barksdale has put us close to friends and family, afforded us lots of travel opportunities, and has been an amazing, family-centered duty station. Since living here I have learned to accept the unexpected joys that life gives you, despite what you thought you wanted. A duty station may surprise you!
Erin
Living in Louisiana has taught me many things but mostly about MARDI GRAS! The parades, king cakes and crazy parties are some memories that will stay with you forever! Every January, the state of Louisiana will bust out in purple and gold everywhere and suddenly Mardi Gras will take over any remaining Christmas decor. If you are completely unaware of Mardi Gras (as I was) it will seem very strange and over the top, also very confusing. There are multiple Krewes ( aka social clubs in Louisiana that host Mardi Gras balls/parades) every year and you will find there is a lot to do. Just embrace it and while here, live like a Lousiasianan! Ask around, go to parades, eat as many king cakes as possible and if you get a chance to go to a Mardi Gras Ball DO IT! It is one of the most amazing experiences ever!
Devin
At Barksdale, I have adopted exploring more! I definitely have a homebody tendency, so it’s been a good change to my lifestyle to get out and enjoy new things. Whether that’s walking or biking the nature trails on base or finding new restaurants to try in the area, moving here has nurtured my sense of discovery. Coming from a state with a long winter, I have also tried to embrace the heat and humidity and do ALL the swimming!
Alison
Looking for more specific recommendations from the WAF community on topics like best neighborhoods, favorite restaurants, or doctor recommendations – join the conversation in our private Facebook group of incredible WAFs!
In an effort to better serve every WAF across all branches, and with the help of some amazing other WAFs, we’ve curated branch specific Facebook groups. You can find your branch’s group by joining the general WAF Facebook page and then clicking “visit group”.
