Could You Afford a Vacation Home in Louisiana? Check Out the Prices in New Orleans and 7 Other Cities

Louisiana doesn’t get as many headlines as Hawaii, New York or Las Vegas as a vacation destination, but it certainly lives up to its name as a “sportsman’s paradise” thanks to its bountiful waterways, from the Gulf of Mexico to streams and estuaries to the mighty Mississippi River.

But Louisiana has a unique heritage that makes it an ideal budget-friendly vacation spot and low prices make it an attractive location for a vacation home. If that sounds right up your alley, here’s a look at the average home prices across various attractive Louisiana cities.

Let’s dig into some spots worth visiting in the Bayou State:

• Zillow home value: $247,048

When most people think of vacationing in Louisiana, New Orleans is the first city that comes to mind. A cultural and culinary delight, New Orleans offers something for everyone, from gumbo and fresh Gulf seafood to live jazz, historic districts, the World War II Museum and the French Quarter. Even its cemeteries are a famous draw.

Over the past two years, home prices in New Orleans have become much more affordable, falling about 13%. According to Zillow, the median time houses are on the market until they go into “pending” status is 59 days.

• Zillow home value: $218,840

Unlike in New Orleans, home prices in Baton Rouge continue to set new highs. It takes a median of just 32 days for new listings in the city to move to pending.

Baton Rouge sports an attractive combination of historic Southern charm and a vital community, as it’s home to Louisiana State University.

• Zillow home value: $133,207

If you’re looking for a bargain, come to Shreveport. Homes are priced more than $220,000 below the national average, yet there’s plenty to see and do in the city of 187,000, from aquariums to art galleries to casinos. Homes take about 34 days to go from listing to pending.

• Zillow home value: $190,030

Lake Charles is another very affordable Louisiana city, yet it still has plenty to offer to those looking for a vacation home. Located in southwest Louisiana, Lake Charles bills itself as having “a Cajun personality with Texas flair.” Casinos, resorts, festivals, sporting events and outdoor retreats all contribute to the city’s attractiveness.

Homes, which still sell at an average price well below $200,000, take a median of 52 days to go to pending.

• Zillow home value: $124,271

Homes are so affordable in Alexandria that even if you secured a zero-down loan, your monthly mortgage would only run about $826. Considering that might not even cover a week’s hotel stay, Alexandria is a place to consider buying a vacation home if you plan to continually visit the area.

Homes only take a median of 39 days to go to pending, and prices are still about $5,000 below their all-time highs.

• Zillow home value: $173,301

Prices in Natchitoches have tumbled more than $20,000 from their 2022 peak, or about 11%. The city is dripping in history, being the first French colony in Louisiana and the oldest settlement in the Louisiana Purchase. Located on the Cane River, Natchitoches retains much of its European heritage.

• Zillow home price: $163,111

Prices in Grand Isle have been in a steady downtrend for the past few years, but they have been recovering since November 2023. This could offer a potential opportunity for a vacation home buyer.

As both an island and a town right on the Gulf of Mexico, Grand Isle offers a great blend of top-tier fishing, wildlife viewing and rustic charm.

• Zillow home value: $217,585

Lafayette bills itself Louisiana’s “happiest city,” and at the heart of Cajun Country, it may very well be right. The city is one of the most beautiful in Louisiana and boasts plenty of history and culture to keep occupants engaged, not to mention its numerous music festivals.

Homes take a median of just 23 days to move to pending status.

Photo Disclaimer: Please note photos are for representational purposes only. As a result, some of the photos might not reflect the locations listed in this article.