Moving to Barksdale Air Force Base
A Homebuying Guide for Military Families — from a local VA specialist and Honorary Commander at Barksdale.
If you're PCSing to Barksdale, here's what you actually need to know about the local market, neighborhoods, and how to use your VA benefit here.
If you're receiving orders to Barksdale AFB, you're likely thinking about housing, schools, and where to live in Shreveport and Bossier City. I've served as an Honorary Commander at Barksdale for years, and I've helped hundreds of relocating military families navigate the local market — whether buying with a VA loan, comparing BAH to rent, or planning a move before you PCS. This guide is built for service members and families moving to Barksdale: neighborhoods, commute times, buy vs rent, and what to know about the area before you get here.
Should You Buy or Rent Near Barksdale?
Many military families choose to buy when they PCS to Barksdale. VA loan advantages — no down payment, no monthly PMI, competitive rates — mean you can often buy with little or no cash at closing. Comparing BAH to rent is a good starting point: in the Shreveport–Bossier market, typical price ranges for single-family homes often align with what BAH can support, especially when combined with other income.
Commute times from Bossier City, Haughton, Benton, and parts of Shreveport are usually 5–20 minutes to the base, so you can prioritize neighborhood and schools without a long drive. Of course, buying isn't right for everyone; it depends on your length of stay and goals. I'll walk through the numbers with you so you can decide with clarity — including a look at your credit profile and how BAH factors into qualification.
Best Areas to Live Near Barksdale AFB
Commute time and school districts are top of mind for most families. These are the areas I see military families choose most often when moving to Barksdale.
Bossier City
East of the Red River and close to the base. Mix of established neighborhoods and newer subdivisions. Many families live here for the short commute (often under 15 minutes) and access to Bossier Parish schools and shopping.
South Bossier
Typically 5–10 minutes to the base. Very convenient for active duty. Popular for those who want to minimize drive time and stay close to the gate.
Shreveport
West of the Red River. Commute varies by neighborhood but often 10–20 minutes to Barksdale. Larger city with more retail, medical, and entertainment options, and Caddo Parish schools instead of Bossier Parish.
Benton
East of Bossier City, usually 15–20 minutes to the base. Quieter, more rural feel with larger lots. Good choice if you want more space and don't mind a bit more drive time.
Haughton
East of Bossier, typically 10–15 minutes to Barksdale. Strong schools and family-oriented neighborhoods. Popular with military families for value and community — and some Haughton addresses actually qualify for USDA financing, which can be a real alternative to VA in specific cases.
Using BAH to Buy a Home
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) can count as income when you qualify for a mortgage — and many military buyers use it to qualify for a VA loan. Lenders have specific guidelines for how BAH is documented and used in your debt-to-income ratio. VA loans in particular use residual income rather than a hard DTI cap, which is one reason BAH works so well as qualifying income for military buyers.
For a clear breakdown of how BAH works in the mortgage process, see our guide on using BAH to qualify for a mortgage.
VA Loans for Military Relocation
If you're eligible, a VA loan is one of the strongest tools for buying when you're relocating to Barksdale: no down payment, no monthly PMI, and competitive rates. I work with active-duty, veterans, Guard, and Reserves every day in the Shreveport–Bossier area and can walk you through eligibility, the funding fee, and how much home you can afford within Louisiana's VA loan limits.
For a full overview of how VA loans work and who qualifies, see the main VA loan guide for Louisiana military families. For VA-specific guidance near the base — including scenarios I see every month from Barksdale families — see VA loans for Barksdale AFB buyers.
Can You Buy a Home Before Your PCS?
Yes. Many military buyers don't wait until they've moved to start the process. You can get pre-qualified remotely from your current duty station. House hunting trips (authorized leave) let you tour homes in person, or you can work with your real estate agent on virtual tours.
When it's time to close, I'm used to remote closings and power of attorney (POA) when the borrower can't be there in person. I'll outline what's needed and keep the loan on track so you can close before or after you PCS — whatever fits your timeline.
Louisiana Details Military Buyers Should Plan For
A few local factors are worth planning for as a Barksdale buyer:
- Property taxes vary by parish. Bossier Parish and Caddo Parish have different tax structures, and both are relatively low compared to national averages. I'll show you how they're reflected in your monthly estimate.
- Homestead exemption after closing. If this is your primary residence, Louisiana's homestead exemption reduces your annual property taxes. I'll walk you through how and when to file after closing to make sure you don't miss it.
- Flood zones near the base. Some neighborhoods around the Red River corridor and low-lying pockets close to Barksdale sit in FEMA flood zones. Flood insurance requirements can change the total monthly payment materially. I check flood status early so the number I quote is the number you actually see at closing.
- Resale demand. If you're reassigned later, the Shreveport–Bossier market has steady demand from other military families and civilians, which makes resale or renting when you PCS more manageable than at more isolated bases.
Local Expert: Why It Matters for Your Move
Military relocations come with tight timelines and unique challenges. In 34+ years of writing loans in Louisiana — and years of civic leader tours and Honorary Commander service at Barksdale — I've come to understand the mission and the community from the inside out.
If you're moving to Barksdale AFB and considering buying a home, I'm happy to walk through your options and help you build a strategy. No pressure, no runaround — just clear guidance so you can make the best decision for your family.
Moving to Barksdale?
Schedule a military relocation consultation and we'll build a plan around your PCS timeline and buying goals.
Related guides: the full VA loan guide for Louisiana · VA loans for Barksdale families · who qualifies.
Schedule a Military Relocation Consultation
Moving to Barksdale AFB and considering buying? Let's walk through your options and build a strategy — with no obligation.
30 minutes. In person, by phone, or on Zoom. No obligation.