U.S. News & World Report has released its annual list of the best places to live for 2026-2027, ranking a total of 13 cities in Louisiana.
To be named among the top places to live, cities must meet criteria indicating desirability and quality of life.
Factors for evaluating include housing affordability, cost of living, crime rates, household income, unemployment rate, as well as quality of education, healthcare, infrastructure and the environment.
Why these are the 8 best places to live in Louisiana for 2026-2027
These eight cities are the best places to live in Louisiana, according to U.S. News & World Report, offering a lower cost of living, healthy job market and a diverse community.
1. Metairie
Metairie was named the number one place to live in Louisiana, with about 137,255 calling this southeastern city home. Metairie offers a lower cost of living, as the median home value is $312,904 and the median rent is $960, while the median household income is $75,376, according to U.S. News and World Report.
2. Kenner
The southeastern city of Kenner is considered the second-best place to live in Louisiana, with about 65,537 people calling the city home. The city’s median household income is $65,993, while the median home value is $257,589 and the median rent is $935. Kenner offers residents a lower cost of living compared to similar-sized cities.
3. Slidell
U.S. News & World Report ranks Slidell the third best place to live in Louisiana and the southeastern city has a population of around 29,305 people. Offering a lower cost of living, the median home value is $217,674 and the median rent is $1,128, while the median household income is $69,097.
4. Houma
Houma is a city in Southeastern Louisiana that has a population of 30,971 and offers a lower cost of living compared to similarly sized cities. The median household income in Houma is $56,187, while the median home value is $208,187 and the median monthly rent is $858, according to U.S. News & World Report, says U.S. News & World Report.
5. Lafayette
Lafayette is located in Louisiana’s Acadiana region and has a population of about 126,788 people. The cost of living is lower in Lafayette than in similarly sized cities, with a median household income of $61,981, a median home value of $258,620 and a median rent of $810.
6. Bossier City
Bossier City, located in the northwestern region, is among the best places to live in Louisiana and has a population of around 63,368. Here, the median household income is $61,981, while the median home value is $258,620 and the median rent is $810. Bossier City offers residents a lower cost of living compared to other cities of the same size.
7. Lake Charles
Lake Charles is a city in Southwest Louisiana that has a population of about 82,885 and offers a lower cost of living compared to similar-sized cities. The median household income in Lake Charles is $58,009 and the median home value is $220,810, while the median rent is $873.
8. Shreveport
Shreveport, located in the northwest region of Louisiana, is home to around 177,417 residents and offers a lower cost of living than similar-sized cities. Here, the median home value is $170,271 and the median rent is $762, while the median household income is $49,963, according to U.S. News & World Report…