Louisiana has a handful of large cities with populations of 50,000 or more, and while many people enjoy the hustle and bustle of big city life, there’s something to be said for living in a town that’s not too big and not too small. In other words, they’re just right. Here are nine cities in Louisiana that run right down the middle—and we love them for it.
- Crowley
Amy T./Trip Advisor Crowley is known as the “Rice Capital of America” because at one time it was a major center for rice harvesting. With a population of about 14,000 residents, Crowley is perfect for anyone looking for a medium-sized city.
- Mandeville
Hew Hamilton/Flickr This popular city on the Northshore is home to about 12,000 people, and the possibilities are endless here in Mandeville. Here, you’ll find amazing restaurants, beautiful views of Lake Pontchartrain, and all the shopping you could ask for. Be sure to head over to the lakefront for some of the most beautiful sunsets you’ve ever seen.
- DeRidder
Wikimedia With a population of just over 10,000, this Beauregard Parish city is the perfect size. DeRidder is home to the “Old Beauregard Parish Jail,” a Gothic architectural style building. Constructed in 1914, it was built to house about 50 prisoners at a time. Commonly known as the “Gothic Jail,” or the “Hanging Jail,” the building certainly stands out.
- Natchitoches
Natchitoches Tourism/Facebook Louisiana’s oldest city is home to about 18,000. This charming little town along the Cane River Lake is great for anyone looking to explore the historical side of Louisiana. Right in the heart of Natchitoches lies the National Historic Landmark District, a 33-block area full of shopping and dining opportunities as well as several bed & breakfasts.
- Abbeville
Abbeville/Facebook Known for the giant omelet festival that takes place every November, Abbeville is home to about 12,000 residents. With a darling little main street and dozens of buildings on the National Historic Register, Abbeville is a great place to spend an afternoon.
- Bastrop
City of Bastrop/Facebook With a population of around 11,000, Bastrop is the largest city in Morehouse Parish. Camping, hunting, and fishing are popular pastimes, there are many local boutiques for shopping, and the Snyder Museum is a great place to spend some time.
- Covington
Kevin Burke/Flickr The seat of St. Tammany Parish is home to just under 10,000 people. Covington offers great antique shops, unique and local boutiques for shopping, amazing restaurants, and so much more.
- West Monroe
City of West Monroe/Facebook Situated right on the Ouachita River, West Monroe is a laid-back town of about 13,000 residents. With shopping, dining, and several scenic parks, there’s something for everyone in West Monroe.
- Minden
Minden Main Street/Facebook The quiet town of Minden is located about 25 miles east of Shreveport, so you can easily drive to the “big city.” Minden has a population of about 12,000 and offers beautiful historic neighborhoods, unique fairs and festivals, and a lovely main street full of shopping and restaurants.
Did your hometown make the list? Let us know in the comments below!
Amy T./Trip Advisor
Crowley is known as the “Rice Capital of America” because at one time it was a major center for rice harvesting. With a population of about 14,000 residents, Crowley is perfect for anyone looking for a medium-sized city.
Hew Hamilton/Flickr
This popular city on the Northshore is home to about 12,000 people, and the possibilities are endless here in Mandeville. Here, you’ll find amazing restaurants, beautiful views of Lake Pontchartrain, and all the shopping you could ask for. Be sure to head over to the lakefront for some of the most beautiful sunsets you’ve ever seen.
Wikimedia
With a population of just over 10,000, this Beauregard Parish city is the perfect size. DeRidder is home to the “Old Beauregard Parish Jail,” a Gothic architectural style building. Constructed in 1914, it was built to house about 50 prisoners at a time. Commonly known as the “Gothic Jail,” or the “Hanging Jail,” the building certainly stands out.
Natchitoches Tourism/Facebook
Louisiana’s oldest city is home to about 18,000. This charming little town along the Cane River Lake is great for anyone looking to explore the historical side of Louisiana. Right in the heart of Natchitoches lies the National Historic Landmark District, a 33-block area full of shopping and dining opportunities as well as several bed & breakfasts.
Abbeville/Facebook
Known for the giant omelet festival that takes place every November, Abbeville is home to about 12,000 residents. With a darling little main street and dozens of buildings on the National Historic Register, Abbeville is a great place to spend an afternoon.
City of Bastrop/Facebook
With a population of around 11,000, Bastrop is the largest city in Morehouse Parish. Camping, hunting, and fishing are popular pastimes, there are many local boutiques for shopping, and the Snyder Museum is a great place to spend some time.
Kevin Burke/Flickr
The seat of St. Tammany Parish is home to just under 10,000 people. Covington offers great antique shops, unique and local boutiques for shopping, amazing restaurants, and so much more.
City of West Monroe/Facebook
Situated right on the Ouachita River, West Monroe is a laid-back town of about 13,000 residents. With shopping, dining, and several scenic parks, there’s something for everyone in West Monroe.
Minden Main Street/Facebook
The quiet town of Minden is located about 25 miles east of Shreveport, so you can easily drive to the “big city.” Minden has a population of about 12,000 and offers beautiful historic neighborhoods, unique fairs and festivals, and a lovely main street full of shopping and restaurants.
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