Alexandria

City of Alexandria

Alexandria lies on the south bank of the Red River in almost the exact geographic center of Louisiana. It is on a level plain in the center of the Louisiana Longleaf Pine forests, in which pine is interspersed with various hardwoods. A number of small bayous, such as Bayou Rapides, Bayou Roberts, and Hynson Bayou, are found throughout the city.

Here, cotton,sugar, alfalfa, and garden vegetables are cultivated. The Port of Alexandria is centrally located with its connection to the Mississippi River and provides excellent opportunities for importers and exporters.

Alexandria has two major hospitals: Rapides Regional and CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital.  And, located just across the Red River in Pineville, the Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center at Alexandria serves central Louisiana and surrounding areas.

Alexandria is home to both Headquarters and Company B of the 199th Brigade Support Battalion of the Louisiana National Guard. This is the logistical component of the 256th Infantry Brigade that served in Operation Iraqi Freedom from October 2004 until September 2005.

Known for its cultural and outdoor recreational activities, Alexandria recognizes Mardi Gras as an official holiday with an accompanying annual Mardi Gras parade.  It is at the cusp of Cajun culture’s extension to the north.

Cenlabration (Central Louisiana Celebration) is one of the city’s largest festivals, reflecting local culture and heritage and serving as a means of celebrating Labor Day as the end of summer.

Alexandria “Must-See” sites include:

• The Alexandria Museum of Art
• The Louisiana History Museum
• Arna Bontemps African American Museum
• Alexandria Genealogical Library & Museum
• The Alexandria Zoological Park
• Cotile Lake Recreation Area
• Indian Creek Lake and Recreation Area
• Kisatchie National Forest
• Alexandria Memorial Gardens
• Alexandria Levee Park
• Alexandria Mall
• Alexandria Riverfront Center
• Bringhurst Park & Field
• Inglewood Plantation
• Kent Plantation House
• Masonic Home
• Rapides Parish Coliseum
• Booker Fowler Fish Hatchery
• Oak Wing Golf Club

Alexandria Attracts Retirees

Louisiana’s tax structure and affordable cost-of-living make Alexandria an attractive place to retire.  A 2002 tax survey conducted by Bloomberg Personal Finance Magazine ranked Louisiana 4th in allowing retirees to keep their wealth intact.

9 Other Reasons To Retire in Alexandria:

1. Climate - The climate is subtropical with an average annual temperature in the mid 60s -perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors.

2. Lifelong Learning - Central Louisiana is home to several institutions of higher education offering continuing education courses throughout the year: Louisiana College, Louisiana State University at Alexandria and Northwestern State University.

3. Friendliness - The South is known for its “Southern Hospitality” and the community welcomes newcomers with open arms through a variety of community organizations and civic groups.

4. The Outdoors - Hunting, fishing, boating, golfing, biking, hiking, and bird watching can all be enjoyed here.

5. International Influences - Central Louisiana is a melting pot of cultures that influence speech, food, architecture and lifestyle.

6. History - Beginning with the native American peoples to the early French settlers, the area developed a fascinating early history. Then the burning of Alexandria during the Civil War and more recently the training of over 500,000 troops during the Louisiana Maneuvers of WWII, illustrate its connection to American history.

7. Health Care - Central Louisiana is home to two excellent hospitals with state-of-the-art health care facilities. There are numerous home health companies as well as walk-in clinics and 24-hour ambulance service.

8. Food - The area is home to many restaurants that serve delicious Louisiana favorites, etouffee, jambalaya, boiled crawfish, gumbo, boudin, tasso, meat pies, and king cake to name just a few.

9. Shopping - Central Louisiana offers a unique shopping experience from “A Shoppes” boutique stores known for their unique style and beautiful pieces of art, furniture and jewelry to the Alexandria Antique Mall for antique lovers.

Alexandria Retirement Community: England Oaks

Once a thriving military base, England Oaks is one of the most successful examples of military base reuse in the country.  It is an innovative community for adults 55 plus located at England Airpark in Alexandria.

The community is characterized as a pleasant neighborhood of cozy homes along shady oak-lined streets supporting independent living in a welcoming, close knit environment.

England Oaks is an Active Adult Community offering single story duplex homes. The homes are spacious 1008-1300 square foot accommodations with the following amenities:

• Gated Community
• Emergency Response System
• Interior Maintenance
• Exterior Maintenance
• Yard Maintenance
• Covered Parking
• Transportation Assistance
• Fully Equipped Kitchen
• Washer/Dryer Connections
• Convenient Location
• Cable Ready
• Private Patios

Residents experience independent, maintenance-free living in a peaceful, safe and secure setting.

England Oaks is a member of the Front Porch Communities and supported philanthropically by California Lutheran Homes and Community Services.

For more information, visit their website at www.englandoaks.org or contact them at 800-786-6257.