Moving to Barksdale Air Force Base
Barksdale is the home of the 2nd Bomb Wing, the Air Force's oldest bomb wing, and a major Global Strike Command installation across the river from Shreveport. Families live in on-base Hunt neighborhoods or in Bossier City and Shreveport. Expect a lower-cost Louisiana lifestyle with Cajun food and plenty of lakes.
| Branch | Air Force |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Bossier City, LA |
| Airports | Shreveport Regional (SHV), about 10 mi |
| Climate | Humid; mild winters with little snow |
| Cost of living | Below the US average; Bossier City median home about $220,000 (2024) |
| On-base housing | Hunt Military Communities (privatized); also Historical Housing and Heritage/Liberty Heights |
| Medical care | 2nd Medical Group clinic |
| Family support center | Airman & Family Readiness Center |
Where families live
Barksdale Family Housing (Hunt)
Large on-base community with many playgrounds, a pool and a community center.
Historical Housing
Older housing on the main base; zoned to Waller Elementary.
Eastside (Heritage Heights / Liberty Heights)
East side of base; zoned to Kerr Elementary.
Bossier City
Closest city, with single-family homes, apartments and the Louisiana Boardwalk shopping area.
Shreveport
Larger city across the Red River with more housing variety and Caddo magnet schools available by waiver.
Schools
No DoDEA schools are on base. Bossier Parish Schools holds an annual Military Family Information Night, and Caddo Parish magnet schools accept out-of-district requests from base families.
- Bossier Parish Schools — Zoned schools for base: Waller or Kerr Elementary, Rusheon Middle, Bossier High
- Caddo Parish Public Schools — Magnet schools via out-of-district waiver
Barksdale School Liaison Officer, 318-456-8400, BarksdaleSchoolLiaison@us.af.mil
Things to do near Barksdale Air Force Base
- Barksdale Global Power MuseummuseumAviation museum on the base.
- Defenders of Liberty AirshowfamilyPeriodic airshow at Barksdale.
- Louisiana Boardwalk OutletsfamilyRiverfront shopping and dining in Bossier City.
- Water TownfamilyWaterpark about 20 miles away.
- Toledo BendoutdoorsLarge lake for fishing and boating.
- Lake Bistineau State ParkoutdoorsFishing, hiking and camping.
Realtors & local services
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Local programs & support
- Bossier Parish Schools Military Family Information NightAnnual summer event connecting new military families with district staff and community partners.
PCS tips for Barksdale Air Force Base
- Contact the School Liaison Officer before choosing housing; zoning differs between Historical and Eastside neighborhoods.
- Out-of-district transfer rules in Bossier Parish are specific, so get approval before enrolling.
- Hunt resident gas and electric follow Air Force utility allowance billing.
- Hunt strongly recommends buying renter's insurance.
Benefits to use on this move
- Dislocation Allowance (DLA)Service members relocating a household on PCS orders
- Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE)Families who need a hotel or short-term rental while moving within the U.S.
- Personally Procured Move (PPM / DITY)Families who want to move some or all of their own goods
- VA Home Loan GuarantyService members, veterans and some surviving spouses buying a home
- Pet Transportation ReimbursementFamilies moving a cat or dog on PCS orders
- Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military ChildrenSchool-age children of active duty families changing schools
- School Liaison ProgramParents choosing schools and transferring records
Other installations in the Texas, Oklahoma & Gulf South
Last researched 2026-10. Housing partners, school assignments and phone numbers change; confirm with the installation before you sign anything. Spot an error? Send a correction.
Sources
- https://www.housing.af.mil/Home/Installations/Barksdale-AFB/
- https://www.barksdale.af.mil/gettinghere
- https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-history/the-complete-base-guide-to-barksdale-air-force-base/
- https://bossierpress.com/bossier-schools-hosts-military-family-information-night-to-welcome-new-and-returning-families
- https://valoannetwork.com/military-bases/louisiana/barksdale-air-force-base