Natchitoches

Background Image

Natchitoches, LA

Area Guide

Share Guide

Natchitoches locals love their Louisiana meat pies!

College Town Quaint Historic Nature Restaurants Louisiana

Home of Northwestern State University, Natchitoches is what you’d call a classic college town both progressive and modern, while harvesting quaint southern traditions within its heart. There’s quite a lot to look forward to in this city – especially apartments!

As a college town with a long history of serving students, you’ll find that school spirit is alive and well throughout the community. The city houses many estates from the Antebellum era, with many of them having been converted into historic museums and event spaces. University-sponsored activities are open to the public year-round – but the biggest event is the Christmas Festival with its festive light displays.

When someone describes Natchitoches as picture-perfect, you take that literally. The city has seen numerous celebrities like John Wayne and Julia Roberts during the filming of major movies. Not only does this city have history, but nature too with attractions like Cane River National Heritage Area and Briarwood Caroline Dormon Nature Reserve. Natchitoches Parish houses three forts, an alligator park, and historic homes.

Tourists, residents, and students enjoy the city’s cool, modern boutiques and great restaurants. The Historic District has many gift shops, Louisiana-inspired crafts and eateries. A great place to dine is Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant. Additionally, you can drive to Shreveport for other malls and shopping centers. Those with a taste for fine Southern cuisine will find something to savor in this cool place.

Rent Trends

As of January 2025, the average apartment rent in Natchitoches, LA is $577 for one bedroom, $1,088 for two bedrooms, and $862 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Natchitoches has decreased by -1.2% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$577/month
697 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Natchitoches, LA

Transportation

35

Car-Dependent

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

This area is considered a car-dependent area and most errands will require a car.

35

Somewhat Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

You might be able to find places to ride your bike in this area, but you’ll most likely want your car for most errands.

Schools

Natchitoches Magnet School

Public

Grades PK-8

420 Students

10
out of 10

N.S.U. Elementary Lab School

Public

Grades PK-5

296 Students

9
out of 10

East Natchitoches Elementary & Middle School

Public

Grades 5-6

356 Students

6
out of 10

M.R. Weaver Elementary School

Public

Grades 3-4

377 Students

3
out of 10

L.P. Vaughn Elementary & Middle School

Public

Grades PK-2

648 Students

Rating Unavailable

Natchitoches Magnet School

Public

Grades PK-8

420 Students

10
out of 10

N.S.U. Middle Lab School

Public

Grades 6-8

178 Students

9
out of 10

Natchitoches Junior High School

Public

Grades 7-8

325 Students

5
out of 10

Louisiana School For Math Science & The Arts

Public

Grades 10-12

275 Students

10
out of 10

Natchitoches Central High School

Public

Grades 9-12

1,245 Students

6
out of 10

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site
  • Cane River National Heritage Area
  • Cane River Creole National Historical Park

Top Apartments in Natchitoches

Living in Natchitoches

Restaurants

-

If you have a taste for fine southern dining, you’ll find that at its best in Natchitoches. There are also a number of places to enjoy the unique Louisiana Cajun cuisine. From simple everyday fare such as the traditional Po-boy and fried catfish to the most formal of dining in small, family-run restaurants, there are a lot of ways to please the taste buds in the town. There are a number of chain eateries in the town and the option to dine at many barbeque and seafood locations in the surrounding areas. Again, Shreveport offers several three and four star restaurants, including several associated with its casinos.

Shopping

-

Due to its strong tourist traffic and university population, Natchitoches has both quaint boutiques and modern shopping opportunities. There is a dedicated Historic District with many truly unique items and gifts. Many Louisiana crafts are available, including everything from home furnishings to custom clothing. A number of national chain stores are conveniently located within the city and its two primary shopping centers.

Additionally, residents can easily access the many modern malls and shopping centers in Shreveport, LA, just under an hour to the north on the new Interstate. In fact, compared to the travel times and congestion of most large urban areas, it is easy to consider Natchitoches a bedroom community of the Shreveport-Bossier area.