Alexandria is situated on the south bank of the Red River, almost at the geographical center of the state of Louisiana. Although the region had for a long time been a prime location for transportation, trading, and agriculture, the town of Alexandria did not develop until 1785, when a Pennsylvania trader named Alexander Fulton received a land grant from Spain. While the land passed hands from Spain to France and eventually the United States through the Louisiana Purchase, Fulton developed a business where he and partner William Miller settled trading debts with Choctaw, Tensas, Appalachee and Pascagoula Native Americans in exchange for plots of land. Fulton and Miller then in turn sold the land to new settlers. In 1805, Fulton teamed up with businessman Thomas Harris Maddox to lay plans for a town. There is some debate as to the origin of Alexandria’s name; some historians believe Fulton named the town after his infant daughter who died around that time, while others believe Fulton named it after himself. Alexandria was officially incorporated as a town in 1818, and became a city 1882.

Today Alexandria has a population of over 46,000 people, and continues to be the cultural and economic hub of the region. Alexandria has many features of a big city, and yet it boasts a tight-knit community and warm small town atmosphere. Residents of Alexandria enjoy the region’s natural beauty year-round. Alexandria is home to three major recreational areas—the Kistachie National Forest, Cotile Lake Recreation Area, and Indian Creek Lake and Recreation Area—all of which offer a variety of outdoor activities from boating to hiking. The highly acclaimed Alexandria Zoological Park brings adults and children closer to nature, and features an award-winning exhibit on Louisiana habitats. And for golf lovers, Alexandria offers a number of world-class golf courses such as the Alexandria Golf & Country Club and the Links on the Bayou Course, which will challenge players of all skill levels.

In addition to the outdoor recreation it has to offer, Alexandria is a town full of great shopping, dining, and entertainment. There’s never a dull year in Alexandria; the community takes part in three major festivals including Mardi Gras, Cenlabration (Central Louisiana Celebration), and RiverFest, as well as various music and arts festivals. Everything residents need and want is right within Alexandria’s borders, but the town is also a central place from which to see all of Louisiana; the cities of Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and even New Orleans are just a short car trip away.

With so much to offer its residents—convenient central location, outdoor recreation and big-city amenities—Alexandria is a great place to call home. For those who want to relocate to Alexandria, the real estate market is brimming with housing opportunities. As one of the most affordable places to live in the U.S., Alexandria real estate appeals to people from all walks of life, whether you are a first time homebuyer or a seasoned investor. Alexandria properties include condominiums, townhouses, single family homes and large estates in various styles and prices that range from below $100,000 to over $1 million. Condominiums in Alexandria typically cost between the low to mid-$100,000s, while average 3 bedroom, 2 bath single family homes in Alexandria are priced anywhere from $150,000 to $400,000. Luxury homes in Alexandria often include spacious floor plans and state-of-the-art design features, and for the most exclusive homebuyer, there are many beautiful lots available for custom homebuilding in Alexandria. No matter what you are looking for—a carefree condominium or a country southern estate—the real estate market in Alexandria has got you covered. With an expert team of real estate agents waiting to help you, it is easier than ever to find your next dream home in Alexandria, LA.

© 2008 Reliance Relocation Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved.