Broadmoor/Anderson Island/Shreve Isle - Shreveport, LA

One of the best things about renting an apartment in Broadmoor/Anderson Island/Shreve Isle is you don't have to travel far to find fantastic events. From Mardi Gras Parades to beer festivals to time-honored events like Holiday in Dixie and the Red River Revel, Shreveport provides endless fun year-round. The Shreveport-Bossier City area hosts over 55 festivals and events -- meaning you'll always have something to do

The Red River Revel has taken place annually since 1976. This week-long event features food, art, entertainment, and live music. Artists offer everything from handmade jewelry to paintings, and live performances include headliners like Jason Gray, Black Water Bride, Cowboy Mouth, Dirtfoot, and Citizen Way.

Holiday in Dixie is one of the oldest festivals in the South. This exciting event lasts 10 days and offers everything from live music to a parade to a carnival -- there's even a treasure hunt. This event has taken place for more than 68 years and attracts visitors from all over the state, who come to welcome spring (and the celebration of the Louisiana Purchase) with fun, food, and excitement.

Of course, you can't mention Shreveport without mentioning Mardis Gras -- the Shreveport-Bossier area is home to some of the state's largest events. The masks, parades, and food are legendary -- and you'll enjoy the parade weekends every year once you move to your Shreveport apartment. From the beginning of December until Fat Tuesday, Shreveport's population swells with more than 400,000 Mardi Gras revelers.

While it may appear a quiet, unassuming riverside neighborhood, Broadmoor/Anderson Island/Shreve Isle is actually a foodie haven. People from all over Shreveport travel to this area for the amazing restaurants that include places like Strawn's -- once chosen "Shreveport's Most Iconic Restaurant" and showcased on the Food Network and in Southern Living Magazine. Strawn's Eat Shop is a local tradition -- this Shreveport favorite opened in 1944. And while the food is amazing, so is the setting -- murals adorn the walls of this old-fashioned, diner-style restaurant. Ask any local and they'll tell you to try the catfish or the chicken fried steak (better yet, try both). And you're in the South, so be sure to end your meal with a slice of peach pie.

Shreveport is famous for Cajun cooking, and Broadmoor/Anderson Island/Shreve Isle has a place for that, as well. The Blind Tiger is located in one of Shreveport's oldest buildings, adding a historic backdrop for your fantastic meal. Try the Voodoo Shrimp, the Creole Pecan Catfish, the Jambalaya, and the Etouffee. Add a side of dirty rice and corn on the cob, and this restaurant will quickly become your favorite place to go once you've moved to Shreveport.

The Broadmoor/Anderson Island/Shreve Isle isn't quite done providing fantastic restaurants, though -- make some room for Earnest's Orleans, where you will enjoy some of the best marinated crab claws around -- this restaurant is famous for them. This family-owned restaurant opened during the 1940s and is still serving up fantastic dishes. In addition to amazing seafood, Earnest's serves up Italian dishes such as Veal Marsala and terrific steaks that include a filet mignon and a New York strip.

From sports events to concerts, just head across the river from your Broadmoor/Anderson Island/Shreve Isle apartment, where you'll find the CenturyLink Center. This 14,000-seat arena hosts NCAA and NBA basketball games, NHL games and big-name performers like Carrie Underwood, James Taylor, Luke Bryan, and Def Leppard.

Shreveport hosts the NCAA Independence Bowl at Independence Stadium, a tradition that started in 1976. This stadium has also hosted the Red River State Fair Classic (off and on) since 1924. Independence Stadium underwent a major makeover, increasing capacity from 43,000 to 53,000 and adding additional concessions and enclosed seating in the upper South End Zone.

Shreveport is home to six riverboat casinos. Even if you don't want to try your luck at the blackjack table or the slot machines, the casinos provide several exciting events, restaurants, and gorgeous hotels. Be sure to check out Eldorado Resort Casino, Diamond Jacks Casino and Resort, and Boomtown. If you prefer horseracing, Harrah's Louisiana Downs offers thoroughbred and quarter horse racing.

Downtown Shreveport is home to several nightclubs, bars, and local breweries. If you enjoy sampling beer, be sure to check out BREW, a beer-tasting event held on the riverfront. Learn everything you need to know about craft beer at the tasting seminar, or just stroll along the riverfront and enjoy the live music. In addition to great beer, there's great food -- free samples are provided by local restaurants.

If you are choosing to rent an apartment in Broadmoor/Anderson Island/Shreve Isle, you'll enjoy a quiet neighborhood with very little traffic. Considered one of the neighborhood's top draws, this area is close enough to major highways for easy access to downtown, but the neighborhood isn't in the middle of any major traffic arteries. The sidewalks and quiet streets will beckon you for evening strolls, and Downtown Shreveport -- especially along the river -- is very pedestrian-friendly.

Major highways in Shreveport include I-20, I-49, and I-220. For longer trips, take I-20 to the Shreveport Regional Airport. Public transit is always an option -- SporTran offers several bus routes and about 50 buses. The Broadmoor 9 will take you to the Downtown Terminal, and LSU Shreveport is included on this route.

Broadmoor/Anderson Island/Shreve Isle is near a variety of parks. A playground with a duck pond is at the center of the neighborhood, and Querbes Park features a playground and a community center. The Red River features a variety of boat launches and park space, including the large Red River National Wildlife Refuge. The riverfront also features a skate park and a Frisbee golf course. There's also the Shreveport Dog Park and several nearby lakes ideal for fishing and skiing. If you enjoy a morning (or afternoon) jog, the Arthur Ray Teague Running Trail follows the river for idyllic views.

The Broadmoor/Anderson Island/Shreve Isle neighborhood is quite affordable, averaging about seven percent lower than the rest of Louisiana. A one-bedroom apartment in Broadmoor/Anderson Island/Shreve Isle averages about $700 a month. This neighborhood is very close to Downtown Shreveport, Bossier City, and area employers.

The largest area employer, Barksdale Air Force Base, is located directly across the river. University Health, Caddo Public Schools, and state government are other major employers in Shreveport. The city is also a major film-producing area with sound stages, the Louisiana Wave Studio, and the Fairgrounds Complex located here. Movies filmed in Shreveport include Olympus Has Fallen, I Saw the Light, Dark Places, Drive Angry, and The Mist.

The very first place you'll want to go after moving to Shreveport is the Louisiana Boardwalk. First, it's gorgeous -- situated right on the river and featuring brick-paved walkways and a lighted fountain. The boardwalk contains a movie theater, a broadcasting studio, restaurants, and the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets. The outlets contain more than 70 stores to explore, including Bass Pro Shops, Banana Republic, Haggar Clothing Co., Nike, Under Armour, Wilson's Leather, Earthbound Trading Company, and more. The boardwalk also features an arcade, hotels, and restaurants.

Downtown Shreveport features locally-owned boutiques, art galleries, the Line Avenue Shopping District, and the fantastic shopping along Youree Drive. Other shopping destinations include the St. Vincent Mall and the Pierre Bossier Mall. When you are looking for a one-of-a-kind item to decorate your apartment, be sure to visit Agora Borealis, an artists' market featuring upcycled items, housewares, jewelry, art, clothing, and even handmade soaps -- all created by local artists.

For local produce and tons of fun, visit the Provenance Farmers Market, held on Thursday afternoons and Saturday mornings, seasonally. In addition to fresh, local produce and meats from area farmers, the market has local art, food vendors, a play area for kids, and live music.