| Natchitoches has a certain old-world charm
to it, although parts of the town are poor. It is
a racially mixed area and has been the location of
several movies, most notably 1989's Steele Magnolias
with Julia Roberts. Many of the locals were extras
in the movie and still talk about the days when
Hollywood came to visit. Tourists come to
see where the movie was made and to stroll charming,
downtown Front Street. This weathered-brick avenue
runs along the Cane River (which continues on into
plantation country) and is lined with wrought-iron-laced
buildings, stately oak and magnolia trees, shops,
boutiques and restaurants. Downtown streets have
French names and are dotted with churches and structures
from the mid-19th century. Throughout the Historic
District, Queen Anne and Victorian architecture styles,
along with Creole-style cottages, are common. |
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This area is surrounded by lush green hills, plenty of lakes
and rivers, giving residents ample opportunities to partake
in all kinds of water activities, from fishing to
sailing. Natchitoches has several shopping
centers, including Dixie Plaza Shopping Center, Bienville
Square and Broadmoor Shopping Center. Two golf courses,
one public and one at the Natchitoches Country Club
(318-352-5538), will keep golfers occupied year-round.
There is no public transportation system, but the
local Council on Aging (318-357-3250) operates a van for seniors.
The Retired Senior
Volunteer Program (RSVP) also has a chapter here and matches
seniors with volunteer opportunities in the community. Their
number is 318-357-2203. Natchitoches has more than 90
houses of worship, representing 30 denominations, providing
further volunteer opportunities. Health
care is fairly good, although serious medical issues may need to
be addressed in Shreveport (67 miles to the northwest). The Natchitoches Parish Hospital is a
fully staffed medical facility with 78 beds and offers emergency
care, an ICU, a senior care unit, a wellness program, a nursing
care unit and Meals on Wheels. The weather in
Natchitoches, similar to much of the South, is hot and humid in the
summer and cool and damp in the winter. The average January
high is 56 degrees (the average low is 36 degrees), and the
average July high is 93 degrees (the average low is 73
degrees). Relative humidity averages 73%, and the sun shines
roughly 60% of the time. Lazy days spent fishing or
just taking a nap under the Magnolia trees, made possible by this
southern climate, are what so many retirees find appealing about
Natchitoches. Women should take note
that for every 100 females here, there are only 85 males (this could
be a good thing or a bad thing). Crime rates are higher
than the national average, but most crimes are
property-related. The area is prone to tornadoes but no
more so than the rest of Louisiana. The median
household income is below the state average.
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