Blanchard

Blanchard, Louisiana

Source: Zillow

Nestled in the northern portion of Caddo Parish, Blanchard is a small town that’s brimming with Southern charm. This fast-growing community has a population of around 3,400 residents, with more discovering what an amazing area it is to live in.

Blanchard is a hidden gem for those who want a laid-back lifestyle without being too far from major cities. The town’s government is known for being supportive of local businesses, and the community is regarded as welcoming and close-knit. Whether you’re looking for a place to raise a family, start a business, or retire in, Blanchard has something for you. Read on to learn more about the history, lifestyle, and homes for sale in Blanchard, LA.

ALL ABOUT BLANCHARD, LOUISIANA?

Blanchard is located in Caddo Parish in the northwest corner of Louisiana. A parish is Louisiana’s equivalent of counties or local government districts, and has its roots in the state’s French and Spanish colonial history.

Blanchard is part of the Shreveport-Bossier City metropolitan area, around 10 miles away from downtown Shreveport. The town’s location also puts it close to the Texas state line. Louisiana Highway 173 is a major road that runs through the town itself, and other roads and highways that serve Blanchard are Interstate 20, Louisiana Highway 1, and Louisiana Highway 71.

The climate

Blanchard enjoys a subtropical climate, with humid summers and mild winters. The skies stay partly cloudy for most of the year. January and December are the coldest months, with temperatures reaching as low as 38.5 degrees. From the end of May to mid-September, expect hot and humid weather with an average temperature of 86 degrees.

The weather is most ideal for outdoor recreation around mid-April to early June . You can look forward to clear skies, warm breezes, and plenty of sun. The town also experiences the most rain in November and little-to-no snow in January.

Nearby towns and cities

Blanchard is just a short drive from two major cities: Shreveport and Bossier City. Shreveport, which is the third-most populous city in the Bayou State, is around 10.8 miles southeast of Blanchard and a vibrant hub for history, culture, and entertainment. The Shreveport Regional Airport is just a few miles south of the city’s downtown area.

Just across the Red River from Shreveport and around 11.9 miles from Blanchard is Bossier City. Famous for its waterfront casinos and the iconic Louisiana Boardwalk, Bossier City boasts a strong tourism and gaming industry. The city also has a wide mix of cultural spots, restaurants, and retail stores.

A SHORT HISTORY OF BLANCHARD, LA

The town of Blanchard traces its history all the way back to the late 19th century. After the railroad was established in 1895, settlers and businesses started to come in and the town was officially incorporated in 1896. Blanchard is named after Senator Newton Crane Blanchard, who later became the 33rd governor of Louisiana.

THE REAL ESTATE MARKET

The residential real estate market in Blanchard is primarily made up of single-family homes and vacant lots. Some of the homes for sale in Blanchard, LA were built between the 1950s to the 1980s, giving them unique charm and character. Modern, new construction homes are also starting to be a major part of housing mix, coming with a variety of high-end features like granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances, and energy efficient windows

The vacant lots in Blanchard boast great locations and are simply waiting to be transformed into dream homes. There are numerous opportunities to combine adjacent properties, resulting in sizable property areas.

LIVING IN BLANCHARD, LA

With its excellent schools, diverse activities, and strong community ties, there’s no doubt that Blanchard offers residents a high quality of life. Here’s what you can expect when you buy a home for sale in Blanchard, LA:

Schools

Blanchard, LA is served by Caddo Parish Public Schools, one of the largest school districts in Louisiana. These are the three schools within the perimeter of the town:

• Blanchard Elementary School Blanchard Elementary School offers quality education for pre-kindergarten through 3rd grade. Known as the “Home of the Eagles,” Blanchard Elementary School puts focus on both academic and social excellence. The school also has a strong sense of community, with its team of passionate teachers and active parent-teacher organizations.
• Donnie Bickham Middle School Located in Shreveport, the Donnie Bickham Middle School serves students in 4th through 8th grade. The top-notch public school is committed to providing a positive learning environment through its academic programs and extracurricular activities.
• Northwood High School Northwood High School is a diverse school that aims to provide each student with quality education. The high school, which is fondly known as the “Home of the Falcons,” caters to students in the 9th grade to 12th grade. Aside from its robust academic curriculum, Northwood High School also has an award-winning athletics and sports program.

Outdoor recreation

• Northwood Hills Golf Club With its challenging yet fair layout, the Northwood Hills Golf Club offers a memorable golfing experience for players of all skill levels. The 18-hole championship course was founded in 1967 and features well-maintained greens and a welcoming atmosphere. Aside from the course itself, it also has a practice facility, a pro shop, and a clubhouse. The Northwood Hills Golf Club is a semi-private country club that’s open to members and non-members.
• Blanchard Athletic Club Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or someone just looking for a way to stay active, the Blanchard Athletic Club has baseball and softball opportunities for all. The club regularly hosts pickup games, tournaments, and youth leagues. The Blanchard Athletic Club is also more than just a sports organization. It also supports the local community through various events and activities.
• Richard Fleming Park Nestled along the Fordney Bayou, the Richard Fleming Park is a haven for outdoor recreation. The 15-acre park, which is less than 10 minutes away via North Lakeshore Drive, features boat ramps, picnic tables, a fishing pier, and a 60-foot dock. Since the bayou empties into Cross Lake, those fishing at the park will have plenty of opportunities to catch largemouth bass.
• Cross Lake One of the top outdoor recreational spots in the Shreveport-Bossier City metro is Cross Lake. This 8,575-acre man-made reservoir is a prime spot for boating, fishing, and hunting. Bird watchers are also able to spot ospreys, blue herons, and egrets.

Dining scene

While Blanchard itself may not have a bustling dining scene, residents still have access to the best dining spots in the nearby towns and cities. Whether you’re craving for seafood or looking for a brand new brunch spot, you can find it within a short drive from the town.

• Angelo’s Deli Located right in Blanchard, Angelo’s Deli is a family-owned eatery that offers the finest and freshest ingredients in every meal. The food-truck-turned-restaurant is hailed for having the best comfort food in town, from their Philly cheesesteaks to their handmade double cheeseburgers.
• Crispy Donut For the best donuts in town, there’s no other place than Crispy Donut in Shreveport. The donuts here are served soft, fresh, and will leave you wanting more. There are 3 locations in the city: Alexander Avenue, North Market Street, and Hollywood Avenue. Among their most popular items are their glazed donuts, kolaches, and croissants.
• China Wok Buffet Discover the best tasting Chinese cuisine at the China Wok Buffet. Located in Shreveport, the popular restaurant offers a large menu of appetizers, soups, seafood dishes, and vegetable specials. One of the most popular dishes of the restaurant is its crab rangoon, a crispy dumpling filled with cream cheese and crab meat.
• Orlandeaux’s Cafe If you’re craving for Creole cuisine, Orlandeaux’s Cafe in Shreveport is sure to satisfy your taste buds with their delicious gumbo or po’boy meals. The family-owned restaurant has been operating since 1921 and it continues to be one of the go-to dining spots for Southern cuisines.
• Herby-K’s Another must-visit seafood restaurant in Shreveport is Herby-K’s. Since 1936, the restaurant has been serving a wide array of Southern dishes like po’boys, seafood sandwiches, and catfish appetizers. The most popular item on Herby-K’s menu is the Shrimp Buster, a legendary meal made up of four large shrimps that are fried and served with the restaurant’s secret sauce.

Shopping

Blanchard residents enjoy access to shopping options that offer variety and value. The nearest shopping area is North Market Place in Shreveport. Located 7.5 miles away from the town, North Place Market is a go-to for grocery shopping since it is home to a Brookshire’s Grocery Store. The shopping area has clothing stores, restaurants, and various services as well. Other nearby shopping centers in Shreveport are the Market Street Plaza Shopping Center and the Lakeshore Shopping Center.

Shreveport is also home to a premier shopping destination called Uptown Center. The shopping area, which has been operating for the past 65 years, has a mix of high-end designer stores and charming local shops. Uptown Center also offers contemporary and classic eateries, health and beauty shops, and a variety of services.

Beyond the big names, you’ll also find bargain retail chains and discount retailers in and around Blanchard as well.

Attractions

A home for sale in Blanchard, LA comes with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the many things to see and do in and around the town. From visiting historical sites to participating in fun community events, the town offers residents a variety of ways to fill up their free time.

One must-visit attraction in Blanchard is the Blanchard Branch of the Shreve Memorial Library. The branch has a long and rich history that dates back to 1933. It has undergone several renovations throughout the years but continues to be a vital part of the community. At the Blanchard Branch, you’ll find resources for people of all ages. Apart from the vast collection of books, magazines, and audiobooks, the branch also hosts a variety of programs and events throughout the year.

Every third Saturday of May, Blanchard holds the annual Blanchard Poke Salad Festival. This fun and exciting yearly celebration has something for everyone. The star of the show is the poke salad, a popular Southern dish. There’s also more to the Blanchard Poke Salad Festival than the food. Attendees can enjoy a grand parade, which features marching bands, fire trucks, and dance lines, and a carnival with all-you-can-ride armbands.

Experience a piece of Louisiana history by visiting the Caddo Parish Courthouse. Built in 1926, this historical landmark is known for its impressive architecture, landscaped grounds, and surrounding monuments. The courthouse is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Before heading to the Caddo Parish Courthouse, groups must book a tour first.

If you’re looking for something to do outside of Blanchard, there’s plenty of attractions to explore in the neighboring city of Shreveport. The Shreveport Aquarium, which is just 20 minutes away from Blanchard, is an underwater wonderland hosting over 300 different marine species. The 21,000-square-foot aquarium also features interactive experiences, exhibits, and programs.

The nearest museum to Blanchard is the Shreveport Water Works Museum, a National Historic Landmark that shows how water pumping technology has evolved throughout the years. The museum has one of the largest collections of intact waterworks equipment, dating as far back as the Victorian era.

Located in downtown Shreveport, the Red River District is a dynamic hub that offers entertainment, arts and culture, and nightlife. The district, which is located along the city’s historic waterfront street, has 12,000 feet of 19th century-inspired buildings that line the riverfront.

EXPLORE THE HOMES FOR SALE IN BLANCHARD, LA

Take the first step towards living in a quiet and peaceful town like Blanchard, LA. If you’re ready to start navigating the Blanchard, LA real estate market, get in touch with our experienced agents at Osborn Hays Real Estate.

For the past 30 years, we have been helping buyers find their dream home through our expert knowledge and tailored approaches. When you work with us at Osborn Hays Real Estate, you can enjoy a smooth and stress-free home buying experience. Let us help you find the perfect home for sale in Blanchard, LA. Get in touch with one of our agents by calling 318.603.3641 or send an email here.