Month: August 2024
The metropolitan area of Shreveport, Louisiana, has experienced steady population growth dating back decades. This could stem from numerous factors, such as the allure of living in a mid-sized town with a low cost of living — all of which the city of Shreveport lists as reasons to live in the area. The diverse job market is another notable consideration that could draw individuals and families to Shreveport.
Whether considering a position with Shreveport-based businesses or moving there to enjoy the region, understanding the job market in Shreveport will help you establish a comfortable life.
Shreveport Employment Statistics
Shreveport’s workforce is around 177,600 people, with a 3.6% unemployment rate. Workers in the area earn an average of $24.61 per hour or around $51,200 per year — just shy of the $53,440 average in Louisiana.
The job opportunities in Shreveport consist largely of positions in industries such as manufacturing, education, health care, government, trade, transportation, utilities and construction. Numerous hotels and casinos employ thousands as well.
Workers in Shreveport’s most prominent industries earn the following estimated average annual pay:
- Physicians: $303,000
- Engineers: $93,000
- Registered nurses: $87,000
- Computer analysts: $72,000
- Aircraft mechanics: $69,000
- Secondary school teachers: $68,000
- Public relations specialists: $63,000
- Electricians: $51,000
- Gambling dealer: $45,000
- Construction laborers: $39,000
- Office administrators: $39,000
- Health care assistants: $30,000
Top Employers in Shreveport
Shreveport’s job market features positions with a diverse range of companies and organizations. Some of the largest employers in Shreveport are government agencies, while health care organizations, information technologies companies and industrial businesses each employ hundreds of individuals. Some of Shreveport’s most prominent employers include:
- Barksdale Air Force Base
- Willis-Knighton Medical Center
- General Dynamics
- City of Shreveport
- Southwestern Electric Power Company
- Caddo Parish Public Schools
- Benteler Steel/Tube
Living and Working in Shreveport
As you analyze where to live and work in Shreveport, consider ways to better understand your potential monthly expenses. Assurance Financial has a free mortgage calculator you can use to estimate your monthly payment.
We encourage you to use our loan calculator to produce an estimate when budgeting for the Shreveport housing and job markets.
Mortgages From Assurance Financial
At Assurance Financial, we’re the people people with technology that helps buyers manage their expenses. We can equip you with competitive financing when buying a home in Shreveport, so apply for a mortgage online in as little as 15 minutes.
From art and museums to sports teams and parks, Birmingham, Alabama, offers something for everyone to enjoy. If you’re moving to Birmingham from another state or from elsewhere in Alabama, one of the best ways to help yourself feel at home is to take advantage of the many activities and attractions this city provides.
Birmingham, Alabama, Sports Teams
Birmingham is home to several professional minor league and college sports teams. The current teams and their sports include:
- Birmingham Barons: Baseball
- Birmingham Bulls: Ice Hockey
- Birmingham Legion FC: Soccer
- Birmingham Squadron: Basketball
- Birmingham Stallions: Football
With so many teams to see, multiple venues are available to catch a game or attend other events. Some of the venues in Birmingham are:
Attractions in Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham, Alabama, is a vibrant city and offers a long list of attractions to explore. Some of the many attractions available include:
- Vulcan Park and Museum: Vulcan Park and Museum enables visitors to learn more about Birmingham and access an observation tower with stunning city views.
- McWane Science Center: Both young and old will appreciate the chance to learn more about science hands-on with McWane Science Center.
- Birmingham Museum of Art: With more than 24,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings and decorative arts, The Birmingham Museum of Art is one of the more diverse art museums in the area.
- Birmingham Botanical Gardens: Spend the day immersed in nature as you take in the native flora and fauna at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
Entertainment in Birmingham
Whether you’re in the mood for a concert, something fun for date night or an event that will entertain the kids, there are numerous entertainment opportunities in Birmingham, such as:
- Locked In: The Birmingham Escape Room: Enjoy three different escape rooms for a unique way to test your puzzle-solving skills.
- Alabama Theatre: Take in live music, classic movies and events at the Alabama Theatre.
- Breakout Games: Try to escape as you develop your problem-solving skills at Breakout Games.
- Iron City Bham: See a live show from your favorite artist at Iron City Bham.
Let Assurance Financial Help You Buy a Home Close to Everything Birmingham Has to Offer
If you’re ready to call Birmingham home, Assurance Financial is here to help. We offer various loan options to make it possible to buy the house of your dreams. Start your application today to get one step closer to calling this beautiful city your home.
Choosing between buying or renting a home in Columbia, South Carolina, is a major decision that requires you to weigh the pros and cons carefully. For most people, one of the biggest reasons to buy is to gain a sense of security and stability that renting cannot bring.
At Assurance Financial, we can help make your dream of buying a home a reality. We offer a range of loan options and are happy to work with you to find a financing option that works best for your needs. Trust us to make the process of finding financing for your home as stress-free as possible.
3 Reasons for Buying Over Renting in Columbia
While both renting and buying a home offer several benefits, one of the main reasons to buy a home over renting is it enables you to build equity. For example, each mortgage payment you make is an investment in your home. Some other benefits of buying over renting include:
1. Buying Can Increase Your Financial Stability
Unlike renting, in which you may be subject to yearly rent increases, once you pay all of the initial housing fees, the cost will stabilize, allowing you to save money for:
- Retirement
- Vehicles
- Travel
- Home improvements
- College funds
- Medical needs
- Emergencies
2. It Can Be Less Expensive to Buy
While many people consider renting to be a more affordable housing option, recent spikes in inflation have caused this to no longer be the case for many properties. Over the last decade, the price of rent has seen a dramatic increase, making it more affordable to buy instead of rent in many areas. Many employers have also begun offering permanent work-from-home and hybrid work schedules, giving you the freedom to find a home in a more affordable location.
3. Owning a Home Offers Numerous Tax Benefits
Buying a home in Columbia allows you to take advantage of many tax breaks, like:
- Mortgage interest payments
- Property taxes
- Mortgage points
- Energy-efficient improvements
Let Assurance Financial Help You Buy a Home in Columbia
If you want to make Columbia, South Carolina, your home, Assurance Financial is here to help. We have many different loan options, so anyone from a first-time buyer to a vacation home buyer can find the financing they need.
With over a decade of experience under our belts, our full-service in-house team has seen and done it all when it comes to home loans, and we’re happy to use our knowledge to help you find the right financing option to fit your needs. Take the first step toward homeownership by starting our online application or contacting a team member today!
Whether moving to a new Aiken County neighborhood or settling in the area for the first time, homebuyers often compare the various public and private schools available to their children.
Public Schools in Aiken
The Aiken County Public School District provides public education for students across the county. The district has over 23,000 students spread across 21 elementary schools, 12 middle schools and eight high schools. Around 48%- 51% of students in the district are proficient in reading, while roughly 34% achieve math proficiency.
Top High Schools in Aiken
Top Aiken high schools offering grades nine through 12 include:
- Aiken Scholars Academy
- North Augusta High School
- South Aiken High School
Top Middle Schools in Aiken
Top Aiken middle schools offering grades six through eight include:
- New Ellenton Middle
- North Augusta Middle
- Paul Knox Middle
Top Elementary Schools in Aiken
Top Aiken elementary schools offering pre-k through grade five include:
- Clearwater Elementary
- Belvedere Elementary
- Chukker Creek Elementary
Private Schools in Aiken
Families in Aiken County can choose between 15 private schools. Each private school has a religious affiliation.
Over 2,500 students attend private schools in Aiken County. While South Carolina’s private schools comprise 8% of the student population, 10% of K-12 students in Aiken County attend a private school.
Mead Hall Episcopal School
Mead Hall Episcopal School is Aiken County’s premier private school. With a tuition over $11,000 for the highest grade, over 370 students attend the school. All of its students graduate and pursue post-secondary education.
South Aiken Baptist Christian School
South Aiken Baptist Christian School is another top choice for private K-12 education in Aiken County. Around 230 students attend the school, which costs over $6,000 annually. All South Aiken Baptist Christian School students graduate and receive college placement.
Victory Christian School
Victory Christian School is a private school in the North Augusta portion of Aiken County. This school is small, hosting 90-150 students each year. Tuition ranges from $6,250-$6,750, depending on the grade level. Around 75% of Victory Christian School graduates advance to colleges and universities.
Finance Your Move to Aiken County, South Carolina
Assurance Financial can provide the financing and tools you need to move to Aiken County. You can use our mortgage calculator to estimate your payment while evaluating the cost of private school versus public education in Aiken County. To apply for a mortgage, complete our 15-minute pre-qualification process online or find your local loan officer to discuss options.