In a world where the pace of life often feels relentless, finding a community that allows you to live, work, and thrive with ease is a rare gift. But that’s exactly what our region offers, and it’s all captured in the newly launched regional branding initiative—The Real Easy. Explore Alexandria Pineville, the Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Louisiana Central are proud to announce a groundbreaking collaboration to showcase the opportunities and quality of life in Central Louisiana. This regional brand initiative highlights what makes Central Louisiana an ideal place to live, work, and grow. Designed to showcase the unique advantages of living in this area, The Real Easy is a celebration of everything that makes our community not just a place to reside, but a place to flourish.

Nestled in the heart of the state, Central Louisiana offers the best of both worlds: the charm and connectivity of small-town living paired with the convenience of big-city access. “The Real Easy campaign provides an opportunity for us to tell our unique story with authentic messaging to promote the people, businesses, cultural, and natural assets in our region,” said Deborah Randolph, President, Central LA Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The Chamber Board and I encourage residents to join in by sharing what they love most about Central Louisiana on #RealEasy and by engaging in upcoming events as part of the campaign rollout.”

This initiative highlights the region’s strengths through key messages such as:

• Explore Beyond the Bayou: Discover Louisiana’s only national forest, picturesque rivers, and the state’s longest hiking trail. Nature and adventure abound for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.
• Where Life is Easy: With a cost of living 15% below the national average and commute times under 15 minutes, Central Louisiana makes life’s daily demands more manageable, allowing residents to focus on what truly matters.
• Grow Roots Here: A safe, nurturing community with quality schools and strong business networks makes this the perfect place for families, professionals, and businesses to thrive.
• Better Careers, Made Here: From advanced manufacturing to healthcare and education, Central Louisiana offers diverse career opportunities with competitive pay and benefits.
• Where Culture Meets Connection: Rich cultural experiences, engaging festivals, and a vibrant arts scene ensure there’s always something to enjoy and explore.

What Is The Real Easy?

The Real Easy initiative is about more than just a catchy slogan—it’s a vision for the future. This regional branding effort is centered on promoting the simplicity and quality of life that comes with living in our region. It tells the story of a place where individuals and families can enjoy a slower pace, a strong sense of community, and abundant opportunities to work and grow, all without the challenges that come with larger, more crowded urban centers.

The campaign highlights the area’s unique character, from its wide-open spaces and natural beauty to its thriving local businesses and welcoming atmosphere. Whether it’s the satisfaction of knowing your neighbors, the accessibility to both urban conveniences and rural charm, or the opportunity to build a career and a life with balance, The Real Easy aims to make it clear: this is where people are meant to be.

Access is Effortless

Positioned perfectly in the heart of Louisiana, Central Louisiana offers the ease and convenience of small-town living with easy access to big-city excitement. Living here, we are within a five-hour drive of Dallas and just two to four hours from New Orleans, Houston, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport. That means fine dining experiences, professional sports games, and world-class entertainment are just a car ride away. If you need to book a flight, the Alexandria International Airport (AEX), is sure to get you to your next destination with direct flights to Dallas/Fort Worth, Atlanta, and many more connections beyond. In Central Louisiana, accessibility isn’t just about location–it’s about the freedom to live life on your own terms.

A Region Built for Families and Professionals Alike

One of the most compelling aspects of The Real Easy initiative is its appeal to both families and professionals. For young families, the area offers excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and a wealth of outdoor activities—from hiking and biking trails to local parks and family-friendly events. With lower costs of living compared to major metropolitan areas, parents can find affordable housing, more space, and a higher quality of life, all while staying close to work and community.

For professionals, the region boasts growing industries, from healthcare to technology and advanced manufacturing. Entrepreneurs are also finding fertile ground here, with ample support for startups and small businesses. The quality of life here is unmatched, with fewer hours spent in traffic and more time to focus on personal and professional growth. From career advancement to personal fulfillment, this region provides an environment where work-life balance isn’t just a concept—it’s a reality.

The Real Easy Means Real Opportunity

What makes this region stand out is not just the lifestyle, but the opportunities it offers for those looking to build a career or launch a business. Our local economy is growing, with new initiatives supporting diverse sectors and bringing in new talent. This forward-thinking approach fosters innovation and gives individuals the chance to thrive in a way that larger cities simply can’t match.

The region is also home to a wealth of cultural activities and community events that reflect our diverse population and shared values. Whether it’s a local farmers market, a seasonal festival, or the support of community-driven businesses, there’s always something happening that brings people together. Katie Vanderlick, Executive Director of Explore Alexandria Pineville, shared, “We are dedicated to enhancing tourism in this area and showing everyone how easy it is to visit and be a part of our community.”

Family Coming Home for the Holidays? Why Now Is the Time to Consider Returning

As The Real Easy initiative continues to grow, we invite those who have previously left our region to think about what makes this place so special. Central Louisiana is thriving, offering more professional opportunities, better work-life balance, and a strong sense of community. If you’re looking to make a change, whether to raise a family or simply to enjoy a slower pace with access to everything you need, consider the many reasons this area is a perfect fit.

“Louisiana Central is honored to be part of this important work with such great partners and investors,” said Jim Clinton, President and CEO of Louisiana Central. “We have great stories to tell, and it’s important to share them statewide and nationally. It is also important to remind ourselves of the great things about living and working in Central Louisiana.”

With the momentum of the Real Easy campaign, now is the perfect time to rediscover all that this region has to offer. From career opportunities to the lifestyle you’ve been craving, this is the community where you can build the life you’ve always wanted, all with ease. If your loved ones are home for the holidays, we encourage you to please share with them our landing page www.realeasyla.com, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. We are looking forward to showcasing all that this region has to offer.

Central Louisiana The Real Easy is made possible thanks to the support and dedication of the following partners: Cleco Corporate Holdings LLC, Crest Industries, Christus St. Francis Cabrini Hospital, Rapides Regional Medical Center, Red River Bank, RoyOMartin, Ratcliff Construction, Barron Heinberg & Brocato, MMLH Meyer, Meyer, Lacroix & Hixson, Chris Karam, Michelle Karam, and Kinetix.

If you are a business or organization that would like to get involved with Central Louisiana: The Real Easy, submit your contact information at realeasyla.com.

For more information, visit realeasyla.com or contact [email protected]