One thing few people know about Alexandria is that early during WWII, Patton was asked where the best place to train for an invasion of the Ardennes Forest would be, and he replied that the nearest thing we had to the Ardennes in this country was the Kisatchie National Forest in Central LA. A very large military camp was quickly constructed near Alexandria. It was known as Camp Claiborne. The planners of the war effort then began sending dozens of trains filled with thousands of troops to Alexandria to be settled at Camp Claiborne. The metropolitan area of Alexandria swelled from less than 50,000 to around 250,000 in a matter of weeks. Much of Alexandria's downtown area was built up during that time. After the war Camp Claiborne was abandoned, most of it's buildings were demolished, and the pace of life in the area returned to normal. When I was a college student there my friends and I frequently visited the remains of Camp Claiborne to explore the few remaining structures left. Most interesting to me was the sewage treatment facility which was a large concrete cylinder that stood 10 or twelve feet high and extended many more feet below the ground's surface. A hole was knocked in the side and one could stick his head inside and yell creating an echo which seemed to reverberate for quite some time. That was at least 40 years ago. I'm sure it must all be gone by now. Just thought someone might find the story interesting.
This is where I grew up and have lived most of my life so cool to see a UA-camr touring our city!! A few things I’d like to say, it definitely is what you make it there are ghettos and there are wealthy neighborhoods and also a neighborhood of of full of mansions. We have lots of places to go out and eat bars, and other activities. Most of the crime that happens is with people who are involved in street life. You can walk down the streets in most of the “hoods” and 9/10 no one will bother you, but maybe a hobo might ask for a dollar lol. And ppl here love to throw mattresses on the side of the road for some reason lol. Most of the suburbs are kind of “hidden” which is a good thing but ghettos are easy to find so it’s easy to think the town is full of them.
So weird to see somebody touring my town! I never considered Alexandria or Pineville to be much of a tourist attraction, but the food at Spirits is pretty damn good, so is The Diamond Grill. Wish you could have seen the inside of the Bentley Hotel, it's really beautiful.
Is Herbie K's still there? "The world's worst service and the world's best food." Not sure I got that exactly right. I'm a Bolton '70 grad, but left the town in 1976. It seems closing England Air Force Base in 1992 really hurt Alexandria.
I live in the garden district and you passed right by my street. I was looking to see if I was there walking my little pug Jeffrey lol! So fascinating seeing someone tour our little city. Spirits was a great choice. I also recommend Tunks and Atwoods bakery. Hugs and pugs! -Breland
I discovered your channel a few months ago and absolutely love it! It's great for us folks that don't get to travel as much and still get to see the country. And what really appealed to me when I found your Channel is when you drive through those little towns. That's one of our favorite things to do when we travel is to visit those little towns and the little out of the way places.
Live here in Alec, and it’s mostly gone downhill. People move to Pineville or the outskirts of Alexandria going towards Versailles. The homeless situation is taking over downtown and are spreading. Shootings are common (over nonsense). Something has to change. Drugs, mentality, play a larger role.
Bro stop blaming crime when it’s the lack of keeping up with times Alexandria is boring and the job market is horrible out there it’s nothing out there no opportunities or anything positive or fun to do
I'm so full of emotion watching this. Born in "Ellick". Every aunt and uncle was baptized, married and had their funerals at the Cathedral. Wedding receptions at The Bentley. It was a very dignified, gentile existence and I am grateful for it.
@@scott77590 I thought my grandparents were the only ones to call it Ellick, lol. They were from Pineville. Anybody heard of it? Or Bunkie that strange place we would pass on the way to visit the Grandfolks.
@@southernbelladonna78 I grew up in Pineville! And yes we all called it Ellick , crossing the bridge on weekends to cruise the strip on Jackson Street !!!
My wife's family is embedded in Alexandria. We're usually there about twice a year. There are still a lot of good people in "Ellick" or "Alec" (the abbreviated name varies and are depended upon who you ask), but like across this country, violence and drugs are the report, and are tearing these places apart. I've been going there only about ten years. I've met some good people. A lot of them have moved to Pineville, even I a couple of guys I hunt with, have moved to Marksville. I just showed my wife this video, and she still finds it hard to believe that Alexandria is being talked about.
I'm from A-town as well now living in San Diego. I try to make it home annually. I totally agree that there are some good people there. I love going home.
Hey y'all! Native Cajun, here. I see y'all going down through the Acadiana area of Louisiana. I'm originally from New Iberia, and trust me when I say you will find my hometown quite interesting as well as the surrounding area if you haven't explored them yet!! It's about 30 minutes from Lafayette and near the Tabasco Company and Rip Van Winkle Gardens! So much to see! Also check out downtown New Iberia :) Also, wonderful video as always :)
@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip I was born in New Iberia. I haven’t lived there in almost 50 years, but one thing I remember is the Spanish moss hanging from so many live oak trees. There are some very pretty areas if you know where to look, and some interesting history as well. Definitely worth a look. Nearby Avery Island was once (and possibly still is) a popular place to visit as well.
Thanks for showing me what it’s like up there! Just moved to Metairie (New Orleans suburbs) and always wondered what it looks like north of here. The people I meet from there working in the hospital talk highly of Alexandria.
I’m from Louisiana. I live here in Alexandria now. So cool to see you touring this city. I work at the Alexandria Staging Facility. A hub for deportation at AEX. I only see too many car accidents here.
I moved here right before I did drivers ed and it was ridiculous the amount of things that weren't taught and how careless these places are run. not just that but it seems everyone around here has forgotten how to remove head from ass before driving.
My mother was from Alec. We went there once or twice a year while I was growing up. I remember them putting lights on the water tower at Christmas. I thought that was magical! Mom’s large family all moved to CA around 1950. She always said that was the best thing her parents ever did for her.
I was born in Alexandria in 1947. Loved living there in the 50's and 60's Graduated from Bolton High School and moved out of Alexandria soon afterwards to attend college and never went back except to visit. Sure miss it. Thanks for the tour. Not like I used to remember.
I grew up there and the new bridge from Alexandria to Pineville is named after my daddy on the Alexandria side it is named after the Late Honorable Israel B.Curtis, Jr. And the Pineville side after the Late Lemon Coleman. They were Influencers before their time. We are proud to have The Curtis -Coleman Bridge named after 2 Outstanding Gentlemen who created change.
Great video, one correction. It's not pronounced "Rapids" it's pronounced Rap-eeds. I'm from Alexandria, grew up off of Monroe Street near Levin. In the 20 plus years I lived there, we made the number 1 highest crime rate several times yearly. But very few people nationwide know anything about Alex. Thanks for shining a light on our darkness there bud. Edit: BTW, next time yall are in town, look up Tunks Cypress Inn. It's a restaurant located just west of town on beautiful Kincade Lake. Try the Oyster Bar, then the fried Alligator tail. 😍
Thanks for a great video. Nice to see a part of Louisiana I haven't been to. The people I've encountered in that state were very nice and friendly. Just be careful when you talk about being a good cornholer, some people may get the wrong idea. lol And yes we use that term up here in Washington.
The "construction area" you walked into at the beginning of the video, there used to be a stationary vw beetle covered in street art. I took my senior pictures there in 2019. Alec is the town most of us in the small towns around Alexandria go to, and when it comes up in conversation the fact that its become a crime-riddled hole is always at the forefront. My grandfather would hang the american flag up at the Alexandria town hall every morning. Sad to see what could have been knowing what is.
we came and got the beetle back a couple years ago and moved it somewhere else, it was specifically there for people to graffiti. I kept several of the body parts that have very beautiful murals on them and hung them up in the shop. and I agree with you on the second part, things are absolutely getting out of hand right now because of our current administration
I agree with the administration comment. I am from West Monroe and Monroe has an even higher crime status than Alec. It has been in decline for the last 20 years due to the administration. A new mayor was elected a couple of years ago but it will take a lot of time and effort to turn things around. Our Governor and other elected state officials are no better. Louisiana has always been know for crooked politicians and the people just seem to shrug it off as well it’s always been this way. Most of the time I feel as though I waste my time driving to the polls to vote.
This is my hometown. Been here all my life. With that being said part of the issue is that Alexandria is at a stalemate. Since the airbase closed there has been no growth in anyway. The city council and mayor's office fight so much that nothing ever gets done. The most exciting thing is when a new restaurant opens
I was stationed there for the second time and was there when the base was closing. There has been much growth in Alexandria since the base closure in the early 90s.
@@stevetobe4494 where is the growth? The only large industry that's here now that wasn't back then is fedex moved a hub here that's larger. Other than that I'm sure that if you came for a visit you wouldn't get lost. Lafayette is so much bigger than Alexandria, and it's 2 universities in the area here verses 1 there.
@@joelsampson8652 There is the international airport, Union Tank Car, and many small businesses popping up. Construction is growing. The company I work for has expanded. I must admit that we need more high paying jobs here. The Alexandria council has too many wealthy business owners on it that won't allow more industry to come as they don't want to compete with higher wages.
Nice Video The place you called a theater, "Rapides Foundations" is a charitable organization that supports our community through grants and economic development projects. The theater down town is named "The Cofflen Sanders Theater" and it is a jewel in our community. Also Rapides, which is the name of our parish, is pronounced "rap-ides" and sounds like "rap.eedz". The parish was named for the rapids that once existed in the Red River near todays downtown location.
I used to live on Vance Ave. I saw that on your navigation screen and it looked like you were driving by Bolton High School. You were right by my old house. Cool.
Thanks for doing this video of Alexandria. I live 45 miles south/south west of Alexandria in Avoyelles parish in Moreauville. I live in the country rural area. As I was watching the video I was recognizing places. There were a lot more beautiful places you could have gone to. You should have gone inside the Bentley. Beautiful historic. Keep the videos coming enjoy watching them
It always weirds me out when people mention Alexandria since I always thought of it as small and boring. The crime rate always surprises people, even people who have lived there forever, since most of it happens in the streets at night. Usually, people hear about another shooting in the mall parking lot, avoid the mall for a bit, then give in a week later to buy Auntie Anne's 😅
It is super boring. Absolutely nothing to do. I thought Alex was the place to be when I lived in Leesville. After relocating for school I realized it’s definitely more to do, but still not a lot. For me I’m more concerned about the high homeless population and corruption going on in the local and state governments.
30 years ago, this was the best town with lovely Stores. It could have been the loss of the air/army base that started the degradation bc loss of commerce? There are many many more old beautiful homes in the garden area. Growing up in La., Alexandria was the highlight when visiting grandparents. It just felt safe and what every town should be.
Peabody Magnet High School 🏀 C/10... We been putting Alec on tha map 🗺️... From Georgia To North Carolina To Detroit To International... You'll be surprised who knows about LITTLE Alexandria, La... Especially us WARHORSES 🐴.... But I'm Out Dat Nawfside (M)onroe(L)evin(K)elly
Stay away from here if you’re thinking about moving here. There are still nice places in the parish, but the nice places in the city are steadily shrinking while the bad ones expand and expand. There are a lot of nice and cool people, but so are there in other places without the violence and drugs.
This video shows a small part of the city. At the beginning there is far too much concentration on the empty buildings and streets when just across from that empty parking area on Fourth street is an amazing vibrant coffee shop, Tamp & Grind. Also, you were right by River Oaks Arts Center and the Coughlin Saunders Performing Arts center, two fantastic places in a City of this size.
Sadly if you think those places are a attraction for Alexandria I could see why it’s so boring out there and no jobs or anything want to come lol if your a young please don’t move to Alexandria it’s really boring and the jobs sucks out there
10:30 Saturday morning and not a soul to be seen! Some rather beautiful church architecture in the city and a remarkable difference between the "Haves" and the "Have nots". I could say more but I will refrain. All very interesting to watch and thank you for sharing it.
Hi Lord Spoda Thanks. Spent a good day with you in Alexandria, Louisiana. Capitol of the State is generally in the mid of State. Wyoming must be a prominent exception. Why many roads in city are dark reddish? Bricks or Paver blocks? @ 14:13 Magnificent Post office building, @ 14:57 marvellous 3D mural, contrasting to that, @ 18:17 return to nature, @ 23:11 tree grown out of roof. But in general peaceful neighborhood with single story houses and lots of old trees. Enjoyed the video as usual. Thanking you again.
Yeah, I grew up in Louisiana as well. Further south than you though. Ever since I was a kid, Louisiana rank class in education, quality of life, mortality, health, care, etc. Nothing has changed. Evidently nothing ever will. For all those who can I would suggest hightailing it out of there as quickly as possible. Sad but true.
Great exploring the city . Love to see all the places . Defenetly want to start doing this too . Been sense 95 in the same city . Lol need to get out .
"Managing The Decline" attitude in some politicians mindset is completely unacceptable. I'm not saying this is the attitude of all politicians of this city, but this one of the disease philosophies that has been a cornerstone of neo-liberal platform for over two decades now. If we don't reverse ourselves and restore Law and Tradition, then ruinous chaos will be our only future.
@@Nacalina007 You are correct. The voters believe the lies the politicians spew forth year after year. Thus their communities decline into poverty and crime.
I doubt the problem is neo-libs, it is corrupt politicians that would rather keep the city dead than let in new business. Maybe all the money from the Pentecostals who control what comes into the town are the reason. Pineville was a dry city until like 2 years ago because of this. People like this killed my town in Texas.
Also fun fact about Alexandria, is it’s home to two amazing bands, perpetual deception and absence of us. They really bring life to every show they do there.
Born and Raised in Alexandria, A-Town. It was once a great place to live, I go back home often my Grandmother still lives there in Acadian Village been there my whole life, same home. I always tell my children when we visit this is not the Alexandria, I grew up in. It’s Central Louisiana it should be further along, 3 hours from NOLA, 2 from BR, and Lake Charles 1.5 from Lafayette and Shreveport, 45 mins for Natchitoches. Why is there no growth??? High School State Championship games can be hosted there and not Lafayette, it’s central. The crime has increased tremendously because of the corruption at the top. The first major headline in my lifetime that was nationally broadcast about the cop killings, it was corruption in the APD. A-Town used to be the number 1 city in LA to retire. Now, it’s 9th in the Nation for crime. There’s always a root. I grew up in the Sonya Quarters, Karst Park and lived in GD until I moved in 2004. So from 1979-2004, when I tell you, it has changed drastically. Yes, it’s a small town, but it had big city energy. Karst Park was a housing project, however you never heard of any murders when I was growing up, families lived there, although it was government subsidized many homes were 2-parent, including mine. I remember the frozen cup ladies, the boudin lady, the ice cream cone and candy lady. I had a great upbringing in Alexandria, Louisiana and I wish my children could’ve seen the A-Town I loved. Now, it’s hard to be present when I visit, I go see my in-laws, grandmother and 2 aunts and leave as soon as possible, because the new generation in A-Town, I’m not familiar with and they have no conscious or code. My classmates are burying their children, it’s sad. It can be turned around, as someone mentioned earlier the cost of living is overpriced, they’re decent jobs but very few outside of the hospitals, Pinecrest, Dresser, Proctor and Gamble, you can go outside the town and work at Marco. There’s NOTHING for the youth, not a damn thing. We had the mall, movies, Aggie Skating and Rink, Frank O’Hunter park when there wasn’t any fighting or shooting. Again not much, but it was fun, we were different teens we didn’t need a lot to occupy our time. Going to the mall or movie, hanging out, was good enough for us. Football and Basketball games, when Peabody and Pineville played, Peabody was a solid team, we went to state often. It was a very good time, growing up late 80’s teenager in the 90’s. Another thing that caused harm was shutting down Charity Hospital aka Huey P Long it took away great healthcare for those who were low income and many jobs were lost including my late great aunt who worked there for years, and after became homeless and suffered from mental illness. Pineville will look like this soon, it used to be a dry parish now it’s not, some things shouldn’t be messed with. As I look at these videos, I innerstand now more than ever, what Trump meant by Make America Great Again, small minds thought it was about race, no it’s about the heart of America, the average American, the smaller towns, the “middle class” that kept the country balanced.
Pretty much my same entire life in Alec my sister had one of the last B-Day parties at Aggies I probably was ~ 5-7. I graduated from PHS in 14 besides my family I haven’t had any reason to go back. These places are living cemeteries this is what happens when the people that say MAGA or the most corrupt and crooked of the bunch. This place would need investments of all kinds to be functional again but when your leaders are only motivated by lining their pockets places like this are all but forgotten because they don’t add anything really to the bottom line.
@ 1:25, there is Sentry Drug... Years ago it used to be called Red Cross 🙂 All along this street there used to be Parking Meters because this was "Downtown" and used to be very busy!! It had stores like Gus Kaplan, Koblins Jewelry, Weiss & Goldring, Soul Train, etc., etc., It's cool to see a video about a town I grew up in 🙂
I totally get the statistics you were discussing on home prices. Starter homes are basically nonexistent in this town and the median home price is tanked by the poorer, crime ridden areas. The housing market in Alexandria is weird and homes are well over priced for what the community provides in opportunities to purchase them.
Hey Lord, on that FBI chart you posted a link to, do you have any idea why a city like St Louis somehow didn't make the top 50 list when it comes to violent crimes or homicide rates per 100,000?
@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip I'm thinking maybe they only included cities with a core population of under 100,000 because there is a large number of major cities that are missing!
Dang it feel surreal to see someone touring my city. I’m born and raised in the Ghetto of that city the North Side where most of the crime takes place. I can say one thing if you can survive in Alex u can survive anywhere.
Kind of looks spooky 🔥💥🙀in the beginning. Did you see the decorative manhole right before cutting to residential? I am wondering where it was made because it looks so old. What happened to the middle class of America? Love Nicole's outfit, reminiscent of the 80's so 😎. The food alone would make the whole trip!! Awesome!!
Wow! Beautiful statue and placard at St. Francis Cathedral. Built in 1919. I never knew the Red River flowed through central LA. I Loved those houses in the Garden District. I’m guessing “shotgun houses” means something completely different in Alexandria. Oh, I need a mattress. Where was that one so I can go get it?😁
Born and raised in Libouse before it grew so large. Spent every Saturday with my Meme coming into town to the Post Office, went to the zoo a lot as a kid, worked downtown with Mr. Burns (criminal attorney), danced the night away at the Light House and Cotton Gin and many more. Crossed the Sabine and married a Texan. Of course this was all back in 1957 when I was born and left at 18 and didn’t come back. My Papa taught at Bolton HS, and my daddy went to Louisiana College. A lot has changed yet still stayed the same. Lots of family and friends still there.
Rapides foundation is actually pronounced Rap-peeds foundation, just like the parish. Yes, and 3rd Street is the "ghetto" as well as part of the Garden District.
I was born in Pineville at the Huey P. Long Charity Hospital in 1969, my moved myself and my Sister to Columbus, Ohio when we were 12 & 13! I return to visit my family once every year. Just was there in September. I LOVE my family so much. I get SO EMOTIONAL when it’s time for me to leave. I ALWAYS t hi no to myself. There is SO MUCH BETTER for you all outside of this place. Home is Home to them. Alexandria was such a VIBRANT place when we were growing up. I know that area very well!! That city could really be redeveloped if the Mayor can get some help and backing to do what needs to be done . It’s called PLANTATION HOUSE!! Keep it 💯💯
My name is Donald Newman born and raised in Alexandria my kids still live there. The place has really changed but it is still Home. A lot of out people moved in and it went to hell. Lower third once was a good place to live
Some other fun facts about Alexandria. The invading union army razed it to the ground during the Civil War , burning most everything but the cathedral and a handful of plantations. Jim Bowie lived in Alexandria , and it was here that he became embroiled in the feud that would lead to him and his infamous Knife becoming known the world over. Lee street was the site of a race riot during the second world war that lead to the mass killing of a still disputed number of servicemen in the downtown area that was called little harlem , known as the Lee Street Riot.
Nice tour. You say that Alexandria is ninth in crime in the USA: You missed an area of the city that would have shown why. I know that you want to present the positive and not be exploitive of poverty-stricken areas, but years ago while driving through Alexandria I took a wrong exit off the expressway into an area that looked dystopian. Shotgun houses with dirt yards that looked like they may have been there since the days of share cropping or slavery. Louisiana has an interesting history.
True, so much he can cover I guess in only 31 minutes. There are streets such as Levin I wouldn't walk down during the day much less at night. Most of the city has grown toward the west away from the blight of the inner city. He didn't show most of the rot.
@@stevenas58 I grew up there, Alexandria is now 80% black, most whites moved out, even black mayor now. You know what happens when we take over, most of the time.
@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip have yall been in this area in the summer? If not get ready for some humidity and heat if you come in the summer. The air feels like you can cut it with a knife, you might want to avoid full on summer if possible but at the same time there will be more for yall to do. I'm sure yall will go down cane river and check out the old plantations and you've gotta go ride through and check out the scenic places in kisatchie.
I live right between Alexandria and Monroe. Lived here all my life. That is strange to hear how high we rank on the crime scale. Ive never had an issue myself knock on wood lol i saw on tv the other day that New Orleans has the highest murder rates in the US. I can see that one.
I live in West Monroe and have never ever been frightened in Monroe but I also know what areas to stay away from. Most high crime areas you would not have any reason to go to . They are low rent government subsidized housing areas and the retailers close by.
i live in the Garden District in a home well over 100 years old. i am 4 minutes from downtown and while we have street traffic i am comfortable going out every day for my daily walk.
No way I'd live in those old slavery houses,..they got ghost there that the other ghost scared of. I grew up there I had to stay with my great grandmother therevin a OLD house. I heard people walking around at night,.of course no one believed the little kid. No thanks
@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip I was wondering,, if the run down cities make you feel sad.. There is so many cities run into the ground and nature is taking over. I am afraid of what is about to happen in the USA,, I live in Maine Bangor,, I watch the ocean which seems to be getting stronger, Our beautiful country being destroyed by so many unqualified Political leaders.. Be safe out there.. I really like the videos close to the border of Mexico.
The area by Tamp and Grind and Embers is the area where we have our Winterfete (winter celebration) and our artwalk events. I have lived in Rapides Parish all my life. It's always been bad with crime however since Katrina when many people from the gulf area moved here its gotten a good 10 times worse and gets worse by the day. It's really sad to know our kids are growing up in this society. 😢
The homeless all congregate under the interstate or at the riverfront amphitheater. They've kind of run most of them off from downtown, but that's just pushed them into more residential areas rather than the mostly empty downtown section.
From what I understand a lot of them have taken up residence in that old nursing home in wardville, or the abandoned Huey p long hospital. I've been in Huey , and i have it on good authority that the police policy is that they do not enter it for any reason, too dangerous and too easy for someone to get the drop on you, but they will park in the parking lot occasionally
"Law enforcement" ignoring known criminals, in known locations, committing known crimes is the usual for Lousy-ana. They are parked in the parking lot occasionally to pick up and drop off, nothing more. There is no incentive to enforce the law, because crime, especially drug crime, is much more lucrative.
Alexandria is a very nice clean city I liked that I did see homeless people camping on downtown, street where nicely clean didn’t see thrash everywhere, most of the house on video had there front yard nice cut and cleaned. Thank you for one more video.
Clean?? You only saw the part that is-- downtown. The rest of the city has piles and piles of trash on the curbs, from the eviction of entire families, poor families, who can't afford to hire a moving truck and aren't given enough time to get their belongings. It's heartbreaking. Driving through, you'll see toys and baby beds and whole furnishings. My heart cries for those families.
I’ve lived in and around Alexandria my whole life (im 25 now). When I was younger the city had its dangerous spots, namely lee street, lower 3rd, Monroe street, and Bolton, but now the whole city is a shit hole to say the least. It’s very dangerous and there and shootings constantly. I still work in Alexandria but I love just outside of it now cause living in Alexandria doesn’t make sense now with how dangerous it is.
Us too. Since Katrina, we got more street homeless, and the current mayor is soft on crime and drugs, so murder and theft is high. We moved way out rural 11 years ago, but work in town and go to the cathedral. I trry to stay on the Pineville side as much as possible, but some things you gotta shop for in town. The hubby works at ups and he hears gunshots nearby almost daily. And the police dept is trying to keep it hush hush, but if you know an ER nurse or a LEO, you hear whats really going on. I spend as little time as possible in Alex. But the surrounding rural areas are pretty good.
That exactly why I left Alexandria I'm from Alexandria, Levin Street and Bolton Avenue.. went to high school at Bolton High, the whole Alexandria is nasty and dangerous
@@Ayo-zz6gq Lol, no it's not! Of course Levin Street is bad and that's why no one goes there. Jackson Street, Charles Park and Landmark are amazing. It's only certain areas that are dangerous like in any city.
I live just outside of Alexandria but work there. I arrived from Ohio after joining the USAF. My wife is from Louisiana and we chose to live here after exiting the military.
I go to school right there in downtown, pretty neat to see you walking the route I drive literally every day lol. I eat my lunch on the levee all the time
My grandparents lived close to here my whole life. Pineville to be exact. The zoo there is pretty cool. We would go often. There was also an art camp there for summers. I never noticed any crime as a child, and I can't believe that my grandparents would stay in a place that was dangerous considering their personalities and the fact that they definitely had the means to relocate but maybe they just didn't notice. Lol. I have no idea. But in the 38 years that I've been alive and they lived there they never had any issues.
You did a great review of Alexandria, my Dad and his brother were both Architects and Dad settled in Baton Rouge and Uncle Joe in Alexandria. Uncle Joe and his Sons did a great deal to create beautiful buildings in Alexandria. I am from Baton Rouge and the joke is anyone who lives north of I-10 is a Yankee wait till you see the difference in Lafayette Cajun is alive there and the surrounding areas. I laughed at you talking about the football game, a lot of people were happy to see Nick Saban throwing a fit on the sidelines when Alabama got beat by Tennessee
@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip It's really interesting to see the differences. Much prefer to live somewhere quieter, & the houses there are so spaced out it makes me jealous. Thank you for making me jealous!
You didn't show the million dollar homes. There's much more to Alexandria than you showed. The state of Louisiana can be divided into 3 portions the food, people and atmosphere are totally different. North Louisiana, Central Louisiana and South Louisiana. Louisiana has the best of everything. The culture and food are like no other. The people are extremely hospitable. You will not meet a stranger. Louisiana is truly a Sportsman's Paradise and we Louisianians live off the land for sure. There is no place in the world like Louisiana USA. I am a very proud Louisiana woman born and bred.
I wish you had mentioned the Tasting Room of Alexandria. It's run by the only whiskey sommelier of Louisiana. It's so wild to see someone touring Alexandria. I came upon your video in my recommendations. It's so interesting to see an outsiders perspective.
I was born and raised in Alexandria Louisiana (A-TOWN) and now live in Pineville Louisiana and lemme tell y'all that the crime is so bad in Alex that the cops are even scared. There's at least a murder a day if not 3-4 and you can and will get robbed quick morning noon or night. Alex use to be beautiful and enjoyable, where raising a family was a a smart choice but at this point I don't go to Alex because of the crime and I live 10 minutes away. I haven't been there in 6 months and I use to go everyday after moving to Pineville but it's scary there and not just at night, every second of everyday
The people need hope. The system in Alex doesn't value the lives of the poor communities, and makes them targets for their monopolies in the corrections sector. It's disgusting.
Well as for this Texan,I don't leave home without a shotgun in my van and a handgun on my person...so if any scumbag who's to lazy to work sizes me up as an easy target,he will be sadly mistaken when I pop his ass!...so with that being said I will never let scumbags ruin my travels or dictate where I can and cannot go,so if and when I decide to visit Alex as you called it I will be well protected against anything happening...so take care and be safe brother...
Funny I travel to Alexandria LOUISIANA daily, still do,your response must be certain areas of Alex and your daily shootings must Not have been reported to Law or news. Plus the cops are Not scared. I'm not seeing it on news or hearing about it on anything Not even Facebook! Also funny that Alexandria and Pineville housing seems to be keeping property value even IF as you report daily shootings. Unless it's going on in the hood away from MacArthurs main drag and as I said not being reported to police,or local radio or news. And KALB news owned by Greymedia would SURELY report it. Sooo...I find your description has some holes in it. Further more 10 mins away isn't gonna save you if it's as bad as your stating. Now if you were talking Nola or Baton Rouge you might have a case, I would believe that.
It is so sad to see how much potential Alexandria and surrounding areas have and to see it going downhill. I pray for a positive change. 9th most violent city. Lord help.
Lord Spoda… This is my hometown Pineville Louisiana and Alexandria. I couldn’t believe you were reviewing it I sent it to my wife right away. Pineville is a lot better than Alexandria as far as crime it is across the river. If you’re in Pineville you don’t go to Alexandria after dark. Did you try Johnny’s pizza or Lou and Laura’s shrimp Po boys.
We had Johnny’s yesterday. It was awesome! I’m going to cover Pineville in a future video. I’m going to use it as the starting place for one of my small town country drives. 😀
Been living in Alexandria since 2005. I have not seen or experienced crime. Have heard of crime but not to the extent of being 9th in the USA. one thing I have always wondered. Why it's citizens have in a way abandoned the city. It's a great potential area to be a tourist heaven! It just needs to be discovered and not let it go to ruins. I live in the Garden District close to the zoo which some people consider it a unsafe area. The city needs motivation to make it a great place to visit. Overall I loved the video!
I love this comment , but I’ll be honest being from here it’s a sad situation of crabs in a bucket for the ones that are here but that narrative has changed over time but it definitely needs a little razzle dazzle or the right person in the seats to do so (cough cough)but seriously if you’re not politically correct you can’t speak on much in this city but I’ll tell you what I wish someone ask me what to do I could get things going lol it’s so much you could do with this city seriously ! 2 colleges and and amazing technical, votec, and high school athlete programs that are legendary ! LEADERSHIP IS WHATS MISSING, the city need to build!
Talking about the zoo; When I was there, there was a large pond with about eight or ten of the largest alligator snapping turtles I have ever seen. They were all at least three feet in diameter. Are they still there? It was also easy to push open a "chained" chain length gate and squeeze through to get inside a large enclosure which housed several white tail deer. The deer were very tame and friendly, and would happily eat from your hand. I also found the capybara and Patagonian Mara to be quite interesting animal peculiarities. Some people called the Mara jackalopes.
We abandon the city cause it’s boring no progress no jobs lack of opportunities which all plays a role in the crime and us moving from the city the old money in Alexandria don’t want to give the keys to young people the city is not business friendly they want there hands in everything Alexandria is just a mess think about it the only thing they try to attract for people to come there is for a zoo that honestly most places don’t use there zoo as the number one attraction the lack of festivals is horrible like you said it has so much potential when they start doing more for young people
Monroe is number 2 and it really is no bigger than Alexandria is chilling"too me to hear the only Northeast Louisiana City at that ranking which is one of the most beautiful city that sits along the Ouachita River and the wonderful bayou (NE) that's surrounds the area with the pecon and oak trees lining the road ways and boulevard it's so much talent and so much history in this city it's unbelievable may my City get the people back she need to grass gane our glory back.... One city one future =Monroe proud.....
Hotel Bentley! If my memory serves me correct, was built by a guy who was turned away from a fancy hotel for being too dirty after a long day of work. So he decided to build one himself, he tiled everything by hand, and had a relatively small construction team for the size of the place. You can find his “signature” blue tile, only one on the entire floor. Edit: overall, people are scared of the town, but if you stick to the right people, and don’t get yourself in a situation where you could be in trouble, you’ll be fine. Only thing about Cenla (Local name for Alexandria, Central Louisiana) is that if you walk at night alone, regardless of if you’re a man or a woman, someone might try to mug you. People will leave you alone if you have dogs, or travel in groups greater than 2. I’ve never once been pickpocketed, nor do I know anyone that has been.
I can confirm this as a Pineville resident of 30 years. There are no mugging or drive bys, the thumbnail I the right area to avoid if you're not just passing through going north or south.
One thing few people know about Alexandria is that early during WWII, Patton was asked where the best place to train for an invasion of the Ardennes Forest would be, and he replied that the nearest thing we had to the Ardennes in this country was the Kisatchie National Forest in Central LA. A very large military camp was quickly constructed near Alexandria. It was known as Camp Claiborne. The planners of the war effort then began sending dozens of trains filled with thousands of troops to Alexandria to be settled at Camp Claiborne. The metropolitan area of Alexandria swelled from less than 50,000 to around 250,000 in a matter of weeks. Much of Alexandria's downtown area was built up during that time. After the war Camp Claiborne was abandoned, most of it's buildings were demolished, and the pace of life in the area returned to normal. When I was a college student there my friends and I frequently visited the remains of Camp Claiborne to explore the few remaining structures left. Most interesting to me was the sewage treatment facility which was a large concrete cylinder that stood 10 or twelve feet high and extended many more feet below the ground's surface. A hole was knocked in the side and one could stick his head inside and yell creating an echo which seemed to reverberate for quite some time. That was at least 40 years ago. I'm sure it must all be gone by now. Just thought someone might find the story interesting.
It's a great story. Thank you for sharing it.
I live in alec, when I get back from deployment I’ll go check it out.
This is where I grew up and have lived most of my life so cool to see a UA-camr touring our city!! A few things I’d like to say, it definitely is what you make it there are ghettos and there are wealthy neighborhoods and also a neighborhood of of full of mansions. We have lots of places to go out and eat bars, and other activities. Most of the crime that happens is with people who are involved in street life. You can walk down the streets in most of the “hoods” and 9/10 no one will bother you, but maybe a hobo might ask for a dollar lol. And ppl here love to throw mattresses on the side of the road for some reason lol. Most of the suburbs are kind of “hidden” which is a good thing but ghettos are easy to find so it’s easy to think the town is full of them.
We even have two colleges here LSUA and cltcc overall is a good place to live we have country things like farmers market and festivals
I'm in Lake Charles I like Alexandria it's like a big Country Town to me ,I like the Red River it's Beautiful
I was born and raised in Alexandria. It is cool to see a UA-camr touring good ole Alec. I agree with everything you said.
Yep that's Levin street l grew up on this street, real cool to see
👎🏻
So weird to see somebody touring my town! I never considered Alexandria or Pineville to be much of a tourist attraction, but the food at Spirits is pretty damn good, so is The Diamond Grill. Wish you could have seen the inside of the Bentley Hotel, it's really beautiful.
Coming from a pineville resident yea it is pretty crazy to see someone touring our small towns
Yeah I was hoping they would a went inside hotel Bentley. Its beautiful inside.
The Bentley Hotel is a just another sad reminder of a high standard of living and quality of life that no longer exists.
the Bentley hotel was one of a kind!
Is Herbie K's still there?
"The world's worst service and the world's best food." Not sure I got that exactly right.
I'm a Bolton '70 grad, but left the town in 1976. It seems closing England Air Force Base in 1992 really hurt Alexandria.
I live in the garden district and you passed right by my street. I was looking to see if I was there walking my little pug Jeffrey lol! So fascinating seeing someone tour our little city. Spirits was a great choice. I also recommend Tunks and Atwoods bakery. Hugs and pugs! -Breland
That my hood lol
I live on polk st
I discovered your channel a few months ago and absolutely love it! It's great for us folks that don't get to travel as much and still get to see the country. And what really appealed to me when I found your Channel is when you drive through those little towns. That's one of our favorite things to do when we travel is to visit those little towns and the little out of the way places.
Thank you. It's folks like you that I make these videos for. Next video will be a Louisiana small town drive through. :)
Bahahaha
Live here in Alec, and it’s mostly gone downhill. People move to Pineville or the outskirts of Alexandria going towards Versailles. The homeless situation is taking over downtown and are spreading. Shootings are common (over nonsense).
Something has to change. Drugs, mentality, play a larger role.
I went downtown with my mom saw a drunk dude fighting another drunk dude lol came back and saw the police at the door crazy
Bro stop blaming crime when it’s the lack of keeping up with times Alexandria is boring and the job market is horrible out there it’s nothing out there no opportunities or anything positive or fun to do
No one wants to admit what the problem actually is. It's happening in every city in the country.
@@TravonteGarrettWell yeah. That doesn’t negate the crime lol
I’ve been looking forward to riding along as you travel through these Southern cities! Thank you! And, the cathedral…wow! Literally awesome!
It’s a beauty. Thank you for the kind words, Jennifer.
I'm so full of emotion watching this. Born in "Ellick". Every aunt and uncle was baptized, married and had their funerals at the Cathedral. Wedding receptions at The Bentley. It was a very dignified, gentile existence and I am grateful for it.
I thought my mom was the only one who called it Ellick. I remember you didn't have to dial a whole phone number, just the last 5 digits.
@@scott77590 Called it a party line. Damn im gettin old.
@@scott77590 Apparently a lot of older people did (do).
@@scott77590 I thought my grandparents were the only ones to call it Ellick, lol. They were from Pineville. Anybody heard of it? Or Bunkie that strange place we would pass on the way to visit the Grandfolks.
@@southernbelladonna78 I grew up in Pineville! And yes we all called it Ellick , crossing the bridge on weekends to cruise the strip on Jackson Street !!!
My wife's family is embedded in Alexandria. We're usually there about twice a year. There are still a lot of good people in "Ellick" or "Alec" (the abbreviated name varies and are depended upon who you ask), but like across this country, violence and drugs are the report, and are tearing these places apart. I've been going there only about ten years. I've met some good people. A lot of them have moved to Pineville, even I a couple of guys I hunt with, have moved to Marksville. I just showed my wife this video, and she still finds it hard to believe that Alexandria is being talked about.
I'm from A-town as well now living in San Diego. I try to make it home annually. I totally agree that there are some good people there. I love going home.
Hey y'all! Native Cajun, here. I see y'all going down through the Acadiana area of Louisiana. I'm originally from New Iberia, and trust me when I say you will find my hometown quite interesting as well as the surrounding area if you haven't explored them yet!! It's about 30 minutes from Lafayette and near the Tabasco Company and Rip Van Winkle Gardens! So much to see! Also check out downtown New Iberia :)
Also, wonderful video as always :)
Stay tuned. You just might see New Iberia soon. 😀😀
@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip I was born in New Iberia. I haven’t lived there in almost 50 years, but one thing I remember is the Spanish moss hanging from so many live oak trees. There are some very pretty areas if you know where to look, and some interesting history as well. Definitely worth a look. Nearby Avery Island was once (and possibly still is) a popular place to visit as well.
@@EricT3769 We toured New Iberia and Avery Island today, and it's everything you said it was. That video will be up next Tuesday. :)
@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip That’s awesome. Can’t wait to watch. Thanks!
this is not the Acadiana area this area is the “Cenla” area meaning Central Louisiana born and raised in Opelousas which is 1 hour south of Alexandria
We live in leesville about 35 mins away. Pretty cool to see a big channel do some coverage here.
This isn’t a big channel. Just someone that records and hopes to make money on them.
Thanks for showing me what it’s like up there! Just moved to Metairie (New Orleans suburbs) and always wondered what it looks like north of here. The people I meet from there working in the hospital talk highly of Alexandria.
Cool! I like Metairie, it's really nice.
I’m from Louisiana. I live here in Alexandria now. So cool to see you touring this city. I work at the Alexandria Staging Facility. A hub for deportation at AEX. I only see too many car accidents here.
I moved here right before I did drivers ed and it was ridiculous the amount of things that weren't taught and how careless these places are run. not just that but it seems everyone around here has forgotten how to remove head from ass before driving.
My mother was from Alec. We went there once or twice a year while I was growing up. I remember them putting lights on the water tower at Christmas. I thought that was magical!
Mom’s large family all moved to CA around 1950. She always said that was the best thing her parents ever did for her.
I was born in Alexandria in 1947. Loved living there in the 50's and 60's Graduated from Bolton High School and moved out of Alexandria soon afterwards to attend college and never went back except to visit. Sure miss it. Thanks for the tour. Not like I used to remember.
I grew up there and the new bridge from Alexandria to Pineville is named after my daddy on the Alexandria side it is named after the Late Honorable Israel B.Curtis, Jr. And the Pineville side after the Late Lemon Coleman. They were Influencers before their time.
We are proud to have The Curtis -Coleman Bridge named after 2 Outstanding Gentlemen who created change.
Lived in Alexandria in the early 90's on lower thrid , took care of my Mother-n-law for awhile before she passed away. I really loved it...
Great video, one correction. It's not pronounced "Rapids" it's pronounced Rap-eeds. I'm from Alexandria, grew up off of Monroe Street near Levin. In the 20 plus years I lived there, we made the number 1 highest crime rate several times yearly. But very few people nationwide know anything about Alex. Thanks for shining a light on our darkness there bud.
Edit: BTW, next time yall are in town, look up Tunks Cypress Inn. It's a restaurant located just west of town on beautiful Kincade Lake. Try the Oyster Bar, then the fried Alligator tail. 😍
Chester st
Mary st at Webster
Northview
Thanks for sharing. Greetings from Australia.
Thank you for watching, Richard!!
Thanks for a great video. Nice to see a part of Louisiana I haven't been to. The people I've encountered in that state were very nice and friendly. Just be careful when you talk about being a good cornholer, some people may get the wrong idea. lol And yes we use that term up here in Washington.
LOL, thanks!! :)
Thank you Spoda. Nicely done sir always a fun watch
Thank you for that, UC! 😀
The "construction area" you walked into at the beginning of the video, there used to be a stationary vw beetle covered in street art. I took my senior pictures there in 2019. Alec is the town most of us in the small towns around Alexandria go to, and when it comes up in conversation the fact that its become a crime-riddled hole is always at the forefront. My grandfather would hang the american flag up at the Alexandria town hall every morning. Sad to see what could have been knowing what is.
we came and got the beetle back a couple years ago and moved it somewhere else, it was specifically there for people to graffiti. I kept several of the body parts that have very beautiful murals on them and hung them up in the shop. and I agree with you on the second part, things are absolutely getting out of hand right now because of our current administration
I agree with the administration comment. I am from West Monroe and Monroe has an even higher crime status than Alec. It has been in decline for the last 20 years due to the administration. A new mayor was elected a couple of years ago but it will take a lot of time and effort to turn things around. Our Governor and other elected state officials are no better. Louisiana has always been know for crooked politicians and the people just seem to shrug it off as well it’s always been this way. Most of the time I feel as though I waste my time driving to the polls to vote.
This is my hometown. Been here all my life. With that being said part of the issue is that Alexandria is at a stalemate. Since the airbase closed there has been no growth in anyway. The city council and mayor's office fight so much that nothing ever gets done. The most exciting thing is when a new restaurant opens
I was stationed there for the second time and was there when the base was closing. There has been much growth in Alexandria since the base closure in the early 90s.
@@stevetobe4494 where is the growth? The only large industry that's here now that wasn't back then is fedex moved a hub here that's larger. Other than that I'm sure that if you came for a visit you wouldn't get lost. Lafayette is so much bigger than Alexandria, and it's 2 universities in the area here verses 1 there.
@@joelsampson8652 There is the international airport, Union Tank Car, and many small businesses popping up. Construction is growing. The company I work for has expanded. I must admit that we need more high paying jobs here. The Alexandria council has too many wealthy business owners on it that won't allow more industry to come as they don't want to compete with higher wages.
I love winterfete and the artwalk
Tell the truth my sister
"Probably some construction going on here" brother that's been under construction for 30 years.
Nice Video
The place you called a theater, "Rapides Foundations" is a charitable organization that supports our community through grants and economic development projects.
The theater down town is named "The Cofflen Sanders Theater" and it is a jewel in our community.
Also Rapides, which is the name of our parish, is pronounced "rap-ides" and sounds like "rap.eedz". The parish was named for the rapids that once existed in the Red River near todays downtown location.
I used to live on Vance Ave. I saw that on your navigation screen and it looked like you were driving by Bolton High School. You were right by my old house.
Cool.
Thanks for doing this video of Alexandria. I live 45 miles south/south west of Alexandria in Avoyelles parish in Moreauville. I live in the country rural area. As I was watching the video I was recognizing places. There were a lot more beautiful places you could have gone to. You should have gone inside the Bentley. Beautiful historic. Keep the videos coming enjoy watching them
i’m in simmesport
I’m In Marksville 👋🏾
@@robincarter691 hey girl hey
Thank you for doing a great video of our city. I enjoyed it very much.
It always weirds me out when people mention Alexandria since I always thought of it as small and boring. The crime rate always surprises people, even people who have lived there forever, since most of it happens in the streets at night. Usually, people hear about another shooting in the mall parking lot, avoid the mall for a bit, then give in a week later to buy Auntie Anne's 😅
It is super boring. Absolutely nothing to do. I thought Alex was the place to be when I lived in Leesville. After relocating for school I realized it’s definitely more to do, but still not a lot. For me I’m more concerned about the high homeless population and corruption going on in the local and state governments.
@@swampwitch8091 Alec is trash the only thing thats fun really is kees park
30 years ago, this was the best town with lovely Stores. It could have been the loss of the air/army base that started the degradation bc loss of commerce? There are many many more old beautiful homes in the garden area. Growing up in La., Alexandria was the highlight when visiting grandparents. It just felt safe and what every town should be.
Looks rough. I like how you show downtowns and surrounding neighborhoods
Thank you for that. :)
I can’t believe someone made a video of Alexandria. Pretty cool!
We liked it there!
Peabody Magnet High School 🏀 C/10... We been putting Alec on tha map 🗺️... From Georgia To North Carolina To Detroit To International... You'll be surprised who knows about LITTLE Alexandria, La... Especially us WARHORSES 🐴.... But I'm Out Dat Nawfside (M)onroe(L)evin(K)elly
Stay away from here if you’re thinking about moving here. There are still nice places in the parish, but the nice places in the city are steadily shrinking while the bad ones expand and expand. There are a lot of nice and cool people, but so are there in other places without the violence and drugs.
This video shows a small part of the city. At the beginning there is far too much concentration on the empty buildings and streets when just across from that empty parking area on Fourth street is an amazing vibrant coffee shop, Tamp & Grind. Also, you were right by River Oaks Arts Center and the Coughlin Saunders Performing Arts center, two fantastic places in a City of this size.
Love love love Tamp and Grind!
@@HannadayFLO coffee house 🙂
Sadly Tamp is the only living part of Downtown nowadays.
Sadly if you think those places are a attraction for Alexandria I could see why it’s so boring out there and no jobs or anything want to come lol if your a young please don’t move to Alexandria it’s really boring and the jobs sucks out there
Great vid, keep 'em coming!!!!
Thank you, Jon!
10:30 Saturday morning and not a soul to be seen! Some rather beautiful church architecture in the city and a remarkable difference between the "Haves" and the "Have nots". I could say more but I will refrain. All very interesting to watch and thank you for sharing it.
Hi Lord Spoda
Thanks.
Spent a good day with you in Alexandria, Louisiana. Capitol of the State is generally in the mid of State. Wyoming must be a prominent exception.
Why many roads in city are dark reddish? Bricks or Paver blocks?
@ 14:13 Magnificent Post office building, @ 14:57 marvellous 3D mural, contrasting to that, @ 18:17 return to nature, @ 23:11 tree grown out of roof. But in general peaceful neighborhood with single story houses and lots of old trees. Enjoyed the video as usual.
Thanking you again.
The roads are made of brick. You're right, Wyoming is one of the exceptions, like Louisiana. Thank you for your kinfd words, Rajeev.
Yeah, I grew up in Louisiana as well. Further south than you though. Ever since I was a kid, Louisiana rank class in education, quality of life, mortality, health, care, etc. Nothing has changed. Evidently nothing ever will. For all those who can I would suggest hightailing it out of there as quickly as possible. Sad but true.
Was born and raised there. Got out as soon as I turned 18.
Don't blame you.. lol
Me too!! I moved to Lafayette
Smart
You were very smart Queen, soon as I turn up the age I left too, it is a very dangerous place and no growth for your future
I did the same as you, Alexandria is a great place to be from AWAY FROM!!!
Great exploring the city . Love to see all the places . Defenetly want to start doing this too . Been sense 95 in the same city . Lol need to get out .
"Managing The Decline" attitude in some politicians mindset is completely unacceptable. I'm not saying this is the attitude of all politicians of this city, but this one of the disease philosophies that has been a cornerstone of neo-liberal platform for over two decades now. If we don't reverse ourselves and restore Law and Tradition, then ruinous chaos will be our only future.
@@Nacalina007 You are correct. The voters believe the lies the politicians spew forth year after year. Thus their communities decline into poverty and crime.
Too bad they can’t break out of those chains and vote red
AMEN THATS RIGHT YOU CAN SAY THAT AGAIN 🙏💯
@@Nacalina007 AMEN 🙏🙌
I doubt the problem is neo-libs, it is corrupt politicians that would rather keep the city dead than let in new business. Maybe all the money from the Pentecostals who control what comes into the town are the reason. Pineville was a dry city until like 2 years ago because of this. People like this killed my town in Texas.
Also fun fact about Alexandria, is it’s home to two amazing bands, perpetual deception and absence of us. They really bring life to every show they do there.
Good video. Thumbs up for this one.
Thank you!
Born and Raised in Alexandria, A-Town. It was once a great place to live, I go back home often my Grandmother still lives there in Acadian Village been there my whole life, same home. I always tell my children when we visit this is not the Alexandria, I grew up in. It’s Central Louisiana it should be further along, 3 hours from NOLA, 2 from BR, and Lake Charles 1.5 from Lafayette and Shreveport, 45 mins for Natchitoches. Why is there no growth??? High School State Championship games can be hosted there and not Lafayette, it’s central. The crime has increased tremendously because of the corruption at the top. The first major headline in my lifetime that was nationally broadcast about the cop killings, it was corruption in the APD. A-Town used to be the number 1 city in LA to retire. Now, it’s 9th in the Nation for crime. There’s always a root. I grew up in the Sonya Quarters, Karst Park and lived in GD until I moved in 2004. So from 1979-2004, when I tell you, it has changed drastically. Yes, it’s a small town, but it had big city energy. Karst Park was a housing project, however you never heard of any murders when I was growing up, families lived there, although it was government subsidized many homes were 2-parent, including mine. I remember the frozen cup ladies, the boudin lady, the ice cream cone and candy lady. I had a great upbringing in Alexandria, Louisiana and I wish my children could’ve seen the A-Town I loved. Now, it’s hard to be present when I visit, I go see my in-laws, grandmother and 2 aunts and leave as soon as possible, because the new generation in A-Town, I’m not familiar with and they have no conscious or code. My classmates are burying their children, it’s sad. It can be turned around, as someone mentioned earlier the cost of living is overpriced, they’re decent jobs but very few outside of the hospitals, Pinecrest, Dresser, Proctor and Gamble, you can go outside the town and work at Marco. There’s NOTHING for the youth, not a damn thing. We had the mall, movies, Aggie Skating and Rink, Frank O’Hunter park when there wasn’t any fighting or shooting. Again not much, but it was fun, we were different teens we didn’t need a lot to occupy our time. Going to the mall or movie, hanging out, was good enough for us. Football and Basketball games, when Peabody and Pineville played, Peabody was a solid team, we went to state often. It was a very good time, growing up late 80’s teenager in the 90’s. Another thing that caused harm was shutting down Charity Hospital aka Huey P Long it took away great healthcare for those who were low income and many jobs were lost including my late great aunt who worked there for years, and after became homeless and suffered from mental illness. Pineville will look like this soon, it used to be a dry parish now it’s not, some things shouldn’t be messed with. As I look at these videos, I innerstand now more than ever, what Trump meant by Make America Great Again, small minds thought it was about race, no it’s about the heart of America, the average American, the smaller towns, the “middle class” that kept the country balanced.
Pretty much my same entire life in Alec my sister had one of the last B-Day parties at Aggies I probably was ~ 5-7. I graduated from PHS in 14 besides my family I haven’t had any reason to go back. These places are living cemeteries this is what happens when the people that say MAGA or the most corrupt and crooked of the bunch. This place would need investments of all kinds to be functional again but when your leaders are only motivated by lining their pockets places like this are all but forgotten because they don’t add anything really to the bottom line.
@ 1:25, there is Sentry Drug... Years ago it used to be called Red Cross 🙂 All along this street there used to be Parking Meters because this was "Downtown" and used to be very busy!! It had stores like Gus Kaplan, Koblins Jewelry, Weiss & Goldring, Soul Train, etc., etc., It's cool to see a video about a town I grew up in 🙂
Sentry Drug was Walgreens when i was growing up in the 50's. My dad took my sister and i there for breakfast every Saturday morning.
I totally get the statistics you were discussing on home prices. Starter homes are basically nonexistent in this town and the median home price is tanked by the poorer, crime ridden areas. The housing market in Alexandria is weird and homes are well over priced for what the community provides in opportunities to purchase them.
It's a Mason town, they run it and control it
Hey Lord, on that FBI chart you posted a link to, do you have any idea why a city like St Louis somehow didn't make the top 50 list when it comes to violent crimes or homicide rates per 100,000?
No idea. That list is a couple years old now. St Louis is definitely on it now.
@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip I'm thinking maybe they only included cities with a core population of under 100,000 because there is a large number of major cities that are missing!
That’s possible. 👍
I guess he used Neighborhood Scout.
FBI counts 100K resident for cities
Neighborhood Scout uses 25K cites population
Alexandria is around 45K
Dang it feel surreal to see someone touring my city. I’m born and raised in the Ghetto of that city the North Side where most of the crime takes place. I can say one thing if you can survive in Alex u can survive anywhere.
Thx for so many tours of fascinating places!
Thank you for the kind words, Greg.
This is the town I was born and raised in. Still have family there. Me and my wife moved from there back in 2015 and moved to ATX
Kind of looks spooky 🔥💥🙀in the beginning. Did you see the decorative manhole right before cutting to residential? I am wondering where it was made because it looks so old. What happened to the middle class of America? Love Nicole's outfit, reminiscent of the 80's so 😎. The food alone would make the whole trip!! Awesome!!
The food was good, Norcal. I'll tell Nicole you liked her outfit!
@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip thanks, been doing some nostalgia myself.
I live about 25 miles east of Monroe Louisiana. I knew that Monroe was rough, but didn't know it ranked 2nd. My goodness..
I’m disappointed you didn’t point out the Coughlin theater and the museums, they are the most impressive things downtown IMO
It had gotten worst with crime every year. I live here but spend most of my time traveling elsewhere.
Wow! Beautiful statue and placard at St. Francis Cathedral. Built in 1919. I never knew the Red River flowed through central LA. I Loved those houses in the Garden District. I’m guessing “shotgun houses” means something completely different in Alexandria.
Oh, I need a mattress. Where was that one so I can go get it?😁
Born and raised in Libouse before it grew so large. Spent every Saturday with my Meme coming into town to the Post Office, went to the zoo a lot as a kid, worked downtown with Mr. Burns (criminal attorney), danced the night away at the Light House and Cotton Gin and many more. Crossed the Sabine and married a Texan. Of course this was all back in 1957 when I was born and left at 18 and didn’t come back. My Papa taught at Bolton HS, and my daddy went to Louisiana College. A lot has changed yet still stayed the same. Lots of family and friends still there.
Yes the Cotton Gin I almost had forgotten about it
Another great video! 👍
Thank you, Steve!
We went camping in Louisiana decades ago and those horseflies are brutal.
Yeah, they're like bats!
Rapides foundation is actually pronounced Rap-peeds foundation, just like the parish. Yes, and 3rd Street is the "ghetto" as well as part of the Garden District.
I was born in Pineville at the Huey P. Long Charity Hospital in 1969, my moved myself and my Sister to Columbus, Ohio when we were 12 & 13! I return to visit my family once every year. Just was there in September. I LOVE my family so much. I get SO EMOTIONAL when it’s time for me to leave. I ALWAYS t hi no to myself. There is SO MUCH BETTER for you all outside of this place. Home is Home to them. Alexandria was such a VIBRANT place when we were growing up. I know that area very well!! That city could really be redeveloped if the Mayor can get some help and backing to do what needs to be done . It’s called PLANTATION HOUSE!! Keep it 💯💯
My name is Donald Newman born and raised in Alexandria my kids still live there. The place has really changed but it is still Home. A lot of out people moved in and it went to hell. Lower third once was a good place to live
Thank you!!
Some other fun facts about Alexandria. The invading union army razed it to the ground during the Civil War , burning most everything but the cathedral and a handful of plantations. Jim Bowie lived in Alexandria , and it was here that he became embroiled in the feud that would lead to him and his infamous Knife becoming known the world over.
Lee street was the site of a race riot during the second world war that lead to the mass killing of a still disputed number of servicemen in the downtown area that was called little harlem , known as the Lee Street Riot.
Nathan, Lee St murders. I live in Alexandria. 69yrs.
It was not a race riot.
Nice tour. You say that Alexandria is ninth in crime in the USA: You missed an area of the city that would have shown why. I know that you want to present the positive and not be exploitive of poverty-stricken areas, but years ago while driving through Alexandria I took a wrong exit off the expressway into an area that looked dystopian. Shotgun houses with dirt yards that looked like they may have been there since the days of share cropping or slavery. Louisiana has an interesting history.
True, so much he can cover I guess in only 31 minutes. There are streets such as Levin I wouldn't walk down during the day much less at night. Most of the city has grown toward the west away from the blight of the inner city. He didn't show most of the rot.
So right didn’t shoe the ugly
U talking about about off of broadway where joes at
@@stevenas58 I grew up there, Alexandria is now 80% black, most whites moved out, even black mayor now. You know what happens when we take over, most of the time.
@@applejack2911 I grew up there too. I moved away when I turned 22.
I can't believe yall didn't go look at some of the scenery around Natchitoches being that close.
We're going to do a video of Natchitoches, most likely this summer.
@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip have yall been in this area in the summer? If not get ready for some humidity and heat if you come in the summer. The air feels like you can cut it with a knife, you might want to avoid full on summer if possible but at the same time there will be more for yall to do. I'm sure yall will go down cane river and check out the old plantations and you've gotta go ride through and check out the scenic places in kisatchie.
I can take the heat! :)
@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip we just got done with some wonderful 110° weather did you try it out?
I live right between Alexandria and Monroe. Lived here all my life. That is strange to hear how high we rank on the crime scale. Ive never had an issue myself knock on wood lol i saw on tv the other day that New Orleans has the highest murder rates in the US. I can see that one.
I live in West Monroe and have never ever been frightened in Monroe but I also know what areas to stay away from. Most high crime areas you would not have any reason to go to . They are low rent government subsidized housing areas and the retailers close by.
i live in the Garden District in a home well over 100 years old. i am 4 minutes from downtown and while we have street traffic i am comfortable going out every day for my daily walk.
No way I'd live in those old slavery houses,..they got ghost there that the other ghost scared of. I grew up there I had to stay with my great grandmother therevin a OLD house. I heard people walking around at night,.of course no one believed the little kid. No thanks
I live close to Alec and my family is scared to go in these days
I noticed there are a few more out there traveling the nation.. I like your channel the best, it's much more interesting,
Thank you, Jolene! :)
@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip I was wondering,, if the run down cities make you feel sad.. There is so many cities run into the ground and nature is taking over. I am afraid of what is about to happen in the USA,, I live in Maine Bangor,, I watch the ocean which seems to be getting stronger, Our beautiful country being destroyed by so many unqualified Political leaders.. Be safe out there.. I really like the videos close to the border of Mexico.
The area by Tamp and Grind and Embers is the area where we have our Winterfete (winter celebration) and our artwalk events. I have lived in Rapides Parish all my life. It's always been bad with crime however since Katrina when many people from the gulf area moved here its gotten a good 10 times worse and gets worse by the day. It's really sad to know our kids are growing up in this society. 😢
FACTS!!!
It's a clean town with no visible homeless camping on sidewalks. It's really pretty too and the Bentley looks like a nice family place. Safe travels!
The homeless all congregate under the interstate or at the riverfront amphitheater. They've kind of run most of them off from downtown, but that's just pushed them into more residential areas rather than the mostly empty downtown section.
@@nathanirby4273 or they inhabit the empty houses and eventually set them on fire. That's been going on alot over in wardville also.
the homeless tend to congregate near walmart and the mall area to panhandle or near the mana house for free meals.
From what I understand a lot of them have taken up residence in that old nursing home in wardville, or the abandoned Huey p long hospital. I've been in Huey , and i have it on good authority that the police policy is that they do not enter it for any reason, too dangerous and too easy for someone to get the drop on you, but they will park in the parking lot occasionally
"Law enforcement" ignoring known criminals, in known locations, committing known crimes is the usual for Lousy-ana. They are parked in the parking lot occasionally to pick up and drop off, nothing more. There is no incentive to enforce the law, because crime, especially drug crime, is much more lucrative.
It's still mid October 2022 and it is now in the 30s here in Alexandria, LA. Lol gotta love Central Louisiana weather.
At 3:06 the open building you were in is our farmer’s market
Alexandria is a very nice clean city I liked that I did see homeless people camping on downtown, street where nicely clean didn’t see thrash everywhere, most of the house on video had there front yard nice cut and cleaned. Thank you for one more video.
You're right, there was very little trash. Good catch! :)
I know you didn't, Alexandra is a nasty stinky town, have you ever been there
Clean?? You only saw the part that is-- downtown. The rest of the city has piles and piles of trash on the curbs, from the eviction of entire families, poor families, who can't afford to hire a moving truck and aren't given enough time to get their belongings. It's heartbreaking. Driving through, you'll see toys and baby beds and whole furnishings. My heart cries for those families.
He didn't visit the entire city. There is quite a homeless population who live under the overpasses, near the governmental buildings.
I’ve lived in and around Alexandria my whole life (im 25 now). When I was younger the city had its dangerous spots, namely lee street, lower 3rd, Monroe street, and Bolton, but now the whole city is a shit hole to say the least. It’s very dangerous and there and shootings constantly. I still work in Alexandria but I love just outside of it now cause living in Alexandria doesn’t make sense now with how dangerous it is.
Us too. Since Katrina, we got more street homeless, and the current mayor is soft on crime and drugs, so murder and theft is high. We moved way out rural 11 years ago, but work in town and go to the cathedral. I trry to stay on the Pineville side as much as possible, but some things you gotta shop for in town. The hubby works at ups and he hears gunshots nearby almost daily. And the police dept is trying to keep it hush hush, but if you know an ER nurse or a LEO, you hear whats really going on. I spend as little time as possible in Alex. But the surrounding rural areas are pretty good.
As soon as we got big dogs crime dropped 100% at our house
That exactly why I left Alexandria I'm from Alexandria, Levin Street and Bolton Avenue.. went to high school at Bolton High, the whole Alexandria is nasty and dangerous
@@Ayo-zz6gq Lol, no it's not! Of course Levin Street is bad and that's why no one goes there. Jackson Street, Charles Park and Landmark are amazing. It's only certain areas that are dangerous like in any city.
@@danieldavis3035 They even have bank robberies in Jackson Street now
I always look forward to the next video!
Thank you for that, Todd!
The writing on the wall art iminates life the message is clear
I live just outside of Alexandria but work there. I arrived from Ohio after joining the USAF. My wife is from Louisiana and we chose to live here after exiting the military.
I go to school right there in downtown, pretty neat to see you walking the route I drive literally every day lol. I eat my lunch on the levee all the time
hotel Bentley has some construction going on and they are building an amphitheater at the riverfront center.
shit, I live right off Rapids Avenue. I just heard shots pop off 30 minutes ago. It's definitely rough around here.
The geographical center of the state is right across that bridge in Pineville in the veterans' cemetery.
My grandparents lived close to here my whole life. Pineville to be exact. The zoo there is pretty cool. We would go often. There was also an art camp there for summers. I never noticed any crime as a child, and I can't believe that my grandparents would stay in a place that was dangerous considering their personalities and the fact that they definitely had the means to relocate but maybe they just didn't notice. Lol. I have no idea. But in the 38 years that I've been alive and they lived there they never had any issues.
You did a great review of Alexandria, my Dad and his brother were both Architects and Dad settled in Baton Rouge and Uncle Joe in Alexandria. Uncle Joe and his Sons did a great deal to create beautiful buildings in Alexandria. I am from Baton Rouge and the joke is anyone who lives north of I-10 is a Yankee wait till you see the difference in Lafayette Cajun is alive there and the surrounding areas. I laughed at you talking about the football game, a lot of people were happy to see Nick Saban throwing a fit on the sidelines when Alabama got beat by Tennessee
I remember your uncle Joe from his friend Bill. Good man.
Thank you for the great comment, Frank. :)
Always surprises me how quiet it is at 10am on a Saturday. I live in a small UK town, 10am on Saturday in town is super busy.
It's busy in many cities here in the USA as well. Some cities here simply don't develop their downtowns, sadly.
@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip It's really interesting to see the differences. Much prefer to live somewhere quieter, & the houses there are so spaced out it makes me jealous. Thank you for making me jealous!
@@DavidSmith-oy4of Lol! 😀
I live in Pineville so this was cool to see! Safe travels!
You didn't show the million dollar homes. There's much more to Alexandria than you showed. The state of Louisiana can be divided into 3 portions the food, people and atmosphere are totally different. North Louisiana, Central Louisiana and South Louisiana.
Louisiana has the best of everything. The culture and food are like no other. The people are extremely hospitable. You will not meet a stranger. Louisiana is truly a Sportsman's Paradise and we Louisianians live off the land for sure. There is no place in the world like Louisiana USA. I am a very proud Louisiana woman born and bred.
I wish you had mentioned the Tasting Room of Alexandria. It's run by the only whiskey sommelier of Louisiana. It's so wild to see someone touring Alexandria. I came upon your video in my recommendations. It's so interesting to see an outsiders perspective.
Alexandria used to be the capital before it got burned down in the civil war. The VA hospital in Pineville was the first LSU campus
I was born and raised in Alexandria Louisiana (A-TOWN) and now live in Pineville Louisiana and lemme tell y'all that the crime is so bad in Alex that the cops are even scared. There's at least a murder a day if not 3-4 and you can and will get robbed quick morning noon or night. Alex use to be beautiful and enjoyable, where raising a family was a a smart choice but at this point I don't go to Alex because of the crime and I live 10 minutes away. I haven't been there in 6 months and I use to go everyday after moving to Pineville but it's scary there and not just at night, every second of everyday
I believe you.
The people need hope. The system in Alex doesn't value the lives of the poor communities, and makes them targets for their monopolies in the corrections sector. It's disgusting.
Well as for this Texan,I don't leave home without a shotgun in my van and a handgun on my person...so if any scumbag who's to lazy to work sizes me up as an easy target,he will be sadly mistaken when I pop his ass!...so with that being said I will never let scumbags ruin my travels or dictate where I can and cannot go,so if and when I decide to visit Alex as you called it I will be well protected against anything happening...so take care and be safe brother...
Funny I travel to Alexandria LOUISIANA daily, still do,your response must be certain areas of Alex and your daily shootings must Not have been reported to Law or news. Plus the cops are Not scared.
I'm not seeing it on news or hearing about it on anything Not even Facebook! Also funny that Alexandria and Pineville housing seems to be keeping property value even IF as you report daily shootings. Unless it's going on in the hood away from MacArthurs main drag and as I said not being reported to police,or local radio or news. And KALB news owned by Greymedia would SURELY report it. Sooo...I find your description has some holes in it. Further more 10 mins away isn't gonna save you if it's as bad as your stating. Now if you were talking Nola or Baton Rouge you might have a case, I would believe that.
I love how he said it was still summer weather. It really was in the 80's
Move a week forward to tonight. It's getting into the 30s
It is so sad to see how much potential Alexandria and surrounding areas have and to see it going downhill. I pray for a positive change. 9th most violent city. Lord help.
Who's on first 🤣 Kinda depressing this town but you guys lift it up with your back and forth at the end , your a great couple 👍 Enjoy your day !
Thank you, Bill.
I live here. You didn't even scratch the surface of the city 🤣
ditto on both counts
So what? I wasn't trying to.
I thought they would try the Pitt Grill!
Lord Spoda… This is my hometown Pineville Louisiana and Alexandria. I couldn’t believe you were reviewing it I sent it to my wife right away. Pineville is a lot better than Alexandria as far as crime it is across the river. If you’re in Pineville you don’t go to Alexandria after dark. Did you try Johnny’s pizza or Lou and Laura’s shrimp Po boys.
We had Johnny’s yesterday. It was awesome! I’m going to cover Pineville in a future video. I’m going to use it as the starting place for one of my small town country drives. 😀
Been living in Alexandria since 2005. I have not seen or experienced crime. Have heard of crime but not to the extent of being 9th in the USA.
one thing I have always wondered. Why it's citizens have in a way abandoned the city. It's a great potential area to be a tourist heaven!
It just needs to be discovered and not let it go to ruins. I live in the Garden District close to the zoo which some people consider it a unsafe area. The city needs motivation to make it a great place to visit. Overall I loved the video!
I love this comment , but I’ll be honest being from here it’s a sad situation of crabs in a bucket for the ones that are here but that narrative has changed over time but it definitely needs a little razzle dazzle or the right person in the seats to do so (cough cough)but seriously if you’re not politically correct you can’t speak on much in this city but I’ll tell you what I wish someone ask me what to do I could get things going lol it’s so much you could do with this city seriously ! 2 colleges and and amazing technical, votec, and high school athlete programs that are legendary ! LEADERSHIP IS WHATS MISSING, the city need to build!
Talking about the zoo; When I was there, there was a large pond with about eight or ten of the largest alligator snapping turtles I have ever seen. They were all at least three feet in diameter. Are they still there? It was also easy to push open a "chained" chain length gate and squeeze through to get inside a large enclosure which housed several white tail deer. The deer were very tame and friendly, and would happily eat from your hand. I also found the capybara and Patagonian Mara to be quite interesting animal peculiarities. Some people called the Mara jackalopes.
We abandon the city cause it’s boring no progress no jobs lack of opportunities which all plays a role in the crime and us moving from the city the old money in Alexandria don’t want to give the keys to young people the city is not business friendly they want there hands in everything Alexandria is just a mess think about it the only thing they try to attract for people to come there is for a zoo that honestly most places don’t use there zoo as the number one attraction the lack of festivals is horrible like you said it has so much potential when they start doing more for young people
My brother is one of the cooks at the Hotel Bentley. Lovely building.
Monroe is number 2 and it really is no bigger than Alexandria is chilling"too me to hear the only Northeast Louisiana City at that ranking which is one of the most beautiful city that sits along the Ouachita River and the wonderful bayou (NE) that's surrounds the area with the pecon and oak trees lining the road ways and boulevard it's so much talent and so much history in this city it's unbelievable may my City get the people back she need to grass gane our glory back.... One city one future =Monroe proud.....
I no longer live in the Alexandria area, but I worked on an ambulance there for a couple decades.
Hotel Bentley! If my memory serves me correct, was built by a guy who was turned away from a fancy hotel for being too dirty after a long day of work. So he decided to build one himself, he tiled everything by hand, and had a relatively small construction team for the size of the place. You can find his “signature” blue tile, only one on the entire floor.
Edit: overall, people are scared of the town, but if you stick to the right people, and don’t get yourself in a situation where you could be in trouble, you’ll be fine. Only thing about Cenla (Local name for Alexandria, Central Louisiana) is that if you walk at night alone, regardless of if you’re a man or a woman, someone might try to mug you. People will leave you alone if you have dogs, or travel in groups greater than 2. I’ve never once been pickpocketed, nor do I know anyone that has been.
Interesting. Thank you for the info.
I can confirm this as a Pineville resident of 30 years. There are no mugging or drive bys, the thumbnail I the right area to avoid if you're not just passing through going north or south.
3:24 that church is where we had my great grandpa funeral and the clock tower I named that clocky when I was 4