Leesville, Louisiana
What It Is Like to Retire in Leesville
Active adults over 50 who are looking to buy in an outdoors oriented, low cost community should investigate the Louisiana towns of Leesville and DeRidder. The towns are within 20 miles of one another near the western border of Louisiana, half way up from the Gulf.
Leesville is home to Fort Polk, a U.S. Army facility that familiar to millions of GI’s. The U.S. invested millions to improve its facilities, including a terrific golf course and nice off-post housing. Now that the Fort has been downsized there is a buyer’s market for the many homes vacated by U.S. military personnel. Town officials in both Leesville and DeRidder are busy planning and renovating their classic downtowns to keep their towns strong economically. They have targeted adults over 50 as good prospects; particularly former military personnel who long ago fell in love with these pretty towns. The area has great natural beauty and ample recreational opportunities with good lakes and rivers for fishing.
Where to Retire in Leesville and Home Prices
Leesville and DeRidder each offer the chance to live in a nice house and walk to an active downtown. DeRidder, the smaller of the towns, offers more historic homes. Both towns have amenities and community facilities to keep one busy. The city of Leesville is working hard to promote and improve itself.
According to Zillow, the median home value was $149,866 in mid-2021.
What Is Special about Leesville
Charming old towns with vital and classic downtowns. Opportunity to buy a great home in a buyer's market. DeRidder's new Public Library. Many historic home available. Fort Polk golf course (open to public). Northwestern State University.Many lakes and rivers. Retirement welcoming committee
What Is Not Special about Leesville
The communities have their poorer neighborhoods. Hot, humid summers. You are making a bet that the development plans will work
Who Will Like Retirement in Leesville
Leesville attracts a community of people who either want to live in a small town with a vital center and a low cost of living. Many are interested in fishing and outdoor sports, and many are familiar with the area from their Army days.
Use this link for a page that explains the various types of retirement communities
Local Economy Is Driven by
Leesville's economy is driven by Fort Polk, tourism, retirees.
Climate and Physical Environment
The towns of Leesville and DeRidder are located on the western edge of central Louisiana, 97 miles south of Shreveport. There are many lakes and rivers in the area. Houston Texas is about 175 miles; Lake Charles (LA) is 65 miles.; The January temp average is in the high 40's and the July average is just over 80.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
Leesville has an old movie theatre being restored as a performing arts and community center. DeRidder has a wonderful new library. Its old railroad depot now houses a museum of dolls. Northwestern State University has classes available for seniors.
Crime
Crime is just slightly below the national average.
Medical facilities
Byrd Regional Hospital in Leesville, Fort Polk has facilities for military personnel
Transportation
Alexandria International Airport is 53 miles. Polk military airport is here, Chennault International is 66 miles in Lake Charles
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