Ball offers small-town living near Pineville and nature
Ball grew out of the long-leaf pine forests that once blanketed central Louisiana. In the early 20th century, sawmills and timber operations flourished, drawing workers and shaping the town’s development. The area’s history is also tied to the military. During World War II, Camp Livingston was one of the largest U.S. Army training bases, bringing thousands of soldiers to the community. Though that camp has closed, Ball still has a significant military presence, as Camp Beauregard, an active Louisiana National Guard base, is just south of the community.
The Rapides Parish town of about 4,000 is also a bedroom community of Pineville, about 7 miles south. “Pineville is growing at an exceptional rate,” says Realtor Jamie Ponthier with Keller Williams Cenla Partners, who has sold many homes in the area. “Ball is on the outskirts, but not nearly as developed, so that’s the draw around there.” With the Esler Field Wildlife Management Area to the east, the town is just as close to outdoor escapes as it is to city streets.
Community centers and parks offer year-round recreation
The Ball Community Center and adjacent Ball Senior Citizen Center host community events and recreational programs throughout the year. Around these buildings, the Ball Walking Trail & Fitness Park features paved trails, grassy green space and playgrounds. For a larger outdoor experience, the 12,500-acre Esler Field Wildlife Management Area is just outside of Ball. While it’s used as a National Guard training facility and supplies lumber for the area’s timber production, it also has many hiking trails and fishing and hunting opportunities. Gone Wild Safari, about 5 miles west, is an interactive drive-through experience, where visitors can view a range of wildlife.
Ball has quick dining and shopping options close to home
While residents are close to a large concentration of shopping and dining options in Pineville and Alexandria, there’s enough in town to run quick errands or grab a bite to eat. Ball Foods is the local grocery store, and Dollar General supplies everyday goods. BJ’s Pizza House is a go-to for wings and pizza, while El Rodeo serves Mexican favorites. For dessert, residents head to their local Dairy Queen Grill & Chill.
Homes range from cottages to Cape Cods with spacious lots
Residential roads are quiet. Tall oak and pine trees shade grassy front lawns, and houses are spread apart from their neighbors. Small cottages and ranch-style homes can range in price from about $120,000 to $230,000, while two-story Cape Cods or New Traditionals may cost $240,000 to $380,000. Prices depend on size, age and condition. Land is also available.
Zoned for Rapids Parish Public Schools
The Rapides Parish Public Schools district serves Ball. Paradise Elementary, Tioga Junior High and Tioga High School all get B-plus scores from Niche. Tioga High also offers dual enrollment classes with LSU of Alexandria.
Quick drives connect Ball to Pineville, Alexandria and beyond
Ball is car-dependent. “Ball is very small, and most people consider it Pineville,” Ponthier says. “You can drive through Ball in 5 minutes.” It’s 9 miles to Alexandria, home to the Rapides Regional Medical Center, the Alexandria VA Medical Center and the Alexandria International Airport. In the city, locals can also access U.S. Interstate 49, which leads throughout Louisiana. Lafayette is about 97 miles south, and Baton Rouge is about 131 miles southeast.
Written By
Adreanna DeMarino
