How Calhoun balances rural living with modern amenities
Calhoun is a rural community roughly halfway between Monroe and Ruston. The Ouachita Parish town has a country feel, with local restaurants, two-lane roads and rolling hills, even as residential development continues to take shape. Local events, from holiday parades to chili cook-offs, bring neighbors together throughout the year, and parks offer ways to get outside. Interstate 20 and Highway 80 make the surrounding areas easy to reach, putting Monroe's shopping and dining within a 20-minute drive.
What homes look like and cost in Calhoun
You’ll find relatively new construction in Calhoun, with most homes built in the early 2000s. More recent builds, with open layouts and modern finishes, sit alongside established cottages and ranch-style homes. The area is known for its larger lots and more acreage than nearby communities, and residents often move here to get a little bit more land. "It's definitely rural, and everything is really right off the interstate," says Melinda Winn, a Realtor with THLT Realty, who has sold several homes in the area. "But it is developing, and there are some new neighborhoods in Calhoun that they are building." Depending on size, age and condition, most single-family homes range in price from the low $100,000s to the high $700,000s. Undeveloped plots or properties needing work can sell for under $100,000, while larger homes with lots of space, acreage and amenities like pools can exceed $1 million.
Where Calhoun students can go to school
The Ouachita Parish School System serves Calhoun. Students can start at Calhoun Elementary School for pre-kindergarten through second grade, then continue at Central Elementary School for third through fifth grade. After Calhoun Middle School, students advance to West Ouachita High School, which offers Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses and holds a B-plus rating from Niche. “Calhoun is known for its elementary school, especially,” says Winn, who adds, “Now they have West Ouachita, and it's just a really good school zone.”
What the commute is like from Calhoun
Calhoun is a car-dependent neighborhood with easy access to Interstate 20 and Highway 80. Given its central location and spread-out feel, the community is a popular spot for commuters to call home. Here’s what potential homebuyers should know:
- Monroe, with the University of Louisiana Monroe, is about 15 miles east.
- Ruston, with Louisiana Tech, is about 18 miles west.
- Monroe Regional Airport is about 20 miles east.
Where Calhoun residents shop and dine
Many casual dining options sit right off I-20. Toward the center of town, near Highway 80, you can find some smaller, local establishments, like Chief's Hideaway, a popular breakfast and lunch spot. Nearby Daylight Donuts is also popular in the morning, and Iron Cactus serves Mexican favorites. Dollar General and Dollar Tree locations can cover daily errands, while Calhoun Groceries handles weekly grocery runs.
Things to do in Calhoun
In Calhoun, outdoor spaces and year-round events offer plenty to do. For fun, you can visit:
- Ouachita Sports Complex, which has multiple ball fields and batting cages
- West Ouachita Wellness Park, with a multipurpose field, picnic areas and play equipment
- Calvert Crossing Gold Club, with a restaurant, swimming pool and tennis courts alongside its 18-hole course
- Thirsty Farmer, a scenic winery and vineyard
For a small town, Calhoun's annual calendar of events stays busy. Not Ya Mama's Spring Fling & Louisiana State Chili Cook-Off is a spring festival with live music, food trucks, vendors and a sanctioned chili competition. In the winter, the Calhoun Christmas Parade & Festival features music, festive food and craft vendors. Candy Cane Lane, a mile-long drive-through light display running from November to January, is also popular during the holiday season.
Septic systems and flood zones in Calhoun
Calhoun does not have a municipal sewer system, so many residents rely on septic systems for wastewater. "It depends on if you're in a subdivision or not," Winn says. Flooding is another thing to consider before moving to Calhoun, as bayous, creeks and swampy pockets dot the community. Homes near waterways often carry a higher flood risk during heavy rains. Buyers should check the flood zone of their specific property before making an offer.
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Adreanna DeMarino
