Families enjoy space and schools in DeQuincy
The community of DeQuincy is where people can spread out and relax in Calcasieu Parish. "It's a great little town for people to raise a family," says Realtor Mark Fontenot with NextHome New Phase Realty. "It's also close to different parks and towns, so you can enjoy a lot of what southwest Louisiana has to offer." DeQuincy is an older area that provides a laidback, relaxed vibe, but the available acreage and the well-rated schools draw buyers wanting to slow down. The community is also a short drive to nearby towns like Sulphur and Lake Charles, allowing residents to access more dining, retail and entertainment conveniently.
Rural homes with acreage and trees in northern Calcasieu Parish
DeQuincy has a quiet, rural feel with modestly built homes at a median sale price of $170,000. Located in the northern reaches of Calcasieu Parish, the community is not as marshy as areas south. There are primarily manufactured, ranch-style and New Traditional houses. Residences sit on rich green lawns with magnolia, oak and pine trees. Kudzu densely covers many pockets of trees, and Buxton Creek winds north and west through the town. Moving outward into the countryside, a larger acreage is available, offering crop fields and homesteading opportunities. "It's a slow market with not much new construction, but there are people who want to move to the country around DeQuincy and have more land," says Fontenot.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Dequincy has a relatively high risk of hurricane and tornado impact. The highest risk of flooding is around Buxton Creek. Buyers should ensure they have adequate homeowner's insurance and follow evacuation orders. They should also consider shelter locations for emergencies.
B-rated schools serve DeQuincy
Calcasieu Parish Schools serves nearly 30,000 students and earns an overall B-plus rating from Niche. DeQuincy Primary earns a B and serves pre-kindergarten to second grade. DeQuincy Elementary scores a B-plus and serves third through fifth grade. DeQuincy Middle gets a B, and DeQuincy High earns a B-minus. High schoolers have about 10 extracurricular clubs and activities, including quiz bowl, board game club and library club.
DeQuincy has modest outdoor spaces for sports and play
DeQuincy offers a modest number of outdoor amenities, including Oak Street Park and Small Park, which provide playgrounds and picnic areas. DeQuincy Park is a large, grassy field with a small skatepark attached. The DeQuincy Ball Fields hosts Little League and club games and has a walking track encircling the park. Outside of DeQuincy High School, there are tennis courts and more athletic fields. The community is about 20 miles from Sam Houston Jones State Park on the Calcasieu West Fork River. The park features a boat launch, disc golf course, picnic areas, a fishing pier and a trail that winds through the surrounding marsh and bayou.
Historic railroad museum anchors DeQuincy’s town center
The community's downtown area is centered around East Fourth Street, which features churches, supply shops, and small businesses like The Market at 806, an antique store. There's a mix of chain and local restaurants, including Prejean's Crawfish House, which serves fresh-caught seafood from the Gulf. There's also Grind Central Station, a coffee shop, and DeQuincy Iron House Pub, the local watering hole. Grocery options include Brookshire Brothers, Dollar General and Family Dollar, with more offerings in nearby Sulphur and Lake Charles. The Dequincy Railroad Museum offers a look into the town's history. It also hosts the Louisiana Railroad Days Festival each April, which includes music, carnival rides, food vendors and live music.
Car-dependent town with regional connections and services
DeQuincy sits near a convergence of State Routes 12 and 27. The town is home to DeQuincy Memorial Hospital. Car-dependent residents are about 30 miles from Lake Charles, one of the closest cities and the nearest access to Interstate 10. Lake Charles is also home to Chennault International, the closest airport. DeQuincy is in the middle of the transportation and economic corridor between Houston, Texas, 160 miles away, and New Orleans, 220 miles away. Beaumont, Texas, is about 50 miles from DeQuincy, and Lafayette is about 100 miles away. The community is on par with the national CAP Index Crime Score, earning a four out of 10.
