Legend has it the biggest pine tree in the world once grew in DeRidder. The timber industry might have pruned the legend as the industry helped define the western Louisiana city. The population, currently around 9,000, has declined slightly in recent years due to a shrinking job market, with many workers defecting to Lake Charles, 50 miles south. But a nearby Army installation and a core of dedicated locals keep the town strong. “For a small town, we have a thriving art and culture scene,” says Main Street director Elona Weston. “There’s always something going on — I can’t keep up with all of it.”
Ripe ground for the Beauregard Watermelon Festival
A collection of memorabilia depicting the city’s earliest days is on display inside a renovated train depot at the Beauregard Museum. The RealArt DeRidder Art Gallery showcases work by regional artists, and the Wooten Theater hosts live music and a local theater group that draws participants from nearby towns. Nighttime tours of the “Hanging Jail,” the town’s landmark Gothic Revival-style building, are a popular tourist attraction. During the Beauregard Watermelon Festival in late June, locals participate in seed-spitting contests, relay races and “Melon Voice” singing competitions. “We’re an area that has a lot of sandy, loamy ground, so it’s ripe for growing watermelons,” Weston says.
Wildlife preserves and archaic cave systems offer great hiking in the countryside surrounding DeRidder. Hunters can sight in for deer, rabbits, squirrels and numerous wildfowl in the Clear Creek Wildlife Management Area. Nearby rivers inhabited by lush scenery and native birdlife are popular with canoeists and kayakers.
Forestry industry growing tall in DeRidder
Beauregard Parish’s healthy pine growth keeps the forestry industry alive. Canada-based company Canfor Southern Pine recently opened a $200 million lumber mill in DeRidder that contributes hundreds of jobs to the local economy. The Fort Johnson Army installation, about 18 miles away, creates a strong military presence in the area. Health care jobs are available at Beauregard Health System, conveniently located near the heart of town. Some residents commute to Lake Charles, which offers more diverse job opportunities.
Residents rely on cars to get around in this remote city. Routes 171 and 190 intersect with Louisiana Highway 27 in the center of town, with 171 providing the best route for the 50-mile drive to Lake Charles. Nonstop flights to Dallas and Houston are available from Lake Charles Regional Airport.
Luxury homes in Country Club Estates
The median home price in DeRidder is around $220,000, significantly lower than the national median but typical for the region. It’s possible to find fixer-uppers priced from $50,000 to $100,000, though most well-maintained homes will cost $150,000 to $225,000. Larger or newer builds might sell for $225,000 to $400,000. Neighborhoods like Country Club Estates feature luxury homes with sizable acreage for $450,000 to $700,000.
Areas near Hickory Branch and Palmetto Creek can be prone to flooding, which drives up insurance premiums. Residents should also prepare for hot and humid Louisiana summers. Crime stats for DeRidder are not readily available.
Ranch homes in DeRidder offer spacious, single-story living.
Ranch style houses in Deridder exude southern charm with it's spacious porches.
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Home of Beauregard Parish Public Schools
DeRidder serves as the headquarters of Beauregard Parish Public Schools, which gets a B from Niche. Many military families in Fort Johnson send their kids to schools in this district.
Deridder Elementary fosters a supportive environment for diverse student talents.
Deridder High School exudes academic excellence in Deridder.
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Coffee and Cajun cuisine in downtown DeRidder
The DeRidder Commercial Historic District occupies three blocks in the center of town. Many of its brick buildings date to the early 1900s. Shoppers come from surrounding towns to pore through the antique shops and flea markets, and locally owned coffee shops provide pick-me-ups. The restaurant scene is small but varied, offering Cajun, Mexican, American, barbecue and seafood options.
The Coffee Connection is a staple in DeRidder’s café scene.
Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen offers homemade, flavorful sides in Deridder.
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High proportion of churches serves the Christian population
DeRidder once held the Guinness World Record for most churches per capita and maintains a large Christian population. The Classical Revival-style First United Methodist Church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
First Presbyterian is an important landmark in DeRidder’s downtown.
First United Methodist Church is central to the DeRidder community's religious life.
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Concerns about creosote effects
During DeRidder’s early days, local timber was treated with creosote to prevent termite infestation. This had long-term adverse effects on the soil, sediment and surface water. The Environmental Protection Agency placed the contaminated site south of DeRidder on its Superfund priorities list in 2018. Cleanup goals are estimated to wrap up by 2026.
Written By
Adrienne Ryan
Photography Contributed By
Robert Pierce
Video By
Anthony Pesa
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Deridder, LA sell after 77 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Deridder, LA over the last 12 months is $229,000, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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