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.
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Welcome home to 180 Maple Lane, a charming property set on 2.44 beautiful acres just outside DeRidder. This spacious home offers the perfect blend of comfort, function, and peaceful country living.Step inside to find a large living area centered around a cozy fireplace, perfect for gathering with family and friends. The kitchen features striking granite countertops and connects easily to the
Welcome to 1931 Charlotte St -- a well-loved residence nestled in the Rosepine School District. This inviting home offers 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms.Inside, you'll find a functional floor plan with plenty of living space and natural light. The kitchen and living areas flow easily, making this a great place for both quiet nights in or entertaining family and friends.Outside, enjoy a
Welcome to 1844 Woodlawn St in DeRidder! This charming 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home sits on a desirable corner lot and offers modern updates throughout. Step inside to find beautiful stained concrete floors that flow seamlessly through the living spaces, adding both style and durability. The home features brand-new plumbing throughout and a roof replaced within the last 5 years, giving you peace of
*Professional Photos Coming Soon!* This beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home blends modern comfort with classic charm. Step inside to find a fresh, inviting interior featuring recent updates throughout, including stylish flooring, updated fixtures, and a bright, open layout perfect for everyday living. Located just minutes from downtown DeRidder, schools, and shopping, this move-in
This waterfront Camp is located on Bundick Lake. It is the perfect place for boating, fishing, swimming and other summertime fun. Only the camp building is for sale. Please see Private Remarks for Details.
This 40-acre, fully wooded tract is an excellent hunting and recreational property. The dense timber and natural terrain provide ideal habitat for wildlife, making it well-suited for deer hunting and other outdoor activities. Secluded and private, this land offers the kind of quiet setting hunters look for in a dedicated hunting tract. The property is landlocked. A great opportunity for buyers
Escape to the peace of the countryside with this charming mobile home nestled on a spacious lot. This property offers welcoming living area, a well-equipped kitchen, and cozy bedrooms designed for easy living. Step outside to enjoy the wide-open yard, ideal for gardening, outdoor activities, or simply relaxing in the fresh country air. Whether you're searching for an affordable starter home, a
Attention Investors! This duplex offers 2 - 1 bedroom units ready to make you profit! Hardwood floors, spacious bedroom sizes and full bathrooms are some of the features you can advertise. Start your investment journey today or add to your current portfolio!
Welcome to 903 Greenbriar St, a well-situated corner-lot home offering comfort and flexibility in the heart of DeRidder. This 3 bed, 2 bath property features a fenced backyard, perfect for pets, play, or entertaining.Inside, you'll find a cozy fireplace that anchors the main living room, two versatile flex spaces--ideal for a dining, home office, playroom, gym, or additional living area--giving
Presenting an 80-acre tract of land, meticulously cleared with the front 20 acres de-stumped and adorned with Bermuda grass. Conveniently nestled between Singer and DeRidder, this property offers easy access to public water and electric utilities along the road. Its location in flood zone X ensures that flood insurance is not required.
Welcome to 113 Tara Drive! This home offers 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, thoughtfully designed for both comfort and functionality. The downstairs primary suite includes a versatile flex space, perfect for a home office, nursery, workout area, or private retreat.The recently updated kitchen shines with modern touches, making it ideal for everyday living and entertaining. Both bathrooms have been
Presenting an 80-acre tract of land, meticulously cleared with the front 20 acres de-stumped and adorned with Bermuda grass. Conveniently nestled between Singer and DeRidder, this property offers easy access to public water and electric utilities along the road. Its location in flood zone X ensures that flood insurance is not required.
This property is 3 furnished rooms for rent (upstairs) and includes access to a kitchenette. Rooms can be rented individually or full upstairs. Kitchenette stocked with small kitchen appliances, table with 4 chairs. All utilities and Wi-Fi are included. Discount available for renting full upstairs. Property has gas generator on-site to keep your comfortable during power outages.
This property is 3 furnished rooms for rent (upstairs) and includes access to a kitchenette. Rooms can be rented individually or full upstairs. Kitchenette stocked with small kitchen appliances, table with 4 chairs. All utilities and Wi-Fi are included. Discount available for renting full upstairs. Property has gas generator on-site to keep your comfortable during power outages.
This property is 3 furnished rooms for rent (upstairs) and includes access to a kitchenette. Rooms can be rented individually or full upstairs. Kitchenette stocked with small kitchen appliances, table with 4 chairs. All utilities and Wi-Fi are included. Discount available for renting full upstairs. Property has gas generator on-site to keep your comfortable during power outages.
Property Id: 2424683LOVE YOUR NEXT HOME with this GORGEOUS 3BED/2BATH RENTAL! Located in the GREEN ACRES SUBDIVISION, surround yourself with that neighborhood charm. Remain close to town with nearby fitness centers, banks, restaurants, shopping centers, and other community features. UNDER THIRTY MINUTES TO FORT POLK; JUST ONE HOUR TO LAKE CHARLES; THIRTY-FIVE MINUTES TO TEXAS. The home is
Property Id: 1193317Serious inquiries only! Located near Fort Polk and within the Rosepine school district. This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house features a freshly updated interior; heightened living room ceiling; (2) car garage; washer/dryer hook-ups and more. Less than 20 minutes to Fort Polk and 49 minutes to Lake Charles!
Property Id: 2426165SUCH A GORGEOUS HOME IS AVAILABLE NOW! This 3BED/2BATH rental home is so beautiful and right on NORTH TEXAS STREET. Near to WEST PARK, DERIDDER SCHOOLS, WORSHIP CENTERS, LOCAL NORTH STREET BUSINESSES, PARK TERRACE SHOPPING CENTER, WALGREENS, and so many more hot locations. Come home to TALL CEILINGS, IN-UNIT WASHER AND DRYER, BEAUTIFUL FIXTURES, THIRD BEDROOM/OFFICE
Property Id: 1190142WONDERFUL 3BED/1.5BATH DERIDDER RENTAL available RIGHT NOW! This GREAT country home provides such a spacious layout inside and a LARGE fenced in-yard out in the countryside. On GRAYBOW ROAD, find yourself on a well-known street just TEN MINUTES from the center of town. DERIDDER is full of local BUSINESSES, COMMUNITIES, SCHOOLS, PARKS, RESTAURANTS, and MORE. Also find
Property Id: 2409313THREE BEDROOMS / SPACIOUS YARD / BORDER OF TOWNCome on inside to a WONDERFUL 3BED/1BATH DERIDDER rental home. West side of town, close to job opportunities: CANFOR, PCA, AMERISAFE, and MORE. Take a short drive into the city for that HOME TOWN community. And always come HOME to a BEAUTIFUL 120 NOLEN STREET. Cozy kitchen, stunning floors, natural light, ceiling fans,
Property Id: 1696579*MOVE IN SPECIAL: HALF OFF FIRST MONTH'S RENT!! CONTACT FOR MORE DETAILS!!*STOP and LOOK at such a STUNNING DERIDDER home with 4BEDS/2BATHS, a HUGE fenced in yard, and BEAUTIFULLY updated with FRESH designs and touches of the original CHARM! In such a PRIME location, embrace the neighborly WARMTH throughout the street, take a short drive to PARKS, RESTAURANTS,
Property Id: 2388296Nice cozy mobile for rent with porch and covered parking. Located on the edge of Deridder city limits. 2 bed 2 bath with nice size yard. Please contact office at Monday - Wednesday- Friday 10am - 6 pm
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