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
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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.
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.
!!ORIGINAL CHARACTER, UNLIMITED POTENTIAL!! With a LARGE primary bedroom overlooking the backyard, imagine drinking your morning coffee and listening to the birds chirp as they perch in the mature trees of this fenced yard. This home holds memories and it's time to make some of your own as you gather for large family dinners or entertain in the open floor plan. Carve out space for every member of
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.
Charming 3-bedroom Home on 4 Acres with Unique Amenities in Rosepine School District!!Welcome to your dream retreat! This spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers comfortable living with two additional versatile spaces - perfect for a home office, gym, or playroom. Enjoy the outdoors year-round with a screened-in porch, a large back deck, and mature landscaping that provides both beauty and
Country Living at Its Finest! Set on 17 beautiful acres, this spacious 4-bedroom, 4-bath home with an additional office and 18.5 X 15.5 bonus/game room offers the perfect mix of comfort, function, and charm. Designed for both everyday living and entertaining, the property provides wide-open views and the space you’ve been dreaming of. Inside, you’ll find a freshly painted interior with a
Step into this beautifully remodeled 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home where modern style meets move-in ready convenience. Bright, white, and pristine throughout, this home offers an open living space designed for both comfort and entertaining. The fresh, contemporary finishes create a clean and welcoming atmosphere, while thoughtful updates give the entire home a like-new feel.The spacious living area
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
*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
Seller offering up to $5000 towards buyer closing cost/flooring allowance!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
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: 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: 1653058It's beautiful.. it's cozy.. it's home..Step into this BEAUTIFUL 3BED/1BATH rental in the HEART of DERIDDER, LOUISIANA. Find yourself entranced by the WARMTH that is your NEW HOME. With SPACIOUS living spaces, a FUNCTIONAL kitchen island, WALK-IN pantry, combined laundry AND bathroom for extra CONVENIENCE, and so much MORE, this rental boasts all you need inside
Property Id: 2093732TWO BEDROOMS, TWO BATHROOMS, BOAT DOCK, FISHING PIER, LAKE ACCESS, PRIVATE!THAT'S RIGHT - This 2BED/2BATH lake cottage is here and ready for you RIGHT NOW. Such PERFECT interior and exterior entertaining awaits. Enjoy the quiet of nature and embrace Louisiana's paradise. Step inside to the open living space, large kitchen, spacious bedrooms, and those BEAUTIFUL
Property Id: 2337856Welcome to your new home at 457 Petty in DeRidder, LA! This inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence boasts 1,216 square feet of comfortable living space, perfect for families or professionals seeking a serene retreat. The home features a bright and airy layout with durable linoleum and laminate flooring, ensuring both style and practicality. Enjoy the convenience of a
Property Id: 1603128Welcome to your new home at 415 Mooney/Lowe in DeRidder, LA! This inviting 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom property features a comfortable layout with stylish laminate and linoleum vinyl flooring throughout. Enjoy cooking in the well-equipped kitchen, complete with a range oven and refrigerator, perfect for preparing meals for family and friends.Stay comfortable
Property Id: 2290404WALK ON IN to this STUNNING DERIDDER HOME!Around the block from WEST PARK, this home is surrounded by trees in such a beautiful subdivision. Gorgeous space, two car garage, tray ceilings, W/D hookups, great storage, and so much MORE included. Short drives to city center businesses, schools, Fort Polk, and more.One year lease. NO SMOKING. One small pet
Property Id: 2210071Nice quiet cozy mobile with yard located in mobile home park right inside of Deridder city limits. Plenty of shade and close to town for anything. Please schedule a showing with the office on Monday, Wednesday or Fridays. Office hours 10am - 6pm.
This property features a practical layout with 3 bedroom 2 bath, inviting living spaces, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a clean, move-in-ready rental.Inside, you’ll find a bright living area, a functional kitchen with plenty of cabinet space, and well-sized bedrooms designed for comfort. The home also includes a spacious yard—ideal for outdoor enjoyment or weekend
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