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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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
Kathy Richmond,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Prime commercial investment! This 16.23 acre tract sits at the highly visible intersection of Hwy 171 and Hwy 112, offering outstanding exposure and easy access in one of the area's busiest corridors. With ample road frontage and endless development potential, this property is ideal for a grocery store, shopping center, apartment complex, restaurants, medical offices, retail, or mixed-use
Nearly 4 acres of opportunity await. This 3.981-acre property comes ready with electric, gas, and water on site, making it an ideal canvas for your next project. Build your dream home, create a private retreat, or develop the land to fit your vision.With ample space, easy utility access, and tons of possibilities, this is a rare chance to secure a versatile piece of land with serious potential.
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
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 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
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 ready home combines comfort, location,
Welcome home to 810 Chinquapin Dr, a beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence tucked near the Beauregard Country Club. This inviting home blends comfortable living with thoughtful updates throughout.Step inside to find a warm and functional layout anchored by a cozy fireplace -- perfect for relaxing evenings. The updated kitchen offers modern finishes and plenty of workspace, making
Come On In -- There's Plenty of RoomDown here, we believe a home should have space for the people you love and the memories you're still making -- and this one delivers on both counts.This gorgeous 5-bedroom beauty was made for Southern living at its finest. The open-concept floor plan is practically begging for Sunday dinners and holiday gatherings,while the updated kitchen -- complete with a
Downtown DeRidder Opportunity! Positioned on a corner lot just one block off North Washington Street, this 0.7-acre property offers visibility and convenience in the heart of DeRidder. Between the 3 parcels you have zoning for both commercial and residential use, it’s the perfect site for your next business venture or mixed-use development. The corner commercial parcel is cleared, level, and
Turnkey hunting and recreational property on 40 acres with a camp house, equipment shed, and storage container already in place - everything you need for your hunting camp. The property features open pasture in the front, transitioning into thick mixed hardwoods in the back with a creek running through the property, providing excellent habitat for deer and other wildlife. A gated entrance off a
Property Id: 1527120 This GORGEOUS 3Bed/2Bath home is available to you JULY 1ST with all of the updated and modern features across the house. From the spacious alley kitchen with its sleek, black appliances, to the bathrooms' modern vanities and fixtures. Relax by making this house your home - take in the natural light and bask in the privacy of your backyard. A quiet neighborhood awaits you
Property Id: 2715256 MARK YOUR CALENDARS in preparation for this updated rental COMING SOON! Right around the DERIDDER SCHOOLS, WEST PARK, DERIDDER COMMUNITIES, HIGHWAYS 171 AND 190, and MORE, this location leads you to just about whatever you could desire - work, education, play. Step inside to a BRIGHT atmosphere and lots of rooms across all FOUR BEDROOMS. Then check out that yard
Property Id: 2607668 This beautiful DERIDDER HOME is coming soon! So much to discover in this local beauty close to HWY 190 leading to prime career fields such as PCA, CANFOR, and the local education communities. Step inside the property and be greeted by open space and great amenities. Give our office a call at to discuss more details TODAY! One year lease. NO SMOKING. Pets allowed
Property Id: 2733924 AFTER MUCH TENDER LOVING CARE, this home is READY TO GO! Be one of the first to step inside and fall in love with this GORGEOUS, CHARMING home. High ceilings, such intricate design details, provided wall heaters, long alley kitchen, W/D hookups, a beautiful screened in front porch, fenced in yard, historic DERIDDER location, and so much more. Just imagine yourself on
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: 1544388 **MOVE IN SPECIAL! FIRST TWO MONTHS AT A REDUCED RENT AMOUNT!** WHAT A HOUSE! This 3Bed/2Bath rental house has been modernized into the home of your dreams. Notice the colorful arrangement of each room's walls, the openness from room to room, the gorgeous forest view from the backyard, two car spacious garage, and more as you tour the home. Feel comfort in the
Property Id: 2762282 THIS 2025 CONSTRUCTION IS AVAILABLE FOR RENT NOW! This BEAUTIFUL 4BED/2BATH home is ready to go. With a two car garage, large open living, high ceilings, exquisite built-in features, W/D INCLUDED, two walk-in closets, 1.5 acres, and MORE, you won't want to miss out. Right off of Highway 26, find yourself surrounded by the country charm while just a short drive away from
Property Id: 2057265 *MOVE IN SPECIAL: HALF OFF FIRST MONTH'S RENT! CONTACT FOR MORE DETAILS.* COMING VERY SOON!! DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS ROSEPINE RENTAL!! SEPTEMBER 1ST AVAILABILITY DATE!! SUCH A FIND is this STUNNING 3BED/2BATH home! Walk straight into the SPACIOUS living room boasting the tray ceilings, brick fireplace, and GORGEOUS patterned tiles. Follow these tiles
Property Id: 1481144 Quaint, cozy, and perfect in every way.. this 1Bed/1Bath home is available NOW. A duplex home located on North Texas Street in DERIDDER means it's a perfect spot for CONNECTION - short walks to stores, parks, worship centers, schools, and MORE! Opportunity awaits.. give us a call at TODAY to learn more! One year lease. NO SMOKING. One pet allowed upon approval
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
