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
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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Welcome to this charming property located at DeRidder! Situated at 1128 N Texas Street, this home offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience in a well-established neighborhood. Step inside to find a warm and inviting layout with spacious living areas, ideal for both relaxing and entertaining. The home features comfortable bedrooms, a functional kitchen with plenty of storage, and a
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
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
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Charming 3-bedroom Home on 4 Acres with desirable features 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
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Property Id: 2447561GREEN ACRES RENTAL HOME AVAILABLE RIGHT NOW!Come inside and feel right at home. Beautiful colors fill each room, open space creates the perfect layout, and the fireplace presents such a cozy atmosphere. Enjoy suburban living while close to local businesses and work opportunities. SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA offers amazing leisure events happening all around! Settle in and
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
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Property Id: 2388359Located on Lake Court Drive in DeRidder, this 3 BD, 1 BA charming home features new flooring and updated lighting. Requirements:1- Lease term of 1 year or more2- $1,000 deposit3- Small dog is allowed with proof of immunization and pet fee. Contact me today for a showing!Address:909 Lake Court DriveDeRidder, LA 70634
Property Id: 2481187Welcome to your new home at 486 Crooked Street! This charming single-family property offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a spacious driveway. Enjoy laminate and linoleum vinyl flooring, central heat pump, and washer/dryer hookups. Pets allowed. Rent is $950/month with utilities included. Don't miss out on this cozy Deridder gem! Available April 15th. Contact us today
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Property Id: 2497037This STUNNING home is coming very soon - get ahead of the game by submitting your application NOW! Take a look inside a home FILLED with all this ROOM. That gorgeous ranch style charm circulates from room to room. See the beautiful small but significant details with the dark wood accents, deep plush carpets, and complimentary backsplash. Find yourself close to just
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