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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Stop Scrolling & take a look at 6093 Fagan Circle located in Rosepine School District sitting on a corner lot! Are you looking for a 4 bedroom home, you found it. Large spacious living room with 9 ft ceilings, open floor plan, dining area, breakfast bar, large owners bedroom with plenty of space, owners bathroom has dual sinks, renovated walk in shower, jacuzzi tub and 2 walk in closets. New
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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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
Discover your own slice of Louisiana paradise with this impressive 100-acre property located just outside of downtown DeRidder, right off Highway 190 near the Beauregard Arena. Offering both seclusion and convenience, this land provides endless opportunities—whether you’re looking for recreational use, hunting, or future development. With its combination of wooded acreage and cleared sections,
This solid brick home on a slab offers great structural integrity and good bones, making it an excellent opportunity for the right buyer. With a little vision and TLC, this property has the potential to be transformed into a truly charming residence. Featuring a timeless brick exterior and a layout that lends itself to updates, it's an ideal choice for investors, first-time buyers, or anyone
Build your dream home on this beautiful 5+/- acre tract located in one of Beauregard Parish's most sought-after areas. Enjoy the perfect balance of country living and convenience--close to town, shopping, schools, and everyday amenities, yet far enough away to have no restrictions and to enjoy peace, privacy, and a rural atmosphere. The property offers ample space for a custom home, shop, garden,
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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: 1527120This 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
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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.
Welcome to 1670 Glendale Rd in DeRidder, LA! This charming 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home offers a cozy gas fireplace perfect for those chilly evenings. The spacious walk-in shower provides a luxurious touch to the master bathroom. Step outside to your own private oasis with a refreshing pool and privacy fence, ideal for outdoor entertaining or simply relaxing in the sun. Don't miss out on this
Charming 2 bedroom 1 bathroom home in the heart of Deridder. Comfortable front porch, large partially fenced backyard, tankless gas water heater, and all appliances included! (Sorry no pets)Call or Text - Pointer Property Management to schedule a viewing today!
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