A quieter alternative to Alexandria in the heart of Cenla
Pineville and Alexandria, its neighbor across the Red River, make up the core of Central Louisiana, commonly known as Cenla. While Pineville is smaller than its sister city — roughly 43,000 people live in Alexandria compared to 14,000 in Pineville — the smaller city is home to significant employers like a National Guard training center and a Proctor & Gamble manufacturing facility. Most people who live in Pineville do so to be near their employer or to enjoy the slower pace of living. “It’s just a smaller town without all the hustle and bustle of the big town,” says Randy Browning, broker and owner of Realty Experts Inc., who has lived in the area his whole life.
Newer builds near Louisiana National Guard Training Center Pineville
The median sale price in Pineville is $210,000, significantly lower than the national median but roughly equal to Alexandria. Bungalows and small cottages make up most of the inventory near downtown, while ranch-style homes tend to dominate the more suburban areas. The military base, formerly known as Camp Beauregard, is a major reason people move to the city. While some housing exists on the base, service members often move to nearby neighborhoods in Pineville.
Ranch-style houses offer a relaxed, suburban feel in Pineville.
Acadian architecture showcases French colonial influences, unique to Pineville.
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Highly rated Rapides Parish Public Schools
Pineville is zoned to Rapides Parish Public Schools, which receives an A-minus grade from Niche while offering four Head Start programs for kids. The system ranks third in Louisiana among the districts with the best teachers, according to Niche. Pineville was the original site of Louisiana State University, back when it opened in 1860 as the Louisiana State Seminary of Learning & Military Academy. LSU moved to Baton Rouge in 1869, but today, the city is home to Louisiana Christian University, a Baptist-affiliated college that enrolls 1,200 students.
Pineville is home to Louisiana College, a prominent Christian institution.
Pineville Highschool emphasizes academic excellence, with a focus on STEM education.
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"The Crossroads of Louisiana"
The Cenla region is often called the “Crossroads of Louisiana” for its location in the middle of Louisiana and its convergence of the state’s highways. Monroe and Lafayette are each roughly 90 miles from Pineville, while Shreveport and Baton Rouge are closer to 120. Alexandria International Airport provides the nearest commercial flights, with destinations including Atlanta and Dallas. Within Pineville, residents mainly drive to employers like Proctor & Gamble and the military base, though the ATRANS system offers a bus route through the city.
More shopping and dining options opening in Pineville
Pineville’s residential character nevertheless offers a few commercial pockets. “We’re getting more and more restaurants,” Browning says. “You used to not even be able to get alcohol in the city, but they passed that a few years back.” Main Street has some local businesses, though more restaurants and shops fill the small strip malls to the north, where it turns into Military Highway. Outside the National Guard base entrance, several shopping centers feature an array of restaurants and big-box stores. Standalone restaurants and grocery stores sit along Highway 28 on the city’s east side.
Pineville’s shops offer everything from antiques to modern goods.
Hidden Grounds near downtown Pineville has flavorful brews.
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Events in Pineville and across the river in Alexandria
Although residents often head across the river into Alexandria for its festivals, Pineville puts on a few of its own. Holiday celebrations include a Christmas parade, July Fourth fireworks on Lake Buhlow and, since this is Louisiana, Mardi Gras festivities. The Alexandria Museum of Art is across the river, as is the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center.
Boating on the Red River and Lake Buhlow
The Pineville Recreation Complex features seven baseball fields, while the Pineville Ward 9 Sportsplex offers nine baseball and softball fields and eight multipurpose fields. Kees Park has a community center and a splash pad. Lake Buhlow, on the west side, has a public boat ramp, as does the Red River. The river is a hub for recreation, with parks and trails on both the Pineville and the Alexandria sides.
Kees Park in Pineville features colorful playgrounds for younger residents.
ineville Ward 9 Sportsplex has well-maintained fields for soccer, baseball, and softball.
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Cenla's climate
Pineville experiences hot, humid summers and cool winters. Tropical storms can bring heavy rain and gusty winds to the area. Though parts of Pineville are protected from the Red River via levees, portions of the city are in high-risk flood zones. Property owners may be required to purchase flood insurance. Crime statistics for Pineville are not readily available.
Written By
Brendan Doyle
Photography Contributed By
Robert Pierce
Video By
Mark Barakat
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Pineville by the Numbers
80
Average Days on Market
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)$212,000
Median Single Family Price$215,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft$121
Months Of Supply2
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Top Schools in Pineville, LA
Source:
Best Public Elementary Schools
#1 Paradise Elementary School
B+
Niche
9
GreatSchools
#2 Ruby-Wise Elementary School
B+
Niche
8
GreatSchools
#3 Peabody Montessori Elementary School
A-
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#4 J.I. Barron Sr. Elementary School
B+
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#5 Tioga Elementary School
B
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#6 Mary Goff Elementary School
B+
Niche
5
GreatSchools
#7 D.F. Huddle Elementary School
C
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#8 Lessie Moore Elementary School
C
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#9 North Bayou Rapides New Vision Academy
C
Niche
Best Public Middle Schools
#1 Tioga Junior High School
B+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#2 Pineville Junior High School
B+
Niche
4
GreatSchools
#3 W.O. Hall Elementary School
C
Niche
#4 Alexandria Middle Magnet School
B-
Niche
3
GreatSchools
#5 Arthur F. Smith Middle Magnet School
C
Niche
4
GreatSchools
#6 Pinecrest Supports & Services Center
Best Public High Schools
#1 Pineville High School
A-
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#2 Tioga High School
B+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#3 Bolton High School
B-
Niche
3
GreatSchools
#4 Peabody Magnet High School
C
Niche
2
GreatSchools
#5 Pineville Highschool
#6 Pinecrest Supports & Services Center
Best Private Schools
#1 Alpine Christian School
#2 Cenla Christian Academy
#3 Louisiana College Academy Of Accelerated Studies
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