Leesville : Louisiana

What Leesville is like for active adults

Active adults over 50 who are looking to buy in what could become the next hot community should investigate the Louisiana towns of Leesville and DeRidder. The towns are within 20 miles of one another near the western border of Louisiana, half way up from the Gulf.

Louisiana is one of the few states in the country to realize that certified retirement communities are a good economic strategy. Great efforts are being made to attract and welcome adults over 50 to communities like Leesville.

Leesville is home to Fort Polk, a U.S. Army facility that familiar to millions of GI’s. The U.S. invested millions to improve its facilities, including a terrific golf course and nice off-post housing. Now that the Fort has been downsized there is a buyer’s market for the many homes vacated by U.S. military personnel. Town officials in both Leesville and DeRidder are busy planning and renovating their classic downtowns to keep their towns strong economically. They have targeted adults over 50 as good prospects; particularly former military personnel who long ago fell in love with these pretty towns.

Leesville and DeRidder each offer the chance to live in a nice house and walk to an active downtown. The area has great natural beauty and ample recreational opportunities with lakes and rivers. DeRidder, the smaller of the towns, offers more historic homes. Both towns have amenities and community facilities to keep one busy. Tourism is up, a sign that the economic development plans are working. Editorial comment: if these towns take off the way it seems they will, developments for active adults will follow.

In an Internet search in the spring of 2007 we found 30 properties for sale in Leesville. The typical asking prices sale was in the $180’s, with 1 home for sale at $392,000 and several for as low as $25,000. Average home price is under $100,000

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What is special about this retirement community

• Charming old towns with vital and classic downtowns • Opportunity to buy a great home in a buyer’s market • DeRidder’s new Public Library • Many historic home available • Fort Polk golf course (open to public) • Northwestern State University • Many lakes and rivers • Retirement welcoming committee

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What is not special about this retirement community

• The communities have their poorer neighborhoods • Hot, humid summers • You are making a bet that the development plans will work

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What kinds of people like retiring here

Leesville attracts a community of people who either want to live in a small town with a vital center and a low cost of living. Many are interested in fishing and outdoor sports, and many are familiar with the area from their Army days.

Use this link for a page that explains the various types of retirement communities

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Local economy is driven by

Leesville's economy is driven by Fort Polk, tourism, retirees. For Leesville LA Craigslist

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Climate and Physical Environment

The towns of Leesville and DeRidder are located on the western edge of central Louisiana, 97 miles south of Shreveport. There are many lakes and rivers in the area. Houston Texas is about 175 miles; Lake Charles (LA) is 65 miles. View Google Map for Leesville LA

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Cultural environment

Leesville has an old movie theatre being restored as a performing arts and community center. DeRidder has a wonderful new library. Its old railroad depot now houses a museum of dolls. Northwestern State University has classes available for seniors.

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Medical facilities

Byrd Regional Hospital in Leesville, Fort Polk has facilities for military personnel

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Transportation

Alexandria International Airport is 53 miles. Polk military airport is here, Chennault International is 66 miles in Lake Charles

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Facts about LEESVILLE

State: LA
Environment: Small Town,
City Population: Less than 10,000
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 41-60
Median HH Income: 20,001-40,000
Average Home Price (MLS): Less than $100,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: NA
Total Crime Index: 101-110 (slightly above average)
Cost of Living Index: <80 (Very low)
Culture Index: 81-90 (low)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: Yes
Name of the Guide: readytoplay

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