Moving to
DeRidder
A charming small town in Beauregard Parish with affordable homes, outstanding outdoor recreation, and easy access to Fort Johnson. Here's everything you need to know.
At A Glance
DeRidder
By The Numbers
The numbers that matter most when you're evaluating a move to DeRidder, Louisiana.
Why DeRidder
Why People Move to DeRidder
Military families, retirees, and outdoor lovers find plenty of reasons to call DeRidder home.
Extremely Affordable Housing
Median home price of $165,000, well-maintained homes typically range from $150K to $225K, while fixer-uppers start around $50K. Your housing dollar goes far here.
Fort Johnson Proximity
Just 25, 40 minutes from Fort Johnson (formerly Fort Polk), DeRidder is one of the most popular off-post living areas. VA and USDA loans make buying easy.
Outdoor Recreation
Tube down the Whiskey Chitto River, fish at 1,750-acre Bundick's Lake, hike the Kisatchie National Forest, or golf at Beauregard Country Club, all minutes away.
Strong Schools
Beauregard Parish schools are well-regarded in the region, with community-focused campuses and strong extracurricular programs at every level.
Charming Downtown
Historic downtown DeRidder offers locally owned shops, restaurants, the Beauregard Museum, and Bryant Park, the kind of walkable center that bigger cities envy.
Low Cost of Living
Overall cost of living is 22% below the national average and 9% below the Louisiana average. Food, transportation, and utilities are all cheaper here.
Cost Of Living
DeRidder Cost of Living Breakdown
How DeRidder compares to statewide and national averages.
| Category | DeRidder | Louisiana Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $165,000 | $253,100 | $368,581 |
| Cost of Living Index | 78 | 93 | 100 |
| Groceries | 93 index | 96 index | 100 index |
| Utilities | 80 index | 82 index | 100 index |
| Property Tax | 0.53% | 0.53% | 1.1% |
| Income Tax | Varies 0, 13% |
Local averages. Your own numbers move with the property, the parish and the insurance quote.
The Line That Is Not On This Table
Homeowners insurance. In Louisiana it is the expensive part of the payment, not the taxes, and it goes straight into your escrow, which means it goes straight into what you qualify for. I quote it before we set your budget instead of after.
Neighborhoods
Where to Live in DeRidder
DeRidder and surrounding Beauregard Parish offer a range of residential options.
Historic Downtown
Walkable streets with older, character-rich homes near shops, restaurants, and Bryant Park. Ideal for those who want small-town convenience and charm.
South DeRidder
Newer subdivisions with family-friendly lots, close to schools and shopping. This is where most new construction is happening.
Bundick's Lake Area
Rural properties near the 1,750-acre lake. Great for anglers and those who want acreage and privacy with a short drive to town.
Rosepine / Merryville
Nearby communities offering even more affordable homes on larger lots. USDA-eligible and within easy commuting distance of both DeRidder and Fort Johnson.
Schools
DeRidder Schools & Education
Beauregard Parish School District
The Beauregard Parish School District serves all of DeRidder and the surrounding parish. The district is recognized for strong community involvement and consistent academic performance. Key schools include:
- DeRidder High School, the parish's flagship high school with competitive athletics and career-technical programs
- DeRidder Junior High, serving grades 6, 8 with a focus on college-readiness skills
- W.W. Stewart Elementary, Rosepine Elementary, and South Beauregard Elementary, well-rated primary campuses
Military Family Support
While Fort Johnson does not have DoDEA schools on post, the Beauregard Parish and Vernon Parish districts both accommodate military-connected students with flexible enrollment and transition support.
Jobs And Economy
DeRidder Employment & Economy
Top Employers
- Fort Johnson (formerly Fort Polk), the region's largest employer with nearly 15,000 military and civilian jobs
- Beauregard Health System, the primary healthcare provider for the parish
- Beauregard Parish School Board, a major employer in education
- Boise Cascade, timber and wood products manufacturing
- Local retail and services, downtown shops, restaurants, and trade contractors
Key Industries
The local economy is anchored by the military installation at Fort Johnson, which supports a significant portion of the regional workforce. Timber and forestry, healthcare, education, and retail round out the employment landscape. DeRidder's cost of living makes it viable for remote workers too.
Buying Here
How to Buy a Home in DeRidder
DeRidder is USDA-eligible, VA-friendly, and one of the most affordable markets in Louisiana. Here are your loan options.
With a median home price of $165,000, most buyers in DeRidder can qualify for zero-down financing through USDA or VA loans. Military families PCSing to Fort Johnson should explore VA loan benefits, while first-time buyers can take advantage of down payment assistance programs. Get a free quote to see which program fits your situation.
FHA Loan
Low down payment and flexible credit. The loan most first-time buyers here actually use.
FHA LoanUSDA Loan
$0 down on an eligible address. Eligibility runs off the address, not the city name.
USDA LoanConventional Loan
From 3% down with mortgage insurance that comes off at 20% equity instead of riding the loan.
Conventional LoanFirst-Time Buyers
Louisiana assistance programs compared, and a straight answer on whether now is your time.
First-Time BuyersDeRidder Mortgage Broker
Every program we run in DeRidder, priced side by side on your real numbers.
DeRidder Mortgage BrokerHonest Assessment
Pros & Cons of Living in DeRidder
Every place has tradeoffs. Anybody telling you DeRidder has none is selling you something. Here is the list I would give a friend.
What You Get
- d16b9; Extremely affordable housing, median $165K
- d16b9; 22% below national cost of living
- d16b9; USDA and VA loan eligibility for $0 down
- d16b9; Outstanding outdoor recreation (river, lake, national forest)
- d16b9; Close to Fort Johnson for military families
- d16b9; Well-regarded Beauregard Parish schools
What You Sign Up For
- Limited shopping and dining options compared to larger cities
- Lake Charles is 50+ minutes away for big-box retail
- Hot, humid summers typical of southwest Louisiana
- Economy heavily tied to Fort Johnson, base changes affect the area
- Limited public transit, a car is essential
DeRidder FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About DeRidder
Still Deciding?
Get A Straight Answer On Your Own Numbers
A soft credit check tells you where you stand. Nothing hits your report until you decide to move forward.
Compare Markets
Other Louisiana Cities
Worth Looking At
Prices, insurance and school districts change inside an hour's drive. If DeRidder is not quite it, start here. The statewide relocation guide covers all 32.
Real Closings
Real Clients.
Real Closings.
Real families we have helped get from pre-approval to keys in hand.
Find Out What A DeRidder Payment
Actually Looks Like
Tell me roughly what you want to spend and I will come back with the real number, insurance and parish taxes included, and tell you straight whether the timing is right. Free quote, no credit pull to start.
Get My Free QuoteMortgages by Channing · 337-476-2623 · Serving DeRidder and all of Louisiana · NMLS #1457759
