moving near alexandria-best places (Pineville, Leesville: best town, crime, buyers)

[rbayle]

My husband is being offered a job on post. What is the best town to live in? We are country kind of people-we like elbow room, not subdivisions and we like hunting and fishing, boating, outdoors, etc..but we also like to run to town frequently, shop, eat out, see a movie, etc... I don't want to be out far away from all that. Does Alexandria itself offer nice country places near the hub of town? Also, what is the market like? Is it a buyers or sellers right now? What about BRAC-if the base relocated would the town wither up and die? Is it nice there-pretty and friendly??? I know nothing... and need answers. Thanks so much!!!!

[ral31]

Alexandria does have some nice areas nearby that are out in the country. Fort Polk is located about an hour to the west of Alexandria so you might want to look at outlying areas to the west of Alexandria. The area around Kincaid and Cotile Lakes (located around Highway 28) is nice and only about 15-25 minutes away from town. This area contains rolling hills (which contrasts with the flat as a pancake landscape of Alexandria) and is part of Kisatchie National Forest. Areas to the east of Pineville along Highway 28 are also nice and have a country atmosphere, but are more distant from Fort Polk.

If Fort Polk were to close down, I don't believe there would be too much of an effect on Alexandria. The effects would be much greater on the Leesville-DeRidder area.

The housing market in Alexandria is still healthy, although it has slowed down over the past year.

Alexandria is nice area in my opinion. However, there are of course some dirty, crime-filled areas within Alexandria. The people in and around Alexandria is mostly Southern although there is also a noticeable Cajun influence as well. Mardi Gras is a big holiday, crawfish boils and gumbo suppers are frequent events.

Hope this helps

[devillegirl]

Rbayle,
if you have children I would not recommend Fort Polk( leesville). There is too much crime there. Pineville is a good area along HWY 107 and some of HWY 28 is a good area. I believe Woodworth is a good area. Very country. Cotile and Kincaid Lake is a good area. Depending how far you want to drive, Libuse is a good area (which is on the east of Pineville). Some of Ball area which is by the wal-mart in Pineville is a good area. The outskirts of Alexandria are o.k. If the base withered away these towns would still be ok. I was born and raised in these areas for many years. I think these areas are friendly. Good Luck! And Welcome to the town!

Hope this helps you
devillegirl