Base Name: Fort Polk
Base Location: Louisiana
How long have you been here? (give years please, ex. 2003-present) Mar 2007-2010
What is housing like? On-post? (waiting list, conditions, etc.) Off-post? Any areas to stay away from? Average price to rent or buy? South Fort is older housing, but most are ok. There are brand new houses, but it’s hard to get into. You have to stay on top of housing to get things done, but other wise it’s ok.
Rate the PX & Commissary. Brand new PX is nice, not as big as others I’ve heard of but it’s still nice. Commissary is small but it does the job.
Activities on base? There seems to always be something going on to do. There are 3+ pools, which is great for the hot summers. Lots of nice play grounds.
Active Spouses Club? I have no idea about these clubs.
Things to do in area? There isn’t much to do around the local area, but if you are willing to drive a few hours there is tons to do. Holly Beach is directly south of here. There is New Orleans, Houston. So if you put some effort into it you can find things to do.
School System? I wasn’t disgusted by the school system here. We are from Texas and they are way behind Texas. I ended up pulling my kids out and homeschooling. But Louisiana is not a homeschool friendly state so if you homeschool be prepared for it.
Any colleges in area? There are a few around
Jobs? (on post and off) Stay at home mom so I’m not too sure.
Favorite aspect of this base/surrounding city? We really enjoyed the pools on post. They are nice and never really full. I really don’t have a favorite aspect of Leesville. It’s pretty trashy.
Least favorite aspect? Drama! Fort Polk seems to be full of it. Leesville is trashy and I don’t feel they like the Military much. They complain a lot about us.
Local websites? (base, chamber, newspaper, schools, etc.)
Any other tips? Try to make the best of it. It’s a culture shock if you come from some place bigger and nicer. You can find things to do that are fun. The heat is horrible and the a/cs in the older housing are just swamp coolers so it gets rough during the summer. Stay on top of housing to get them to make your a/c work!!