Base Name:
Fort Polk
Base Location:
Leesville, Louisiana
How long have you been here? (give years please, ex. 2003-present)
2007-present
What is housing like? On-post? (waiting list, conditions, etc.) Off-post? Any areas to stay away from? Average price to rent or buy?
We live in a townhouse in North Fort and we love it. It’s very spacious and has newer cabinets. South Fort is not as nice. There are a few apartment complexes off post that are decent. They are around $600 for a two bedroom.
Rate the PX & Commissary.
They are nice but this the only base I’ve lived on so not sure how they compare to others. The PX seems a little small. The commissary has good prices but I go to Wal-mart most of the time because they have a lot more.
Activities on base?
There’s a gym, a bowling alley and a theatre that shows movies on the weekends. There’s an arts and Crafts center but I’ve never been to it.
Active Spouses Club?
Not really sure on that
Things to do in area?
Not a whole lot to do in Leesville. There’s only a few restaurants and one small movie theatre. And Wal-mart of course. If you like the outdoors there is Toledo Bend and Alligator lake where you can fish. Alexandria is about 45 minutes away and there’s more to do. They have a zoo, many places to eat, and the mall.
School System?
There are two elementary schools on post. I’m not sure how they are, I do not have kids.
Any colleges in area?
NSU Fort Polk is right off base. It’s a good school, very small. I attend there and I love it. There’s also Lamar Salter technical college nearby. There is also LSU, and Mcneese which is in Lake Charles. There is an education center on post where you can take classes too
Jobs? (on post and off)
There is retail like Lowe’s and Walmart off post. I worked at a Dr’s office. If you are in the medical profession there are Nursing homes, a hospital, and Dr’s offices. On post there is AAFES, not really sure what else.
Favorite aspect of this base/surrounding city?
People are very nice and pretty friendly, Leesville is very supportive of the military
Least favorite aspect?
There’s not a whole lot to do or see around here but New Orleans, Houston, and San Antonio are a few hours away and they are a lot of fun. It gets very hot and humid.
Any other tips?
Make friends and stay occupied. You might not like it at first but it has actually grown on me and I’ve met some great people. It’s what you make of it!