Base Name: Ft. Polk

Base Location: Louisiana

How long have you been here? (give years please, ex. 2003-present) July 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?  The on-post housing isn't bad.  Many of the older units have been remodeled.  All are very spacious.  We didn't have to wait long for housing because it was our first duty station.  I've heard that the waitlist varies depending on your rank, number of bedrooms, and how picky you are about where you want to go.  I'm in South Fort and it's very close to everything.  Many people say they prefer North Fort.  Some of the housing there does seem nicer, but some doesn't.  The new construction is beautiful though.  Housing is pretty spacious and any time we've had a problem, Picerne has always dealt with it immediately.  The maintenance guys are also very friendly.  I don't know much about off-post housing.  There are a few apartment complexes off post, but not much to choose from I don't think.  The closest towns are Leesville and Deridder.  Both are basically the same, although Deridder is more aesthetically pleasing and a little further away.

Rate the PX & Commissary.  Well, I don't have much to compare them to, but I'd give the PX a 6 and the Commissary a 7.  The PX is kind of small and while you can get a good deal on some things, on others you are better off going to Walmart.  The Commissary isn't bad at all.  I do the bulk of my grocery shopping there simply because LA charges a 5% sales tax on food items, which is unheard of where I'm from.  I do find that things like diapers and wipes are a little cheaper at Walmart.  The commissary does have a decent selection of vegetarian foods at cheaper prices and their produce section is usually pretty good.

Activities on base?  There is a bowling alley, a golf course, a gym, several children/youth centers, a small movie theatre, and a dinner theatre on post.  There is also several playgrounds and a small skateboard park too.  They have alot of family activities, especially around the holidays.  It does seem like the post tries hard to be very family friendly.  The Arts and Crafts center is always offering different classes.  MWR has alot of activities also.  The post newspaper, The Guardian, always has a list of the different activities that are available. 

Active Spouses Club?  The OSC and the ESC seem to be very active.  The only bad thing is that most of their meetings/activities aren't family oriented and they don't offer child care.  So, if you have kids you'd have to find a babysitter.  The woman who runs the ESC was really nice though.  I've also had a good experience with our FRG.

Things to do in area?  There isn't much unless you enjoy hunting and outdoor recreation.  If you do, there is Toledo Bend and Alligator Lake.  Lots of boating, camping, and hiking.  There are a couple of decent restaurants in the area and a small movie theatre in Leesville.  There is also a bowling alley and a skating rink.  There is one coffee shop in Deridder that's got great coffee and sandwiches.  Other then that, it's basically Walmart and fast food.  If you want to do any shopping or anything, you have to drive to Alexandria which is about an hour away. 

School System?  I don't know much about the quality of the school system here since my children are too young.  There are two elementary schools on post.  All other grades are sent off post.  I've heard good things about Faith Training, which is the local Christian private school.  There are also several families who home school.

Any colleges in area?  I believe they offer online classes through the Adult Learning Center on post.  I think there might be a Technical College nearby also.

Jobs? (on post and off)  There don't seem to be alot of job opportunities around here, unless you want to work in a restaurant, Walmart, or as a pizza delivery person. 

Favorite aspect of this base/surrounding city?  The post is very clean and quiet and the housing is spacious.  Most people I've met have been very friendly and they seem to be very family oriented here.  The surrounding towns appear to be very supportive of the military.

Least favorite aspect?  The summers are ridiculously hot and humid.  You literally cannot breathe during July and August.  Winters are mild and I kind of miss snow.  There are also giant bugs that occasionally find there way into your house and freak you out.