If you're looking for rental properties, Bogalusa is a safe bet. The rental market is booming, so you can take your pick from a range of different homes.
How Long Will it Take?
It's hard to say exactly how long it will take to find a property, as it can vary depending on a number of factors. The town has a high percentage of renter-occupied homes, compared to the rest of the state of Louisiana, as well as the United States as a whole, which means the rental market in the town is going strong. It shouldn't take more than around four weeks to find the ideal home. However, if you have very specific needs that you don't want to compromise on -- for instance, you're looking for pet-friendly apartments or what to rent on a month to month contract -- it may take a little longer.
What Will I Need?
Before your new landlord will agree to rent a property to you, they'll usually need you to provide some documentation to prove that you'll be a good tenant and can afford to pay the rent. Be ready to show your ID, some proof of income, your credit history, your rental history and any relevant references.
How Much Will it Cost?
The amount of money it will cost to move into your new home can vary according to a number of factors, such as the size of your property (obviously, you'll be paying more to move into a four-bedroom townhouse than a studio apartment in Bogalusa) or the neighborhood in which it's located. As a rule of thumb, you'll be asked to pay a full month worth of rent upfront, in addition to a sizable security deposit, which should be refunded to you at the end of your tenancy, as long as you don't damage the property.
Each of Bogalusa's neighborhoods has its own characteristics and its pros and cons. It's a good idea to learn a little bit about these neighborhoods before you move in, so you can make sure the area you choose is right for you.
Lees Creek: This neighborhood has a good mixture of house rentals and apartment rentals. Most homes in the area are small to medium-sized. There aren't many amenities, such as shops or restaurants nearby. In fact, this neighborhood has a WalkScore of zero, so it's most exceptional for drivers.
Supine: The majority of homes in this area are well-established, but not old, built between the 1940s and 1970s. It has a WalkScore of 62, which means you can find some shops and restaurants in the neighborhood, but you would need a car to run certain errands.
City Center: If you choose to live in the city center, you'll be closer to the action and many of the amenities that town has to offer. However, most properties will be on the smaller side. Get your grub on at Redwood Grill.
Plainview: This neighborhood is quite far from the center and has a WalkScore of zero, so it's not ideal for pedestrians. Most homes are newer and may have larger plots and more green space.
There's enough going on in Bogalusa to keep most people as busy as they want to be. There's plenty to get involved with, but if you prefer a relaxed way of life, nobody's going to force your participation.
Community Matters
You'll find that there's always some kind of community event or get together happening in Bogalusa. Sometimes these are big town events that draw in pretty much everyone in the area, but some are more low key affairs. The Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival only started in 2012, but has already grown to a two-day event, which is ideal for music lovers. The Festival in the Park in May usually draws about 1,00 attendees and has music, food, local arts and crafts, games, rides and more. The annual Mardi Gras Parade is held on the Saturday before Fat Tuesday and is always a big crowd pleaser. However, these are just the tip of the iceberg, as you'll find events going on from golf tournaments to dances and balls.
Outdoor Pursuits
If you like to spend time out in the open, you might be pleased to know that Bogalusa is home to 21 city parks. Some of these are quiet spots, where you can relax and get close to nature, whereas others are hubs for recreation. Some facilities you can find in these parks include walking trails, barbecue areas, basketball courts, baseball fields and football pitches. If you feel like getting wet and wild, head to the Bogue Chitto Tubing Center on South Choctaw Road, where you can go tubing, canoeing and kayaking. This is the ideal way to spend a scorching day. Keen golfers might want to consider joining the Bogalusa Country Club.
Museums
Head to Cassidy Park and you'll find two museums: the Native American Museum and the Pioneer Museum. A visit to these museums is a great way to learn about the history of Bogalusa and its surrounding areas, both from the perspective of its earliest Native American inhabitants and its later colonial settlers. Exhibits can change over time, but there's an impressive array of artifacts, plus there are also some hands on activities on certain days. It's a good idea to check opening times, as they are limited, but larger groups can often be accommodated, even when the museums aren't open to the general public.