Leesville, LA 33 Apartments for Rent

Held in the historic downtown area of Leesville, Mayfest happens every -- surprise -- May, and offers two full days of arts and crafts and food produced by vendors all over the state of Louisiana. Don't miss the Armadillo Stampede.

Leesville, LA has a population of 6,623 residents as of the 2010 census. 90 minutes from Shreveport, this town is also the parish seat of Vernon, LA, which contains the Fort Polk U.S. Army installation. If you included adjoining Fort Polk's population with Leesville, you'd end up with over 20,000 inhabitants, so this little town is bigger than it seems.

Moving to Leesville

There are three main neighborhoods in town if you're looking for an apartment to rent in Leesville. Vacancies are usually available, but with the proximity to the Army base, they come and go quickly. Some all-bills-paid apartments are available here, too.

When to Look

Look any time of year, but be prepared for competition in the rental market, particularly in the heart of Leesville and near Fort Polk. You should give yourself about a month to search out the possibilities and drive through the area to find the best fit for you. Read the Leesville Daily Reader for rental listings, and check online listings, too.

What to Bring

Your respect for the U.S. Army might be appropriate! But besides that, bring the usual landlord requirements, such as identification, W2s, and work and rental history.

Neighborhoods in Leesville

Leesville is warm and humid in the summer months, but the bonus is winter -- which is mild. You can leave your mittens behind when you move to this part of Louisiana.

Evans / Burr Ferry: Clear Creek Wildlife Management Area takes up a good bit of space in this fairly remote community. If you want access to untouched wilderness areas and plenty of room between houses, check out the small- to medium-size single-family homes and mobile homes located here. While many residences are occupied by owners, you can find rentals if you look carefully.

Billy Goat Hill: Rural in feel, pretty Anacoco Lake is a part of this neighborhood. No goats are roaming the tree-lined streets occupied by both renters and owners. You'll find a house to rent or a one-bedroom apartment for rent here, in buildings constructed between 1940 and 1999 primarily. This community adjoins Fort Polk, so expect to see many people in uniform around this area. No saluting necessary, civilians.

Leesville City Center: Suburban in feel, Shreveport Highway cuts through the town center, where a variety of real estate built between 1940 and 1999 is available. Occupied by both owners and renters, you'll find single-family homes and apartment complexes here, like Sunshine Center and Oak Ridge.

Living in Leesville

Leesville is a homey community with a strong community spirit. Many military households and retired veterans live here, and much of the town's retail economy is tied to the large Fort Polk and the Joint Readiness Center located in Vernon Parish.

The Museum of Western Louisiana is located in the historic downtown of Leesville, housed in the Leesville KCS Depot building, one of many in town on the National Register of Historic Places. The downtown area is full of local delights, boutique shops and businesses that are locally owned, as well as art works created by area artists. There are monthly art walks in the downtown area, highlighting the artistic offerings at places such as the Gallery One Eleven.

You'll also find a six-screen movie theater, and the dulcet sounds of the Vernon Parish Community Orchestra to please your eyes and ears.

But it's not all about art and history. There are plenty of outdoor activities involving boating, hiking, kayaking and fishing. Check out the kayak opportunities on Alligator Lake, or take in the flora and fauna of the Hodges Gardens. Or, bring that rod and reel and join the Toledo Bend fishing tournaments, held yearly.

Plenty of Parks and Recreation

From boat launches to guided canoe tours, and two pristine golf courses, you'll have green space and nature at your fingertips with parks like Gilbert Park and Magnolia, or large Cedar Park. Dirt track racing, a bowling alley, a skating rink and even a covered pro rodeo arena are all part of the action here. There are community pools and children's playgrounds, too.