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lake_wyatt2
housing
Rent vs buy in DeRidder -what makes sense?
Hi all, Am I overthinking this? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
0 upvotes
9 Replies
Allison G.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in West. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in West. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
37 upvotes
nashvillemama2020
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
34 upvotes
olivia_native
I work in finance here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is solid. Hope this helps!.
27 upvotes
Benjamin Watson
I work in construction here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is average. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
25 upvotes
Leah Mendoza
honestly same experience here
24 upvotes
Charlotte S.
not my experience at all
23 upvotes
Addison
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely average and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely average and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
21 upvotes
Lily Brown
literally same
13 upvotes
Miles Kim
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 43, moved here 4 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Sunset and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The public transit situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- South: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Nashville, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
Background: I'm a electrician, 43, moved here 4 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Sunset and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The public transit situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- South: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Nashville, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
13 upvotes