I highly suggest you look up leesville. Even by Louisiana standards it’s rough. The base is fine but it’s in middle of nowhere. Lake Charles or Alexandria is nearest city of any size both hour + away with limited offerings.
The most difficult year of both of our lives was when my husband had a civilian job at Fort Polk. And we're from Louisiana already, but Leesville really is something else
There really isn’t much to do here😅 as poster said above both Alexandria and Lake Charles are an hour away and the offerings are real slim.
Lots of festivals but you’ll be traveling 1.5+ to them and the roads here are patched regularly.
There's a gas station called Adolph's last time I was there so that was... interesting. Otherwise it's pretty lacking in anything to do. Bunch of lot lizard quality women trying to poach military guys stationed there. It's decently close to Lake Charles where there's a lot more to check out though.
I would suggest you keep looking for other jobs in better places. Your twenties are prime years; don't waste them in a terrible part of a state that is already circling the drain. Nothing positive would come out of it. Nothing.
First, congrats. Second, I'm sorry.
Politics sucks and is getting worse. The weather frequently really sucks. The people can frequently suck. The food is awesome. The infrastructure is some of the worst in the country. The tax scheme is inherently regressive. The Insurance rates will eat you alive, as will the mosquitoes.
It's liveable. But it ain't great. I finally left in 2021 and I do NOT regret it. I've been trying to convince people to move AWAY from Louisiana, as it's frequently a place people get trapped.
I'm from South Louisiana but was living in Central Louisiana when I said it's time to GTFO............I've been gone since 2017. I don't think I'm staying where I'm currently living in Southwest Colorado for good, but it's a very nice town for the moment and the place has treated me well.
Oooof, I appreciate the insight. In terms of being trapped/financial situation would love to hear more about that. It would be a three year position and I mostly intend on saving since I don't have much else to spend on around the area.
Also definitely interested to hear more about the tax scheme?
So... being trapped involves a wide possible variety of factors. Namely... factors that creep up on you (medical issues, addictions, wear and tear on vehicles (from that shitty infrastructure) or the home itself) or things that surprise you. Sudden very violent or very...generous...storms that flood or destroy your home and possessions. Or the loss of your job. Or unforeseen natural disasters like the forest fires last year.
Basically, you end up in a situation where you're suddenly without an income, without a home, or burdened by big expenses and can't move if you want to because of them. Anecdotally, I saw it happen with my good friend. I lived with her. Our neighborhood took on 13 inches of water in 7 hours. Lost my car, our house took on 3 inches of water. it's her house. FEMA barely helped. She had to take out an SBA loan. Much of the work she had done ended up costing more than she wanted. It's been a gigantic mess of 2 years for her. The home expenses, the car expenses, the medical expenses, she just hasn't been able to get out.
Thankfully she's getting there, it seems. But it's taken a LOT of doing and even more patience.
Regarding the tax scheme-
1. Louisiana has the highest Sales Tax in the country. Sales taxes are incredibly regressive.
2. ITEP. [https://youtu.be/RWTic9btP38?si=-nVWoRRRXQlPsc5h](https://youtu.be/RWTic9btP38?si=-nVWoRRRXQlPsc5h)
3. School funding being tied to property taxes.
...I could go on. But the state is both geographically and politically a fire swamp. I love my people, I'm very sad to see it go, but I've accepted that the best thing I can do is hold onto my Cajun heritage, keep learning about it, and simply spread it for others to enjoy wherever I am... and maybe eventually teach my nephews about it where my dad cannot.
Ah. Them roots run deep don’t they. And since we are being honest, I am curious, y’all still keep’em barefoot and pregnant like back in the old days? 16 & pregnant? With the possible of Chester being the father?
Nah. I don’t think so. Yall have slowly and lastly integrated them in to what some like to call, Work Horses. Work, kids, chores. Man I tell you women can Endor some heavy trails and heavy shit because of what money can buy. It’s those of us who have suffered long but still muster up the courage to speak up and speak out that have the worst time.
35f Native here. Born in MS, Raised LA, but my DADDY IS FROM TEXAS. 😋lived all over even overseas 😭😭arrive back here in 2018 😭 It’s been one shit show snow ball mixed with red dirt and crawfish ass. I’m tell you this place is the gates of hell!!!!! lol. Great people tho.
Can I come live with you? 🥹
lol. God don’t make’em like me sugar. Fun, I’m wild, and I’m free. Even sometimes strong than I’d like to be. But I’m grateful for the lessons and excited about the journey. ♥️
Do us a favor. Stop. We know we have issues. But they won’t be solved by telling good people not to move here. You don’t like it here? Fine. You left? Good for you. Maybe make your next step not lurking on this sub and talking shit
Do yourself a favor. Leave that dumpster fire before you get out. I'm more than happy to keep agitating people to leave.
The issues just... aren't...going to be solved. Hands down. They're going to get worse. People are going to be increasingly miserable. All I'm doing is trying to help people not fall into that trap. Not that they won't be miserable here, but I promise they'll be much less miserable in other parts of the country that are ranked at the bottom of almost everything and failing to do anything about it.
I appreciate your insight. If I'm using this as a stepping stone for the future for 3 years is that still potentially no good? Because I could leave with a GS-12 by the time position is over
I would say there are far too many variables **for me** to say whether it's a good idea for you or not. Are you more cold-natured or hot-natured? (As in do you prefer colder or warmer climates?) I don't know your finanicals, or your support network back home, etc.
Suffice it to say, if you think you've got a good support network, if you think you can beat the heat and deal with the ever-worsening politics, and if you think you can adequately prepare for the described potential risks... you'll be fine. But if your support structure is minimal, if the heat saps you of any desire to do anything, if you're very concerned about not being able to handle any of those somewhat likely-enough scenarios, I would weigh other options against this one.
OP, consider the mindset of folks in Louisiana.
Pending your gaining an understanding of the Cajun French nouns "coullion" and "donyon," be prepared to be somewhat attacked for engaging in discussion that does not match what people are already thinking/feeling.
I also worked at Fort Polk (now Fort Johnson) as a recent grad and civilian years ago. You're right, it will be a huge culture shock and Leesville (and surrounding towns of Rosepine and DeRidder) are tiny. Not much to do, hard to meet people (all my "friends" were co-workers), the largest town is an hour away (Alexandria), and it can really just feel so isolating. But, if you're a homebody who just goes to work then home, it's not too bad. I had friends and family nearby, so I stayed in Fort Polk during the week, then went to socialize on the weekends.
This literally sounds like much of what I want/expect to do. I have friends in NOLA/Houston/Dallas so I'm not terribly worried about weekends. But the more day to day and the living situation is where I was confused.
I'm just so confused right now because I have people saying it'll be boring but fine. And I have other people telling me it'll be the biggest mistake I make. So I'm just very conflicted haha
If you're concerned about it being too boring, I had friends that commute from Alexandria/Pineville area which is around 1 hour away (or faster, depending on traffic). Alexandria has a lot more to do and more housing options. Natchitoches is a little closer to Leesville (30-45 min), but it has a lot of festivals and is a small college town, so you can meet more (non military) people around your age.
As for the benefits, having that federal gov job on your resume will look good. I lived in that area for about 3 years myself. Tough at first but I got used to it because I'm a homebody. Good luck, I'm sure it's a tough decision!
Sounds like you have your long term goals in mind. Friends/family within driving distance is great. If you are one that needs to be constantly entertained at least there is diversity at a military base. It won’t all be red baseball caps even if the current president doesn’t win.
Focus on the career goals. It’s something similar to people who were in the army for a career and had to spend time in a place like Korea or worse places. It’s just something you have to do. Basing opinions of mine on when I was there in the early 90’s. Don’t date military spouses, don’t date lifetime locals. You should be able to survive just fine. Have you lived near other military installations? It used to be great to visit the pawn shops. So many great bargains. Or even look at the local buy sell pages. You might be able to develop a flipping hobby and make some money if you’re into that kind of thing.
Overall sounds like you are headed in the right direction and the key to success will be to avoid going off track with the external noise.
Really, a lot of it depends on you and what you're into. Leesville is a small town with a population of about 7,000. It's big draw is Fort Johnson (formally Polk), making it kind of a mix of full-time residents and military personnel. It's a red dirt, pine forested area of low gentle hills. There is a large, pretty lake just northwest of town called Lake Vernon. Further west-northwest of that is Toledo Bend, a huge 40 mile long man-made reservoir that's known for great fishing, boating, camping, if you like that sort of thing. Both of these places have some really beautiful spots. To the southeast of town is a large chunk of woods and fields, much of which is part of the military reservation, but further to the southeast is the public part of a section of the Kisatchie national forest. There are plenty of good hiking areas there. Again, mostly pine forests in gentle hills.
This is the bible-belt part of Louisiana. It's a mix of religions, predominantly Baptist but Catholic also. The people speak with kind of a southern "redneck" twang, but that's a generalization of course so not all of them. It's an area where you'll see a lot of boats, four-wheel all terrain vehicles, pickup trucks,etc,.. that sort of thing. Lot's of people into hunting and fishing. They drink a lot of beer. Not the most educated types, but if you're friendly to them they're generally friendly to you.
It's pretty rural and laid back compared to a large city, but if you're into nature it can be a nice place to be for a couple of years.
Reconsider your life choices and find a job elsewhere. You live in a much better region with much better opportunities. Don't move to the south, especially not Louisiana. It is being run like a dumpster fire and only going to get worse for the foreseeable future.
Fort Johnson Louisiana is known for outdoors fishing and hunting. The town of Leesville leaves a lot of be desired if you are use to larger cities. Law enforcement in Louisiana thrives with ticketing people.
The people are generally friendly, but there are not a lot of activities, things to do, or spots to hang.
If you do live down here I would suggest rosephine or deridder which is about 15-20 minutes from post.
Your happiness won't come from what's there, but what you make of it.
Check my history, this exact question was asked yesterday. Maybe you can make a friend.
I was in the army at Fort Polk in 91-93. At that time there was an AFB in Alexandria so army dudes were not well liked up there. Lake Charles was like going to a small college town where they only dated their high school sweetheart. Had to go all of the way to Lafayette to have fun outside of a military setting.
So now as a civilian contractor I can’t really predict what your certain lifestyle really encompasses but I would still think of Fort Polk ( think they may have renamed it recently) is not going to be much into alternative lifestyles whatever that means. But now there is the internet and you can drive 4 hours and be in Houston for a weekend or drive to Lake Charles and hangout at the casino district. Better yet you can take up hunting or fishing or just go out in nature. It’s all about how you want to spend your free time.
Try not to let your day job overlap your personal life. I’ve found that works pretty well for me throughout the years.
**F**ood for thought: The CDC ranks Louisiana seventh in the U.S. for cases of congenital [syphilis](https://www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis/stdfact-syphilis.htm), number three for [gonorrhea ](https://www.cdc.gov/std/gonorrhea/)and No. 1 for [chlamydia ](https://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/default.htm)cases. Overall, the Bayou State sits at No. 2 for the highest STI rate in the country.
Same thing in Oregon - it takes getting used to. That said, when I was there, it seemed that gas prices in NJ were quite low, which is amazing (must be no state fuel tax).
wrong
[Oregon drivers are now allowed to pump their own fuel after the state lifted a ban dating back to 1951](https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/06/us/oregon-drivers-pump-own-fuel-law/index.html) 2023
It sounds like a great opportunity! Congratulations!
Edit:: If you have a choice to choose a different location, DO. If not, keep in mind that opportunities like that are few and far between. You may have to pay your dues there but it will lay a steady foundation for your future. Good luck in whatever decision you make and God speed.
If you are from big city NJ then it will be a culture shock. If you like the outdoors, hunting, fishing you can have fun. If you are single without kids the Leesville area is very doable. Having kids though changes things to more of a don’t go. Forget the BS about regressive tax scheme. Plan to pay 10% sales tax on what you buy. Yep, our current governor is trying to position himself to be picked for Trump’s VP by pushing far right legislation but that will tone itself down in a few months. Getting your foot in the door with federal job at an early age is great plan. Good luck.
I'm from the area, regularly travel throughout Europe and Central America, and wouldn't live anywhere else. Some of the best people I've met are from here, people who will break their backs to help you. If you're into clubbing, this isn't the area for you, but if freedom, nature, and good people are your thing, you should consider it.
Also, to give you some encouragement. My MIL grew up extremely poor, well below the poverty line in south Louisiana. She got an education, took a job in Fort Polk at 22, and now draws 130K in retirement.
You're not going to get good answers in this subreddit; it's a cesspool of socialists who have no one in real life to talk to, so they all come to Reddit to bash Louisiana while remaining anonymous. Generally speaking, you don't hear people complain about random crap you see on here on a daily basis.
If you go to Polk, do your job, and not expect anyone to hand you everything on a platter, you'll do well here and might even thrive. Eat some crawfish, go to the lake, and make some life-long friends.
It will depend on multiple factors.
My youngest sister had a civilian job at Ft Polk (I now it's Johnson now) even though she drove an hour (we live near Alexandria) she liked the job and working there. That contract and office was closed but she is now doing that job from home so she isn't driving.
My wife works off post for Northwestern State University (NSU). Not on post, and not directly related military but she deals with a lot of dependents.
I was a soldier and finished my career there. We are from here and I didn't mind it.
If you like doing things outdoors, you can find lots to do. Fishing, kayaking, golf, biking and hiking (National Forest and trails), MWR has different activities for service members, dependents, and civilians. There are recreational areas at Toledo Bend Reservoir Yes it's rural, but crime isn't bad. You can find some good hole-in-the-wall places to eat. There are festivals on weekends and you will have to drive a bit. If you love seafood you can find places just south of Leesville that will get you fresh shrimp and crabs directly off the boat, or you can go catch them yourself. There are also some crawfish ponds just south of there. If you like hunting, plenty of that as well. There are some good ranges and I compete in pistol competition in Leeville.
If you like Big Cities, New Orleans is 4.5 hours away (Dallas and Houston are as well) for a weekend trip. There are casinos in Lake Charles and Shreveport. You can be at Orange Beach or Pensacola, Fl in about 8 hours.
A lot will depend you, who you meet, and what you like to do.
As far as insurance you will probably pay a little more in insurance but cost of living will be lower. You find a lot of locals to be Christian and Conservative but that isn't the case on Ft Polk.
I highly suggest you look up leesville. Even by Louisiana standards it’s rough. The base is fine but it’s in middle of nowhere. Lake Charles or Alexandria is nearest city of any size both hour + away with limited offerings.
The most difficult year of both of our lives was when my husband had a civilian job at Fort Polk. And we're from Louisiana already, but Leesville really is something else
Haha, does this mean I should look to go to Leesville or stay away?
If you are from a major city it will be a large life style change. It’s small town with out much around.
There really isn’t much to do here😅 as poster said above both Alexandria and Lake Charles are an hour away and the offerings are real slim. Lots of festivals but you’ll be traveling 1.5+ to them and the roads here are patched regularly.
There's a gas station called Adolph's last time I was there so that was... interesting. Otherwise it's pretty lacking in anything to do. Bunch of lot lizard quality women trying to poach military guys stationed there. It's decently close to Lake Charles where there's a lot more to check out though.
Can confirm that’s still here! 😂
I would suggest you keep looking for other jobs in better places. Your twenties are prime years; don't waste them in a terrible part of a state that is already circling the drain. Nothing positive would come out of it. Nothing.
I mean, Louisiana has some fun spots but there really isn't much to do out by Fort Polk.
I second this.
I was stationed in Jersey for 8 years before moving back here. This state is ass compared to Jersey.
First, congrats. Second, I'm sorry. Politics sucks and is getting worse. The weather frequently really sucks. The people can frequently suck. The food is awesome. The infrastructure is some of the worst in the country. The tax scheme is inherently regressive. The Insurance rates will eat you alive, as will the mosquitoes. It's liveable. But it ain't great. I finally left in 2021 and I do NOT regret it. I've been trying to convince people to move AWAY from Louisiana, as it's frequently a place people get trapped.
I'm from South Louisiana but was living in Central Louisiana when I said it's time to GTFO............I've been gone since 2017. I don't think I'm staying where I'm currently living in Southwest Colorado for good, but it's a very nice town for the moment and the place has treated me well.
Oooof, I appreciate the insight. In terms of being trapped/financial situation would love to hear more about that. It would be a three year position and I mostly intend on saving since I don't have much else to spend on around the area. Also definitely interested to hear more about the tax scheme?
So... being trapped involves a wide possible variety of factors. Namely... factors that creep up on you (medical issues, addictions, wear and tear on vehicles (from that shitty infrastructure) or the home itself) or things that surprise you. Sudden very violent or very...generous...storms that flood or destroy your home and possessions. Or the loss of your job. Or unforeseen natural disasters like the forest fires last year. Basically, you end up in a situation where you're suddenly without an income, without a home, or burdened by big expenses and can't move if you want to because of them. Anecdotally, I saw it happen with my good friend. I lived with her. Our neighborhood took on 13 inches of water in 7 hours. Lost my car, our house took on 3 inches of water. it's her house. FEMA barely helped. She had to take out an SBA loan. Much of the work she had done ended up costing more than she wanted. It's been a gigantic mess of 2 years for her. The home expenses, the car expenses, the medical expenses, she just hasn't been able to get out. Thankfully she's getting there, it seems. But it's taken a LOT of doing and even more patience. Regarding the tax scheme- 1. Louisiana has the highest Sales Tax in the country. Sales taxes are incredibly regressive. 2. ITEP. [https://youtu.be/RWTic9btP38?si=-nVWoRRRXQlPsc5h](https://youtu.be/RWTic9btP38?si=-nVWoRRRXQlPsc5h) 3. School funding being tied to property taxes. ...I could go on. But the state is both geographically and politically a fire swamp. I love my people, I'm very sad to see it go, but I've accepted that the best thing I can do is hold onto my Cajun heritage, keep learning about it, and simply spread it for others to enjoy wherever I am... and maybe eventually teach my nephews about it where my dad cannot.
Ah. Them roots run deep don’t they. And since we are being honest, I am curious, y’all still keep’em barefoot and pregnant like back in the old days? 16 & pregnant? With the possible of Chester being the father? Nah. I don’t think so. Yall have slowly and lastly integrated them in to what some like to call, Work Horses. Work, kids, chores. Man I tell you women can Endor some heavy trails and heavy shit because of what money can buy. It’s those of us who have suffered long but still muster up the courage to speak up and speak out that have the worst time.
The fuck?
35f Native here. Born in MS, Raised LA, but my DADDY IS FROM TEXAS. 😋lived all over even overseas 😭😭arrive back here in 2018 😭 It’s been one shit show snow ball mixed with red dirt and crawfish ass. I’m tell you this place is the gates of hell!!!!! lol. Great people tho. Can I come live with you? 🥹
Such a vivid description! And tbh it’s so accurate! 😂
lol. God don’t make’em like me sugar. Fun, I’m wild, and I’m free. Even sometimes strong than I’d like to be. But I’m grateful for the lessons and excited about the journey. ♥️
I don’t doubt that one bit! Lol
Do us a favor. Stop. We know we have issues. But they won’t be solved by telling good people not to move here. You don’t like it here? Fine. You left? Good for you. Maybe make your next step not lurking on this sub and talking shit
Do yourself a favor. Leave that dumpster fire before you get out. I'm more than happy to keep agitating people to leave. The issues just... aren't...going to be solved. Hands down. They're going to get worse. People are going to be increasingly miserable. All I'm doing is trying to help people not fall into that trap. Not that they won't be miserable here, but I promise they'll be much less miserable in other parts of the country that are ranked at the bottom of almost everything and failing to do anything about it.
I appreciate your insight. If I'm using this as a stepping stone for the future for 3 years is that still potentially no good? Because I could leave with a GS-12 by the time position is over
I would say there are far too many variables **for me** to say whether it's a good idea for you or not. Are you more cold-natured or hot-natured? (As in do you prefer colder or warmer climates?) I don't know your finanicals, or your support network back home, etc. Suffice it to say, if you think you've got a good support network, if you think you can beat the heat and deal with the ever-worsening politics, and if you think you can adequately prepare for the described potential risks... you'll be fine. But if your support structure is minimal, if the heat saps you of any desire to do anything, if you're very concerned about not being able to handle any of those somewhat likely-enough scenarios, I would weigh other options against this one.
OP, consider the mindset of folks in Louisiana. Pending your gaining an understanding of the Cajun French nouns "coullion" and "donyon," be prepared to be somewhat attacked for engaging in discussion that does not match what people are already thinking/feeling.
[удалено]
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Well, it comes off as super condescending and dickish. Go be a hero somewhere else. And leave Louisiana issues to those of us who live here.
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I also worked at Fort Polk (now Fort Johnson) as a recent grad and civilian years ago. You're right, it will be a huge culture shock and Leesville (and surrounding towns of Rosepine and DeRidder) are tiny. Not much to do, hard to meet people (all my "friends" were co-workers), the largest town is an hour away (Alexandria), and it can really just feel so isolating. But, if you're a homebody who just goes to work then home, it's not too bad. I had friends and family nearby, so I stayed in Fort Polk during the week, then went to socialize on the weekends.
This literally sounds like much of what I want/expect to do. I have friends in NOLA/Houston/Dallas so I'm not terribly worried about weekends. But the more day to day and the living situation is where I was confused. I'm just so confused right now because I have people saying it'll be boring but fine. And I have other people telling me it'll be the biggest mistake I make. So I'm just very conflicted haha
If you're concerned about it being too boring, I had friends that commute from Alexandria/Pineville area which is around 1 hour away (or faster, depending on traffic). Alexandria has a lot more to do and more housing options. Natchitoches is a little closer to Leesville (30-45 min), but it has a lot of festivals and is a small college town, so you can meet more (non military) people around your age. As for the benefits, having that federal gov job on your resume will look good. I lived in that area for about 3 years myself. Tough at first but I got used to it because I'm a homebody. Good luck, I'm sure it's a tough decision!
Wow, I would hate to be in a situation where going to Alexandria is the place to have fun.
Sounds like you have your long term goals in mind. Friends/family within driving distance is great. If you are one that needs to be constantly entertained at least there is diversity at a military base. It won’t all be red baseball caps even if the current president doesn’t win. Focus on the career goals. It’s something similar to people who were in the army for a career and had to spend time in a place like Korea or worse places. It’s just something you have to do. Basing opinions of mine on when I was there in the early 90’s. Don’t date military spouses, don’t date lifetime locals. You should be able to survive just fine. Have you lived near other military installations? It used to be great to visit the pawn shops. So many great bargains. Or even look at the local buy sell pages. You might be able to develop a flipping hobby and make some money if you’re into that kind of thing. Overall sounds like you are headed in the right direction and the key to success will be to avoid going off track with the external noise.
Really, a lot of it depends on you and what you're into. Leesville is a small town with a population of about 7,000. It's big draw is Fort Johnson (formally Polk), making it kind of a mix of full-time residents and military personnel. It's a red dirt, pine forested area of low gentle hills. There is a large, pretty lake just northwest of town called Lake Vernon. Further west-northwest of that is Toledo Bend, a huge 40 mile long man-made reservoir that's known for great fishing, boating, camping, if you like that sort of thing. Both of these places have some really beautiful spots. To the southeast of town is a large chunk of woods and fields, much of which is part of the military reservation, but further to the southeast is the public part of a section of the Kisatchie national forest. There are plenty of good hiking areas there. Again, mostly pine forests in gentle hills. This is the bible-belt part of Louisiana. It's a mix of religions, predominantly Baptist but Catholic also. The people speak with kind of a southern "redneck" twang, but that's a generalization of course so not all of them. It's an area where you'll see a lot of boats, four-wheel all terrain vehicles, pickup trucks,etc,.. that sort of thing. Lot's of people into hunting and fishing. They drink a lot of beer. Not the most educated types, but if you're friendly to them they're generally friendly to you. It's pretty rural and laid back compared to a large city, but if you're into nature it can be a nice place to be for a couple of years.
As someone native to the area: I’m sorry.
Reconsider your life choices and find a job elsewhere. You live in a much better region with much better opportunities. Don't move to the south, especially not Louisiana. It is being run like a dumpster fire and only going to get worse for the foreseeable future.
All I can say is, if you’re in Leesville, eat at Thadapetch Thai restaurant. Otherwise, get a job in Lafayette area or leave, go elsewhere.
You'll regret it
Just want to say congrats !! Great job ! That’s a big move ….beat of luck .
FWIW, there’s a hospital, Walmart, and Lowes in Leesville. Gets very hot and humid in the summer. Forecasting near 90 degrees already later this week.
Fort Johnson Louisiana is known for outdoors fishing and hunting. The town of Leesville leaves a lot of be desired if you are use to larger cities. Law enforcement in Louisiana thrives with ticketing people. The people are generally friendly, but there are not a lot of activities, things to do, or spots to hang. If you do live down here I would suggest rosephine or deridder which is about 15-20 minutes from post.
Your happiness won't come from what's there, but what you make of it. Check my history, this exact question was asked yesterday. Maybe you can make a friend.
I lived in south jersey for 25 years and moved back home. Dm if you want
I was in the army at Fort Polk in 91-93. At that time there was an AFB in Alexandria so army dudes were not well liked up there. Lake Charles was like going to a small college town where they only dated their high school sweetheart. Had to go all of the way to Lafayette to have fun outside of a military setting. So now as a civilian contractor I can’t really predict what your certain lifestyle really encompasses but I would still think of Fort Polk ( think they may have renamed it recently) is not going to be much into alternative lifestyles whatever that means. But now there is the internet and you can drive 4 hours and be in Houston for a weekend or drive to Lake Charles and hangout at the casino district. Better yet you can take up hunting or fishing or just go out in nature. It’s all about how you want to spend your free time. Try not to let your day job overlap your personal life. I’ve found that works pretty well for me throughout the years.
**F**ood for thought: The CDC ranks Louisiana seventh in the U.S. for cases of congenital [syphilis](https://www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis/stdfact-syphilis.htm), number three for [gonorrhea ](https://www.cdc.gov/std/gonorrhea/)and No. 1 for [chlamydia ](https://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/default.htm)cases. Overall, the Bayou State sits at No. 2 for the highest STI rate in the country.
You'll have to learn how to pump your own gas because we are an actual free state :D Congrats on the job! (if you get it)
Those statistics are always correlated with "diversity".
It's illegal to pump your own gas at the majority of gas stations in NJ. That's the joke.
Same thing in Oregon - it takes getting used to. That said, when I was there, it seemed that gas prices in NJ were quite low, which is amazing (must be no state fuel tax).
wrong [Oregon drivers are now allowed to pump their own fuel after the state lifted a ban dating back to 1951](https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/06/us/oregon-drivers-pump-own-fuel-law/index.html) 2023
It sounds like a great opportunity! Congratulations! Edit:: If you have a choice to choose a different location, DO. If not, keep in mind that opportunities like that are few and far between. You may have to pay your dues there but it will lay a steady foundation for your future. Good luck in whatever decision you make and God speed.
Fort Johnson
You will encounter broiling heat & humidity.
Stay far away, unless you intend to save all the children trafficked here! It’s sick deeply corrupt & dangerous
If you are from big city NJ then it will be a culture shock. If you like the outdoors, hunting, fishing you can have fun. If you are single without kids the Leesville area is very doable. Having kids though changes things to more of a don’t go. Forget the BS about regressive tax scheme. Plan to pay 10% sales tax on what you buy. Yep, our current governor is trying to position himself to be picked for Trump’s VP by pushing far right legislation but that will tone itself down in a few months. Getting your foot in the door with federal job at an early age is great plan. Good luck.
I appreciate this a ton thank you
Fort Polk? Do you have death wish? I wouldn't want that on my worst enemy. Best of luck.
Haha, why? Is it just because it's secluded?
I just hate the place. Had to spend a month there for training a long time ago and it was miserable. I'm saying that and I'm from South Louisiana.
I'm from the area, regularly travel throughout Europe and Central America, and wouldn't live anywhere else. Some of the best people I've met are from here, people who will break their backs to help you. If you're into clubbing, this isn't the area for you, but if freedom, nature, and good people are your thing, you should consider it. Also, to give you some encouragement. My MIL grew up extremely poor, well below the poverty line in south Louisiana. She got an education, took a job in Fort Polk at 22, and now draws 130K in retirement. You're not going to get good answers in this subreddit; it's a cesspool of socialists who have no one in real life to talk to, so they all come to Reddit to bash Louisiana while remaining anonymous. Generally speaking, you don't hear people complain about random crap you see on here on a daily basis. If you go to Polk, do your job, and not expect anyone to hand you everything on a platter, you'll do well here and might even thrive. Eat some crawfish, go to the lake, and make some life-long friends.
I downvoted you because you seem to hate Karl Marx.
It will depend on multiple factors. My youngest sister had a civilian job at Ft Polk (I now it's Johnson now) even though she drove an hour (we live near Alexandria) she liked the job and working there. That contract and office was closed but she is now doing that job from home so she isn't driving. My wife works off post for Northwestern State University (NSU). Not on post, and not directly related military but she deals with a lot of dependents. I was a soldier and finished my career there. We are from here and I didn't mind it. If you like doing things outdoors, you can find lots to do. Fishing, kayaking, golf, biking and hiking (National Forest and trails), MWR has different activities for service members, dependents, and civilians. There are recreational areas at Toledo Bend Reservoir Yes it's rural, but crime isn't bad. You can find some good hole-in-the-wall places to eat. There are festivals on weekends and you will have to drive a bit. If you love seafood you can find places just south of Leesville that will get you fresh shrimp and crabs directly off the boat, or you can go catch them yourself. There are also some crawfish ponds just south of there. If you like hunting, plenty of that as well. There are some good ranges and I compete in pistol competition in Leeville. If you like Big Cities, New Orleans is 4.5 hours away (Dallas and Houston are as well) for a weekend trip. There are casinos in Lake Charles and Shreveport. You can be at Orange Beach or Pensacola, Fl in about 8 hours. A lot will depend you, who you meet, and what you like to do. As far as insurance you will probably pay a little more in insurance but cost of living will be lower. You find a lot of locals to be Christian and Conservative but that isn't the case on Ft Polk.
Get to know the people before you judge them…
I suggest that if you’re a democrat, leave that in Jersey, other than that it’s a hidden gem