Fort Johnson
Fort Johnson (formerly Fort Polk) is home to the 3rd Security Force Assistance Brigade and the JRTC (Joint Readiness Training Center), one of the Army's premier combat training centers in the dense forests of western Louisiana. Leesville is a small Louisiana town with basic amenities, but the New Orleans metro and its world-class culture is about 3.5 hours southeast. The surrounding Kisatchie National Forest offers excellent hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation for those who appreciate the South's natural landscape.
Neighborhoods Near Fort Johnson
Popular communities where military families stationed at Fort Johnson choose to live.
Leesville
5–10 min to main gateThe small city immediately adjacent to Fort Johnson, offering the most affordable and most military-centric housing in the area.
DeRidder
25–30 min to main gateLarger city about 20 miles from base with more suburban amenities, better retail options, and a slightly broader community outside the military bubble.
Anacoco / Westlake Road area
15–25 min to main gateRural communities southwest of Fort Johnson with acreage properties and very affordable land for families wanting a country lifestyle.
Schools & Education
Vernon Parish School Board
Vernon Parish schools serve Leesville and surrounding communities. The district is familiar with military family transitions given Fort Johnson's large training population.
- Leesville High School serves the primary base community
- New Llano Elementary is popular with military families on the east side of Leesville
- Beauregard Parish School Board (DeRidder area) has well-regarded schools for those willing to commute
Things to Do Near Leesville
Local favorites for dining, outdoor adventures, and entertainment in the Leesville area.
One of the largest man-made lakes in the US on the Texas-Louisiana border, famous for world-class bass fishing and beautiful scenery.
Louisiana's only national forest, surrounding Fort Johnson with hundreds of miles of hiking and ATV trails.
Local Leesville staple serving Louisiana classics like crawfish, boudin, and po'boys — authentic Cajun flavors near base.
Scenic garden park with a large lake, manicured gardens, and abundant wildlife — a peaceful escape from base life.
On-post museum (former name) documenting the history of Fort Johnson and its predecessor installations since WWII.
Local movie theater serving the Leesville community — one of the primary entertainment options in the small city.
Housing & Cost of Living
Fort Johnson's market is among the most affordable in the Army. The remote location of Leesville keeps prices very accessible, though the rental market is heavily tied to military tenants.
Popular neighborhoods to consider:
PCS Tips for Fort Johnson
- Contact the installation housing office early — wait lists can be long.
- Check BAH rates at the official DoD BAH calculator before setting your home budget.
- Get VA pre-approved before your PCS orders — it helps you move fast in competitive markets.
- Military-friendly real estate markets near bases can move quickly — be ready to act.