England Oaks, Alexandria, Louisiana

The Front Porch 55+ community of England Oaks is located on the former England Air Force Base in central Louisiana and is spread across 60 tree-dotted acres. Part of a successful repurposing project, the development contains 185 single story rental duplexes that were once military officers’ housing units.

Residences come in two sizes and two floor plans. The Oakwood has two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a carport. The larger Magnolia has three bedrooms and a covered patio. Backyards are large, and pets are welcome.

Fees start at $1,225 per month with a month-to-month lease. The cost covers lawn care, a washer/dryer, interior and exterior maintenance, trash collection, transportation assistance, and an on-call emergency system. Although there is a dining service, meals are not part of monthly services.

England Oaks works to foster a sense of community among its residents. Classes and activities that bring neighbors together include domino games, book club meetings, water aerobics, movie nights and more. The community center has a pool and an exercise room. England Oaks puts on its own Olympics, a fun-filled day of games and food.

The development’s closest neighbors are an international airport and a golf course. Alexandria, the seat of Rapides Parish, hosts one of central Louisiana’s best Mardi Gras. Its River Oaks Square has more than 30 artist studios and two galleries. Levee Park is part of the Red River Waterway and has boat launches, a floating wharf, and hiking trails. Hodges Gardens State Park is the home of the Long Leaf Pine Museum and has abundant wildlife.

Alexandria’s Rapides Regional Medical Center is accredited by the Joint Commission.

Summer temperatures reach into the 90s and winter temperatures dip into the 40s. On average, the area receives 44 inches of rain a year.