Livability

It’s imperative to recognize that a region’s economic appeal goes beyond just fiscal metrics. St. Tammany Parish goes the extra mile by focusing on the holistic enhancement of quality of life in our area. We firmly believe that a thriving community is a magnet for business success, and we’re committed to creating and supporting an environment where both enterprises and their employees can flourish.

From historic downtowns to spectacular waterfronts and pine-ringed estates, St. Tammany Parish offers a variety of places to live with a luxurious quality of life and the charm of a small town.

Home to an excellent public school system, St. Tammany students consistently score above national and states levels on standardized tests. St. Tammany is also located within close proximity to eight universities and colleges, providing a wide range of educational opportunities.

Located on the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain, St. Tammany offers a wealth of recreational opportunities from biking the Tammany Trace to catching a production at a local theater company.

With over 3,000 retail establishments in St. Tammany, the community supports both national retailers and local boutiques. St. Tammany’s restaurants and breweries are regional destinations – showcasing the area’s culinary heritage and making for a vibrant food scene.

St. Tammany Parish and its municipalities often appear in online rankings for the safest places to live in Louisiana.

St. Tammany offers a variety of housing options, including apartment rentals, condominiums, town homes, and single-family homes. 78.8% of residents own their homes, while 22% rent. Residents live in gated communities, on the waterfront with boat launch access, and in high-end, sprawling estates. All housing opportunities are available across the parish in convenient locations. The average rent in St. Tammany for a 2-bedroom apartment is $1,305, and the average sales price for a home is $272,200.

Tammany Trace
This 31-mile rails-to-trails conversion meanders through lovely wooded areas and links five St. Tammany towns, permitting runners, walkers, cyclers, and even equestrians.

Fontainebleau State Park
This historic park offers 2,800 acres with beautiful cabins built over Lake Pontchartrain, 130 improved campsites, 180 unimproved campsites, several nature trails, three group camps, a lodge, a sandy beach, a playground and the ruins of an 1829 sugar mill situated among towering oaks.

Fairview-Riverside State Park
Located on the Tchefuncte River, Fairview-Riverside State Park offers the Historic Otis House Museum, 22 premium campsites, 59 improved campsites and 20 unimproved campsites where guests can fish and have picnics.

Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge
Federal wildlife refuge on 15,000 acres of pine flatwoods and coastal marsh.

Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge
36,000-acres of the Pearl River Basin.

Northlake Nature Center
A nature preserve with a boardwalk, children’s programs and nature activities, located on 400 acres of ancient pines and hardwood forest along Bayou Castine. Hosts the annual Great Louisiana Birdfest.

Golf Courses

St. Tammany Parish is home to eight public and private golf courses, all offering 18 holes:
Abita Springs Golf and Country Club
Beau Chene Country Club
Covington Country Club
Money Hill Golf and Country Club
Oak Harbor Golf Club
Pinewood Golf Club
Royal Golf Club
Tchefuncta Country Club

Professional and Collegiate Sports
Located between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, St. Tammany Parish is the ideal home for fans of both the New Orleans Saints professional football team and the Louisiana State University Tigers collegiate football team. Both teams enjoy a dedicated regional and national fan base. For fans of professional basketball, the New Orleans Pelicans franchise calls New Orleans home.

Other collegiate sports teams in the region include the Southeastern Louisiana University Lions football and baseball teams, the Tulane University Green Wave football and baseball teams, and the University of New Orleans Privateers basketball and baseball teams.

Dining Retail

Dining

GIS Planning estimates that there are over 600 restaurants in St. Tammany Parish.

As one of the most populous parishes in Louisiana—a diverse area rich in culinary heritage and flavor—St. Tammany Parish satisfies and enthralls gourmands. With po-boys, fried and boiled seafood, jambalaya, gumbo, muffulettas, and all the other local cuisines, St. Tammany’s world-class and home-grown restaurants offer a wide range of fine and casual dining experiences across the parish.

Photo Courtesy of Visit the Northshore

Retail

GIS Planning estimates that there are over 3,000 retail establishments in St. Tammany Parish.

Throughout St. Tammany, you can enjoy strolling and shopping at antique shops, gift shops, and art galleries. Don’t miss an opportunity to stop by the farmers markets held in multiple areas each week to stock up on fresh produce, local delicacies and support local artisans.
There also are a number of shopping centers with a variety of retailers. Slidell offers Fremaux Town Center with a variety of retail and dining options. Covington is home to Nord du Lac and River Chase shopping centers. Mandeville offers Premier Shopping Centers 1 and 2.