Slidell Louisiana: A Thriving Community on the Northshore

Slidell, Louisiana stands as a testament to Southern charm and natural beauty. A mere stone’s throw from the bustling heart of New Orleans, this quaint city offers a tranquil retreat, teeming with a unique blend of history, culture, and aquatic adventures. It’s easy to see why so many people are choosing to call this lovely city home.

The area around Slidell is known for water sports, hunting and other outdoor activities. At Pearl River Wildlife Management Area, about 7 miles northeast of Slidell, adventurers may go boating, camping, canoeing and fishing in its 34,896 acres while observing wildlife, including deer, turkeys, bald and golden eagles, swallowtail kites and ospreys.

Visitors may engage in bicycling, horseback riding, inline skating, running and walking at Tammany Trace, a 31-mile-long rails-to-trails path on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain that treads its way from Slidell to Covington. The nearby swamps and smaller lakes also make Slidell a perfect spot for residents who want to enjoy the pleasures of Louisiana’s hunting, fishing, boating, hiking and camping.

The architecture in Slidell is equally diverse. Potential home owners will find the mansions of planned communities as easily as they will find fishing cottages and boathouses. Sprawling neighborhoods with traditional ranch-style homes are balanced by historic properties surrounded by 100-year-old oak and pine trees. The patchwork of styles, from grand to modest, traditional to contemporary, is what continues to make Slidell so unique among New Orleans-area neighborhoods.

Successful public, private and parochial schools and a low crime rate also continue to make Slidell popular with residents. A burgeoning business community, retail, medical, military, construction and manufacturing, all contribute to the area’s prosperity and dependability as an employment hub.

Home buyers looking for local properties are also looking for the kinds of amenities that have welcomed residents for decades, top-notch private, public and parochial schools, a thriving public library system with convenient branches and excellent restaurants from corner po-boy cafes to fine dining and every type of international cuisine.

Slidell is also home to the popular Olde Towne Historic neighborhood, filled with boutiques and one of the region’s most popular antique shopping districts. The culture of this part of Louisiana is also reflected in the popularity of swamp tours, ecological boating trips and fishing charter companies, all based in town. Antique fairs, concerts in Heritage Park, Christmas Under the Stars in Griffith Park, Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day parades through Slidell streets, consistent theater and musical events, shopping at local boutiques and area shopping centers with national retailer anchors are also reasons for residents and visitors to enjoy Slidell.

Slidell Demographics

• Population: More than 27,000 (a jump of greater than 6 percent in the past decade).
• Households: More than 10,000.
• Schools: There are more than 70 public, private and parochial schools (with access to hundreds more in nearby parishes and towns), plus more than 50 privately owned preschools.
• Healthcare: Slidell Memorial Hospital, Ochsner Medical Center’s north shore campus and Southern Surgical Hospital all offer full services here, with other local medical facilities, urgent care centers and clinics also available. The dozens of full-service hospitals, medical office complexes and clinics in nearby Jefferson and Orleans Parishes and western St. Tammany also service Slidell residents.
• Churches: There are more than 70 churches of every denomination throughout the city of Slidell.

Like all over Louisiana, Slidell is home to some great eats. Exciting flavors inspire menus in elegant dining spaces and mom-and-pop seafood establishments here. You’ll find sophisticated fare at restaurants like Palmettos on the Bayou, dining inside or outside within a picturesque cypress grove. You can also enjoy a more down-home setting at local joints like LA Pines in Slidell (loved by “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” of Food Network).

Slidell is a great place to live and raise a family. Residents born and raised in one part of town express extreme allegiance to that geographic spot. Whether you’re looking to buy a new home or sell your current one, there’s a lot to love about this area so please reach out to a Slidell realtor like me so we can show you around Slidell.

Key Takeaways About Living In Slidell, Louisiana

• Slidell offers a blend of outdoor recreation, waterfront living, and convenient access to New Orleans
• Residents enjoy boating, fishing, camping, hiking, hunting, and wildlife activities throughout the surrounding area
• Tammany Trace provides miles of recreational space for walking, biking, skating, and running
• Housing options range from historic homes and fishing cottages to planned communities and luxury residences
• Strong public, private, and parochial school options continue attracting families to the area
• Healthcare access includes hospitals, urgent care facilities, clinics, and nearby regional medical centers
• Olde Towne Slidell remains popular for shopping, dining, antiques, festivals, and local entertainment
• Local culture includes swamp tours, Mardi Gras celebrations, live music, and waterfront activities
• Restaurants throughout Slidell feature Louisiana seafood, fine dining, po-boy shops, and regional specialties
• Family friendly neighborhoods, outdoor amenities, and community events contribute to Slidell’s popularity among home buyers

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do people choose to live in Slidell, Louisiana?

Many people choose Slidell because of its outdoor recreation, family friendly neighborhoods, waterfront lifestyle, local culture, and proximity to New Orleans.

What outdoor activities are popular in Slidell?

Popular outdoor activities include boating, fishing, hunting, kayaking, camping, hiking, swamp tours, wildlife observation, and biking along Tammany Trace.

What types of homes are available in Slidell?

Slidell offers a wide range of housing styles including waterfront homes, ranch style houses, planned community residences, fishing cottages, historic homes, and contemporary properties.

What is Olde Towne Slidell known for?

Olde Towne Slidell is known for antique shopping, local boutiques, restaurants, seasonal festivals, concerts, and historic Southern charm.

Are there good schools in Slidell?

Slidell includes numerous public, private, and parochial schools, along with access to additional educational options throughout nearby communities and parishes.

What healthcare options are available in Slidell?

Residents have access to Slidell Memorial Hospital, Ochsner Medical Center, urgent care clinics, specialty medical offices, and nearby regional healthcare systems.

Is Slidell a good place for families?

Many families choose Slidell because of its parks, schools, recreation programs, outdoor activities, churches, and neighborhood community atmosphere.

What dining options are popular in Slidell?

Slidell features seafood restaurants, local po-boy shops, waterfront dining, Cajun cuisine, fine dining locations, and a variety of international food options.

How close is Slidell to New Orleans?

Slidell is located a short drive from New Orleans, making it convenient for commuters and residents who want access to both suburban living and city attractions.

What community events take place in Slidell?

Residents and visitors enjoy Mardi Gras parades, concerts in Heritage Park, Christmas events, antique fairs, theater performances, and seasonal festivals throughout the year.