Amite City's railroad history and lively downtown
Founded as a railroad town in the 19th century, Amite City is the seat of Tangipahoa Parish. Through the community’s history, industries like dairy farming and oyster processing have each contributed to the local economy, though each have waned in recent years. Today, residents enjoy Amite’s lively downtown, while convenient interstate access makes commuting to larger cities like Hammond simple. “All that area up there used to be dairies,” says Brent Drude, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker TEC who has worked in the region for 42 years. “It’s right off the interstate. It’s a lot of commuters. There’s not as many jobs up there.”
Smaller homes in town plus larger properties on the outskirts
Tree canopies shade the narrow gridded streets within town, with homes on modestly-sized lots. In the community’s outlying areas, larger lots are cut into the forest. Smaller cottages and bungalows can sell for $80,000 to $180,000. Ranch and Acadian-style homes go for $180,000 to $300,000. Scattered larger properties sell between $420,000 and $900,000.
Tangipahoa Parish schools within the community
The Tangipahoa Parish School System serves Amite City and receives a B-minus overall grade from Niche. Students can start at Amite Elementary Magnet School, which gets a C-plus grade. Both Amite Westside Middle Magnet School and Amite High Magnet School receive a C rating. All three schools offer magnet academies for their students. Amite Elementary provides a Communication Arts Magnet, while Amite Westside Middle and Amite High each have STEAM-focused programs. Private school options include Oak Forest Academy, which receives a B grade from Niche for prekindergarten through 12th grade.
Commutes via Interstate 55, which runs through the city
Interstate 55 runs along the west side of Amite City, heading roughly 20 miles south to Hammond. New Orleans is a 70-mile trip. “We may have some people that commute all the way to New Orleans. It’s a long commute,” says Drude. “But a lot of people up there are retired too. They have some jobs, there’s just not a ton of industry up there.” While most residents drive, the Tangi Transit system operates on-demand pickups and drop-offs within the parish. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport has direct flights to cities across the country. Hood Memorial Hospital is in Amite and offers services, including an emergency department.
Popular restaurants like The Boston in downtown Amite
A rail line cuts through downtown, which is the heart of the community’s commercial landscape. Storefronts stand along Oak Street, home to shops and restaurants like The Pink Agave taqueria. More restaurants and bars front the railroad tracks on Central Avenue, including The Boston. “A lot of people drive from Hammond just to go to that restaurant,” says Drude. “It’s really good food.” Fast food spots and a Walmart sit closer to the interstate. A couple of small restaurants are located within the community of Roseland, just north of downtown Amite.
Parks in town and near the community include Fleet Easley Park
Fleet Easley Park, known to some residents as North Park, is the main area for recreation within town. Spanning both sides of St. Catherine Street, the park offers various activities. Kids enjoy time on the playground, while sports facilities include tennis courts, soccer and baseball fields and a track. The CAM2 Golf Club has a public 18-hole course just outside the community. More outdoor recreation can be found at the Tangipahoa Parish School Board Wildlife Management Area. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries leases the land from the school system and manages the area for hikers and hunters.
Amite Oyster Festival celebrates the traditional industry
Amite was once the center of the oyster industry in Louisiana, with the shellfish shipped up from the Gulf to the community for processing. While the industry has shifted and no longer dominates the area economy, the Amite Oyster Festival celebrates this history each spring. Events include live music, a parade and a 5k race, alongside the traditional carnival rides and food vendors. More community happenings take place at Florida Parishes Arena in Amite, including rodeos and livestock shows.
