Small-town feel with big-city amenities in "Hammond, America"
In the mid-19th century, the city of Hammond first developed as a railroad town, connecting it to New Orleans. Today, the train still stops for passengers in Hammond, with its tracks cutting through the middle of downtown. But the city that residents affectionately call “Hammond, America” — due to its small-town, all-American charm — offers much more today than just the rails, including a thriving downtown scene and one of the five largest universities in the state. “It’s kind of a little big city,” says Tasha Lamkin-Dameron, the broker and co-owner of Simply Real Estate LLC, who has lived in Hammond for 33 years. “It’s got a small-town feel but with big-city amenities.”
Hammond is a mix of residential and retail locations.
Amtrak service stops in Hammond on its route between Chicago and New Orleans.
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Downtown shopping and dining in Hammond
Like many small-town downtowns, downtown Hammond fell on hard times through the late 20th century. But today, the downtown district in Hammond is vibrant and alive, with restaurants and storefronts along the railroad tracks running through the city's center. Much of this is due to the work of the Downtown Development District, which utilizes tax money to keep the area in great shape. “Downtown is such a desirable area because it’s very walkable. You can walk everywhere,” Lamkin-Dameron says. Suburban shopping centers near the interstates, including the Hammond Square outdoor mall, are on the outskirts of town.
Ollie's Hair Studio in Hammond is a great location for professional hair care.
Hammond Square has many different retail and restaurant options to choose from.
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Downtown Hammond's community events
Many of Hammond’s cultural events center on downtown, from monthly live music to holiday celebrations. Mardi Gras is celebrated in February with a masquerade ball, while July 4th brings a fireworks show in Zemurray Park. Each Saturday, downtown hosts a farmers market with nearly 50 local vendors selling fresh produce, pastries and artisan goods. Southeastern Louisiana University has an NCAA Division I sports program, and residents support the Lions.
Downtown Hammond is a great place to relax on a sunny day.
Railroad Park in Hammond hosts many activities like the weekly farmer’s market.
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Housing in Tangipahoa Parish's largest city
Hammond is the largest city in Tangipahoa Parish, with a population of over 20,000. The median home price in the city is $229,300, lower than the national median of $406,100. Bungalows and national-style homes from the mid-20th century comprise most of the housing stock near downtown. Ranch-style homes and new construction influenced by French Acadian style often pop up on the city's outskirts.
New home construction is an option when looking to move to Hammond.
National style homes can be found throughout Hammond.
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Education at Tangipahoa Parish Public Schools
Tangipahoa Parish Public Schools serve Hammond, with the system receiving a B-minus grade from Niche. Students can attend schools like the Southeastern Louisiana University Laboratory School, a joint venture between SLU and the Tangipahoa Parish school system. The kindergarten-through-eighth grade school receives an A-minus from Niche and helps train teachers. Otherwise, students have private options, including the A-minus-rated St. Thomas Aquinas High School. Southern Louisiana University is located in Hammond, with over 14,000 students.
Zemurray Park's many amenities
The city’s recreation opportunities are centered around Zemurray Park, which is near downtown. One of Hammond’s largest parks, it includes a playground, multiple baseball fields and the city pool. The Michael J. Kenney Recreation Center is located next to the park and offers an indoor court for basketball and volleyball. Cate Square Park is directly downtown and has a playground. Meanwhile, the city’s sports programs often play at North Oak Park near Southeastern Louisiana University’s campus, with four softball fields and a beach volleyball complex.
Go fishing in the pond at Zemurray Park.
Relax and read a book in Cate Square Park.
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Proximity to both New Orleans and Baton Rouge
While Hammond is car-centric, the parish’s Tangi Transit organization operates a bus route through the city. However, residents mainly drive to their destinations, including work. Major employers in the city include the Tangipahoa Parish Public Schools System and Southeastern Louisiana University, as well as the North Oaks Medical Center at the southern end of the city. Interstates 12 and 55 each run through the city, with I-12 heading the roughly 45 miles to Baton Rouge. I-55 meets up with I-10, leading to New Orleans, about 55 miles away. “You can be in New Orleans in 45 minutes. You can be in Baton Rouge in 35 minutes,” Lamkin-Dameron says. “Hammond is kind of a crossroads.” Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport offers commercial flights about 45 miles away. Residents can also take Amtrak service, which stops in Hammond on its route between Chicago and New Orleans.
Hammond is home to Southeastern Louisiana University.
North Oaks Medical Center is the main hospital in and around Hammond.
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Crime numbers trending down in Hammond
The city of Hammond has reported crime numbers to the state and FBI through the end of 2022. As of the final report, both property and violent crime rates were higher than state and national averages. However, both rates were trending downward over the five years before 2022.
Hammond has hot, humid summers and mild winters. The city’s location near the Gulf Coast means it can occasionally be affected by tropical storms or hurricanes. In 2021, Hurricane Ida brought significant rainfall and high winds to Hammond.
Written By
Brendan Doyle
Photography Contributed By
Andrew Williams
Video By
Kyle Keyes
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Hammond, LA sell after 83 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Hammond, LA over the last 12 months is $249,634, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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CHARLOTTE LYONSBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred, REALTOR
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The Heights is the newest premier apartment homes in Hammond! Our residents will enjoy amenities Hammond has never seen before along with a team and community designed with you in mind. Find out why our nationally-awarded community was voted best apartments in Hammond three times! Call us today! We are an Equal Opportunity Housing Provider.
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