Lacombe's quiet character and new homes attract younger homebuyers
The Northshore hamlet of Lacombe sits between Mandeville and Slidell. Traditionally a sleepy community on the water about 40 minutes from New Orleans, Lacombe has plenty of older homes, including many with boat slips and bayou views. But the area has started to grow thanks to a handful of local businesses and the popular National Wildlife Refuge along Lake Pontchartrain. Demand from younger homebuyers has led to new construction throughout the community. “It’s kind of changing,” says Richard Farmer, a Realtor with Re/Max Shoreline specializing in the Northshore. “The younger folks like it because it’s kind of woodsy and it’s new. They like the new homes.”
Older properties, new builds and waterfront houses
Lacombe features a range of homes, from mid-20th-century national and ranch-style homes to more recent new traditional houses. While older properties tend to sit closer to the center of the community, new construction neighborhoods have begun to pop up, especially on the east side. “In the last 10 years, it’s been a bit of a selling frenzy in terms of builders,” Farmer says. “Builders have been putting up three-bed, two-bath homes, raised about three feet, and selling the hell out of them.” Most homes in the area go for $150,000 to $350,000, though larger Acadian-style houses can go for $350,000 to $700,000. Many of the larger homes back up to waterways, with docks and boat launches allowing residents to ride into Bayou Lacombe and Lake Pontchartrain. Parts of Lacombe, especially south of Highway 190, are in FEMA-designated flood zones. Residents may be required to have flood insurance.
Hiking, kayaking, hunting and more in Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge
Most of Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge is in Lacombe. The visitor center sits near the center of the community, on the site of a former private garden along Bayou Lacombe. Most of the park is located along the shore of Lake Pontchartrain, where locals go hiking and kayaking through the marshes and hunting is a popular pastime. “There are some bayou trails. People do tours,” Farmer says. “People go fishing and crabbing out there, too.” Bayou Lacombe Park, in the center of the community and includes a playground, picnic shelter and indoor basketball gym, while Lacombe Recreational Baseball Park is home to the community’s Little League. For bikers, the Tammany Trace trail runs through the area, following the right-of-way of a defunct railway through St. Tammany Parish.
A highly rated public school system
Students in Lacombe can attend St. Tammany Parish Public Schools, which receives an A-minus from Niche. Most of the community is served by Chahta-Ima Elementary, which receives an A-minus for kindergarten through third grade, while B-plus Bayou Lacombe Middle has fourth through sixth grade. Monteleone Junior High serves seventh and eighth grade and receives an A, while Lakeshore High is graded a B-plus. Students can also attend private schools in Slidell or Covington, like Pope John Paul II Catholic High, which receives an A-minus. Northshore Technical Community College is 3 miles north.
New Orleans 45 miles away via the causeway or I-10
Lacombe sits across from New Orleans on Lake Pontchartrain. Interstate 12 connects to the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway or, in the opposite direction, to Interstate 10, both offering a 45-mile drive to New Orleans. Slidell and Covington are about 15 miles away.
Local businesses like Sal & Judy's "Creole Italian"
Highway 190 is the main commercial drag through the center of Lacombe. Several shops and restaurants sit along the two-lane road, including Sal & Judy’s, which serves Creole Italian cuisine. “Sal & Judy’s is the best restaurant in the South,” Farmer says. “It’s authentic Italian. Chef Sal is from Sicily, born and raised. He’s been over here a long time. He makes all the pastas himself and all the sauces himself.” Janie Brown’s Restaurant, also on Highway 190, serves seafood and steaks in a homey interior. Lishman’s City Market offers groceries within Lacombe, while a Dollar General less than a mile away sells other essentials.
Written By
Brendan Doyle
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Lacombe Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Lacombe, LA sell after 87 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Lacombe, LA over the last 12 months is $244,100, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
I worked in the corporate world for 12 years, manufacturing reverse osmosis systems for the offshore industry and small residential systems. I work both in the commercial and residential fields. I am now a full time realtor and have been for 24 years. I love every minute of being a realtor. Customer service and satisfaction are my top priorities. Sometimes, the price of real estate can vary dramatically due to minute details about the way the home is built or the property is laid out. I’m here to help you make sure every small factor is counted when you’re considering where to put your hard earned money. As a full time Realtor I am committed to provide you with professional, ethical, and confidential service and keep you fully informed every step of the way. I have built my business by providing top notch service to everyone.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
