On the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain, Mandeville has always defined itself in relation to the lake. In the early 20th century, it was a summer getaway for the New Orleans upper class, who would ferry across the lake. Today, the 24-mile-long Lake Pontchartrain Causeway — the longest continuous bridge in the world — connects the city of 13,000 to its much larger counterpart, with many daily commuters making the 40-minute drive into the Big Easy for work. One thing that hasn’t changed is the city’s iconic lakefront. In lieu of a levee or a sea wall, the waterfront community has elevated many properties near the water, preserving picturesque views of the lake while still mitigating flood damage. “The lake here is great. We have dining on the lake, or you can take your dog on a walk by the lake,” says Cynthia Benbow, Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Services who lives and works in Mandeville. “There’s a lot of variety of things to do here, for sure.” A quaint historic downtown and highly regarded schools help make Mandeville a popular option in the New Orleans area.
Mandeville has long been a presence on the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain.
Raised cottages are a popular option when looking to move to Mandeville.
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Shopping and dining in historic downtown Mandeville
The historic downtown area of Mandeville is the city epicenter, with many businesses lining Lafitte and Girod streets. Residents and visitors alike head to the area for restaurants and shops. “There are lots of great restaurants — not only ones that were established here in the area, but also lots of chefs that are coming over from New Orleans,” Benbow says. Parallel to the lakefront, about a mile from the water, Florida Street is more suburban, with local eateries and chain shops. Meanwhile, shopping centers pop up at the intersection of Causeway Boulevard and Emerald Road, with grocery and department stores as well as fast-casual chain restaurants.
Historic downtown Mandeville offers an inviting mix of coffee shops and diners along charming Lafitte Street.
Antique shops around Girod Street are plentiful in Mandeville, giving the area a timeless and nostalgic charm.
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Historic homes downtown and larger estates farther from the lake
Magnolias and live oaks canopy the gridded streets of downtown Mandeville, including the Seven Sisters Oak — the largest tree registered with the Live Oak Society and, therefore, the “president” of the society. Among the new builds, some Colonial and Creole-style houses date as far back as the early 19th century. Farther inland, newer exurban neighborhoods, often built within the last 25 years, offer large French Country-style estates, upscale townhomes and more modest ranch-style homes. “You can have your choice of living in a historic home, over 100 years old, on the lake, or you can do modern,” Benbow says. Despite the inventory of high-end houses, the median home price over the past 12 months is $359,000, lower than nearby cities like Madisonville and Lewisburg, as well as the national median of $407,200.
Downtown Mandeville often faces a flood risk, especially from hurricanes and tropical storms. Over 75% of the historic downtown is in a FEMA-designated flood zone, and flood insurance is mandatory for homeowners in certain areas. In an attempt to balance the preservation of the lakefront with limiting flood damage, the city encourages elevating structures in flood zones, with funds provided by the city and the federal government. Otherwise, the climate in Mandeville features hot and muggy summers and cool winters.
Old and newer style homes sit side by side in Mandeville.
Brick ranch style homes are common in Mandeville.
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Recreation on the lakefront
The Mandeville Lakefront Trail runs 3 miles along Lake Pontchartrain. The Tammany Trace, nearly 10 times longer, is a 31-mile paved trail that cuts through downtown Mandeville, following the path of an old railroad. Directly southeast of Mandeville, Fontainebleau State Park encompasses of 2,800 acres of Louisiana forest, wetlands and coastline.
The Tammany Trace is a scenic hike-and-bike trail that winds through Mandeville, connecting the town to nearby North Shore communities.
Fontainebleau State Park is located on the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain.
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Commutes across the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway
Mandeville sits at the northern terminus of the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, which is tolled, but only southbound. “A lot of people do commute,” Benbow says. “If you’re living close to the causeway, it can take just 20 minutes to get across the causeway, and just 35 minutes to get to downtown New Orleans.” Interstate 12 runs north of the city, heading west to Baton Rouge, 75 miles away, or east to Slidell and a junction with Interstate 10. Within Mandeville, the downtown area is walkable, but residents generally get around by car.
The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway makes commuting from Mandeville to New Orleans quick and convenient.
The lakefront in Mandeville is a perfect place to take a leisurely walk and enjoy the sunshine over Lake Pontchartrain.
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Education in St. Tammany Parish Public Schools
St. Tammany Parish Public Schools serve Mandeville and receive an A-minus grade from Niche. The system is rated by Niche as one of the top 10 school districts in Louisiana and the sixth-best for athletes in the state. Students can take advantage of Advanced Placement courses throughout the district. Higher education can be found across the lake in New Orleans, with universities like the University of New Orleans and Tulane University, or 75 miles west in Baton Rouge, at Louisiana State University or Southern University.
Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School provides a moral and academic foundation.
Mandeville High School establishes a relevant curriculum for all students.
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Local vendors at the Mandeville Trailhead Market
The Mandeville Trailhead sits in the heart of downtown Mandeville, offering access to the Tammany Trace. However, the area is best known as home to the Mandeville Trailhead Market, a weekly farmers market with over 80 vendors. The Trailhead also features an amphitheater for live music and a restored train depot. The city has several art studios downtown, while the legendary Dew Drop Jazz Hall dates back to 1895 and still hosts music today.
The Mandeville Trailhead of the Tammany Trace features a beautifully restored train depot and serves as a popular community gathering spot.
Mandeville’s legendary Dew Drop Jazz Hall dates back to 1895 and still hosts music today.
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Crime lower than national average
According to FBI data, property crime and violent crime rates in Mandeville are significantly lower than national and state figures. Those rates have stayed relatively stable over the past five years.
Written By
Brendan Doyle
Photography Contributed By
Andrew Williams
Video By
Matt Ferguson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jonah Mumphrey,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Mandeville, LA sell after 66 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Mandeville, LA over the last 12 months is $369,900, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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