Historically, Ponchatoula has always had a sweet tooth for strawberries. In the mid-20th century, the nearby city of Hammond also celebrated its connection to the crop, claiming to be the “Strawberry Capital of Louisiana,” despite Ponchatoula producing more. In 1968, Ponchatoula decided to one-up its neighbor, declaring itself the “Strawberry Capital of the World.” The moniker stuck. Today, Ponchatoula is a tourist destination, particularly during its annual Strawberry Festival. Around 8,000 full-timers appreciate its small-town charm and its equidistance to New Orleans and Baton Rouge, both about 50 miles away. “Most people that live in Ponchatoula have lived there for their whole lives and are never leaving,” says Tasha Lamkin-Dameron, broker and co-owner of Simply Real Estate LLC, who has lived in the area for over 30 years.
Ponchatoula is known as the “Strawberry Capital of the World”.
Ponchatoula is a mix of residential areas and retail centers.
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Higher home prices than other cities in Tangipahoa Parish
The second-largest city in Tangipahoa Parish, Ponchatoula has continued its slow, steady growth since the turn of the century. The city’s median home price is $261,900, lower than the national median of $420,400 but higher than the median for other cities in Tangipahoa Parish, like Hammond. The highest priced homes are often near the center of town, in styles including Craftsman. Homes on the outskirts are often ranch-style, ranging from 1970s construction to newer builds.
Craftsman-style homes can be found when looking to move to Ponchatoula.
Ranch-style homes are common around Ponchatoula.
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Education at Tangipahoa Parish Public Schools
Ponchatoula is served by Tangipahoa Parish Public Schools, which receives a B-minus grade from Niche. Students generally head to B-rated Ponchatoula High School, which offers Advanced Placement courses and dual enrollment with Southeastern Louisiana University or Louisiana State University. Nearby, Hammond offers private schools like A-minus St. Thomas Aquinas High School.
Ponchatoula High School has a B- score on Niche.
Southeastern Louisiana University offers dual enrollment with Ponchatoula High School.
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Ponchatoula's parks and sports facilities
Ponchatoula has several parks within the downtown area, including Memorial Park, which holds events like the annual Strawberry Festival. Kiwanis Park has a playground and a baseball field, and the city is working on renovating the baseball stadium at Athletic Park. However, the focal point of recreation in the city is northeast of downtown at the Ponchatoula Area Recreation District. The facility offers a trail and playground as well as outdoor sports fields and an indoor gym with basketball courts.
Memorial Park hosts the annual Strawberry Festival.
Kiwanis Park was established in 1948.
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Shopping in "America's Antique City"
On top of its strawberry farming heritage, Ponchatoula is also known as "America’s Antique City" for its numerous antique stores, many of which line the city’s main drag, Pine Street. The quaint, walkable downtown has several restaurants, too. A Walmart and a grocery store sit closer to Interstate 55, and locals can head north to Hammond, about 5 miles away, for its suburban shopping centers and big-box stores.
CJ's Antiques & Collectibles is one of many antique shops in Ponchatoula.
Ponchatoula’s Pine St hosts many businesses like the Toula Burger Co.
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300,000 people at the annual Strawberry Festival
The city celebrates its agricultural heritage with its popular Strawberry Festival, held annually over an April weekend. The festival advertises itself as one of the largest in Louisiana, with about 300,000 attendees each year. “People come from all over the place for that festival,” Lamkin-Dameron says. “My brother-in-law lives in New Orleans, and he loves to come up here.” The city also holds seasonal events, including parades for Mardi Gras and Christmas.
The railroad helped expand agriculture in and around Ponchatoula.
Ponchatoula celebrates its agricultural heritage with its popular Strawberry Festival.
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Access to Baton Rouge and New Orleans
The Tangi Transit system serves Ponchatoula with a bus route, but most residents depend on their cars. Interstate 55 runs along the city's western edge, leading to Interstate 10 and New Orleans, roughly 50 miles away. The nearest commercial airport, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, offers service nationwide. Interstate 12 sits less than a mile north, leading 45 miles west to Baton Rouge.
Downward crime trends over past five years
According to FBI data, the Ponchatoula Police Department reports violent crime at a rate similar to the national and state figures, while property crime has a higher rate than both the national and state figures. Each rate has seen a downward trend over the past five years.
Ponchatoula experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters. Due to its low elevation and drainage concerns, floods can be an issue. Hurricanes and tropical storms occasionally bring the city heavy rain and high winds.
Written By
Brendan Doyle
Photography Contributed By
Andrew Williams
Video By
Michael Carey
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jay Romano,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Ponchatoula, LA sell after 76 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Ponchatoula, LA over the last 12 months is $264,685, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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