A former bedroom community growing with jobs and infrastructure
Just inland from Lake Pontchartrain, the Northshore city of Slidell has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a critical railway junction on the way to New Orleans, about 30 miles away. Today, the small city in St. Tammany Parish is home to 28,000 residents and a quaint downtown full of hip businesses and vintage shops. Locals say it's a city on the upswing, with a growing list of employers, high-quality schools and loads of development projects on the horizon. "Slidell is up your typical 'little big town,' as I used to call it," says Realtor Lisa Hayles of Marion B Real Estate, who grew up in Slidell. "It was a bedroom community to New Orleans, but over the last 50 years, that's changed. It's kind of a community that stands on its own now."
Big Branch is just minutes away from the marsh and the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain.
Today, Slidell is home to 28,000 residents.
Slidell has humble beginnings as a critical railway junction on the way to New Orleans.
Slidell has a quaint downtown full of hip businesses and vintage shops.
1/4
Established homes and redevelopment after Katrina
Slidell does not have the kaleidoscopic Creole cottages or grandiose gallery homes found in many Southern Louisiana communities. Instead, many of its most established homes are a mix of metal-roofed Acadian cottages or raised cottages built for the stormy environment. Downtown also includes a handful of stick-built houses and Queen Anne Revivals, some with a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Surrounding them are the first subdivisions of Slidell, built in the 1950s. Newly built homes are also found in outer areas, which typically include snout houses with a traditional aesthetic. Further south is the independent suburban community of Eden Isles, which technically belongs to the city of New Orleans. Katrina hit both areas hard, followed by gradual rebuilding. "The area that really got blasted, outside of the Eden Isles area, was this incorporated Slidell area. Now the south end of Slidell is rejuvenated, and it's got its 60- and 70-year-old structures that were rebuilt or updated 20 years ago," Hayles says. Homes in Slidell spend an average of 86 days on the market, compared to the national average of 44 days. The median price for a single-family home in Slidell is around $268,000. According to the most recent census, more than 70% of residents own their homes, slightly above average for Louisiana.
Raised cottages are popular in Big Branch-Fritchie Marsh.
Acadian homes are a great option when looking to move to East Slidell.
1/2
Redevelopment of Olde Towne Slidell includes infrastructure and hip businesses
There are two primary commercial areas in Slidell. On the east side, the Fremaux Town Center is best suited for mall shopping at department stores like Dillard's or Kohl's, plus a quick bite at fast-food chains like Five Guys. But the local business scene tends to stick to the downtown area, which locals call Olde Towne. Between Fremaux Avenue and Pontchartrain Drive, the collection of old-timey boutiques are now occupied by hip businesses like art galleries, bicycle repair shops, upscale bistros, microbreweries, barcades, tattoo parlors, antique stores and coffee shops. Palmettos On The Bayou remains a premier dining establishment downtown, popular for its outdoor patio and menu of southern Louisiana cuisine. Downtown is expected to continue growing in the years to come, thanks to the second phase of a redevelopment project. The plan includes improvements to parking, plus safety measures like nighttime lighting and pedestrian infrastructure. The top priority, however, is addressing the threat of flooding downtown.
Slidell’s Fremaux Town Center is full of shopping and dining options.
Dillard’s is one of several big box retail options at Slidell’s Fremaux Town Center.
Many Slidell residents call downtown Slidell “Olde Towne”.
Palmettos On The Bayou remains a premier dining establishment in Slidell’s Olde Towne.
1/4
Free outdoor concerts and seafood festivals at Heritage Park
Downtown Slidell is frequently alight with free and ticketed street fairs and festivals. The weekly Bayou Jam Concert Series offers free live music on the Heritage Park lawn, and the St. Tammany Crab Festival pulls in seafood fans from across the region for live music and a vendor village. The annual Slidell Heritage Festival, hosted by the Rotary Club of Slidell, includes a street fair and fireworks, with 100% of the proceeds distributed back into the community through local charities.
Heritage Park offers a free live music weekly Bayou Jam Concert Series on its lawn.
Downtown Slidell is frequently alight with free and ticketed street fairs and festivals.
Come celebrate Slidell’s Bayou Christmas at Heritage Park.
1/3
High ACT scores for St. Tammany Parish School District
Slidell is part of the St. Tammany Parish School District, ranked the 10th-best district in Louisiana while receiving a Niche rating of A-minus. The district consistently earns the 2nd-highest ACT scores in the state, and its athletics are ranked the sixth-best in Louisiana. Many older students take advantage of a dual-enrollment program with Northshore Technical Community College, the largest such program in Louisiana. Nearly 40,000 students spread across the district's 55 schools, making it a major employer for the region as well.
Chahta-Ima Elementary School has 325 students in grades PK, K-3.
Whispering Forest Elementary is a Niche Top 100 best public elementary school in LA.
Boyet Junior High School has a safe environment.
Northshore High School is an “A” rated school on Niche.
1/4
Hospitality, aerospace and healthcare employers becoming easier to access
Health care is a major industry in Slidell, primarily due to Slidell Memorial Hospital and Oschner Health, a large medical system across the state. Defense and aerospace industries also loom large, including NASA, which built a computer center in town in the early 1960s, growing the city's population by roughly 18,000 while serving as a backup to Apollo mission control. Today, NASA operates out of the John C. Stennis Space Center across the river in Kiln, Mississippi. "We still have a lot of NASA employees and a lot of second- and third-generation citizens from that NASA influx. There is still a notable NASA influence in Slidell. Early on, they had a major impact on education and schools," says Gregory Scott, director of the Slidell Museum. Newer employers include Cleveland-based gearbox manufacturer Horsburgh & Scott Company, which built a large facility outside Slidell in 2024, as well as Amazon, which opened a new distribution center in Slidell the same year. The hospitality industry is also benefitting from a recent expansion to Slidell's convention center. "They've been able to enlarge that, so it'll allow bigger conventions to come in, which is a good money generator," Hayles says. Residents of nearby cities like New Orleans often commute to St. Tammany Parish for work. Commute times are improving across the region. In June 2024, Slidell received a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to plan and design Phase II of the Bayou Patassat Green Corridor Project to better connect downtown facilities via sidewalks and crosswalks, new bicycle and pedestrian paths, a boardwalk along Bayou Bonfouca, new parking options, waterway transit options and a micro-transit program. For now, aside from on-demand transit via St. Tammany Area Transportation, Slidell remains a car-dependent area. The new city plan will dovetail with a parish-wide transit plan that will improve traffic flow in the long term in exchange for delays in the interim. For example, U.S. Highway 90 remains closed while officials look into repairing the road's bridges, temporarily cutting off a crucial connection with major job sites across the river in Mississippi, like the Stennis Space Center.
Slidell Memorial Hospital is a major part of Slidell’s healthcare industry.
Ochsner Health is a large statewide medical system located in Slidell.
A boardwalk along Bayou Bonfouca offers a great place for walks.
1/3
Baseball and soccer leagues at Fritchie Park
Massive wildlife refuges surround Slidell, including endless acres of creeks and bayous in the Pearl River Wildlife Management Area and the Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, both just outside the city. In town, major parks include Heritage Park, Fritchie Park and John Slidell Park, plus a collection of smaller parks, playgrounds and community pools throughout the city, like Possum Hollow Park. Heritage Park is the main downtown park, popular for picnics and playground visits as well as live events and access to Bayou Bonfouca.
Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge is just north of New Orleans in Big Branch.
Heritage Park is popular outdoor location with residents.
Catch a round of Ultimate Frisbee at Fritchie Park.
John Slidell Park is a great place for families to gather and have fun.
1/4
Things to consider
Slidell was hit hard by Hurricane Katrina in 2006. One measure of the destruction: The Slidell Museum lost nearly 95% of its materials. Since then, improvements have been made to the city's mitigation measures, especially since the city is less than 5 miles from Lake Pontchartrain, making it susceptible to storm surge and flooding in the waterways that flow through town. "We've had a great deal of road reworking and sidewalk reworking recently. We've also had some pumps improved," Hayles says. "Another program that's not necessarily FEMA-related or Katrina-related was a commission put together to try to find a way to protect Slidell with better levies." Alongside downtown, a mile stretch of Bayou Bonfouca is a designated superfund site due to a now-closed creosote plant that contaminated area groundwater, which is still under restricted use by the city. Slidell's downtown also deals with higher crime rates than the rest of the city, although the city as a whole faces lower crime compared to neighboring cities like New Orleans. According to Neighborhood Scout, violent crime occurs in Slidell at a rate of 2.69 per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 4 per 1,000 and the state average of 6.29.
Written By
Tom Jakob
Photography Contributed By
Andrew Williams
Video By
Vladislav Sedykh
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
QUAN BARNETT,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Slidell, LA sell after 87 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Slidell, LA over the last 12 months is $242,500, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Spacious and beautifully updated, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers plenty of room to live and entertain! Featuring two living areas, a formal dining room, and a large kitchen with an island. The second living area opens to a party ready covered patio, for entertaining by the pool. 3 Bedroom all upstairs. Situated on an oversized corner lot with side access, this home is in the desirable
410 Windward Passage St offers the waterfront lifestyle buyers seek in Eden Isles. Set along a deep water canal with a private boat dock, this canal front home places you under ten minutes by boat to Lake Pontchartrain. Mornings begin with coffee on the covered back porch overlooking the water, and evenings end with sunset cruises from your backyard. Flood insurance is currently only $2,229 per
Welcome to your turnkey coastal retreat in Eden Isles—an elevated, two-story townhouse perfectly positioned on the bayou with your own private dock and boat lift. Attractive feature an assumable flood insurance policy under $2k annually, this home blends Southern charm with modern comforts. Inside, an open floorplan welcomes you with natural-wood floors, and walls of windows that bathe the
Located in the heart of beautiful Olde Town Slidell, this spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers over 2,000 square feet of flexible living space with commercial/residential zoning, making it ideal for a variety of uses. Just steps away from popular restaurants, shops, and local businesses, this property combines charm, convenience, and opportunity. A detached structure in the rear provides
NEVER FLOODED!!! PARADISE! Hurry...priced to sell fast! One block off of the beautiful bayou liberty. Almost a full acre! Enjoy two huge, covered porches, an above ground pool surrounded by a fabulous deck, a firepit and a giant fenced in yard. Three bedrooms, two baths, beautifully maintained, laundry room with linen closet, large attic, very affordable flood insurance. Close proximity to
Waterfront living at its finest in the sought-after Eden Isles Subdivision! This exquisite two-story, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home with an office offers direct access to Lake Pontchartrain and is fully equipped for all your boating and outdoor adventures. The spacious primary suite is located on the ground level and features a partition ideal for a reading nook or home office, along with a luxurious
BRING OFFERS!! BOND FOR DEED AN OPTION TOO! Opportunity knocks in Huntwyck subdivision! Preferred Flood Zone! This home offers walk in closets in all 3 bedrooms with laminate flooring and a freshly painted interior ready for your finishing touches. HVAC is brand new! Situated in an established neighborhood close to everyday conveniences. Homeowners can enjoy access to the community pool too!
Fully renovated and move-in ready, this 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath home at 3735 Myrtle St. offers modern updates and a functional open floorplan. The interior features wood-look tile flooring throughout—no carpet—creating a cohesive, low-maintenance living space.The updated kitchen is equipped with brand-new stainless steel appliances, including a refrigerator, along with new cabinetry and a
This Waterfront Retreat with Pool, Private Boat Launch & Bonus Lot! This home has a new roof and all new windows, New wrapped Bulkheads and new decks!! Step into timeless elegance with this beautifully crafted Creole French Colonial home, where masterful attention to detail meets relaxed waterfront living. This unique property includes the vacant lot next door, offering nearly an acre of land--a
Location, location, location - This home is in Turtle Creek Subdivision and in the Northshore High school district. This spacious home features 3,378 living square footage and over 5,000 total square footage, 4 bedrooms, an oversized open floor plan to dining, living rooms and kitchen, custom curved transoms, a lovely, covered front porch, beautiful custom beveled glass front door, French doors,
Spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath home on a large lot with room to enjoy both inside and out. Featuring hard-surface flooring throughout, this home offers a clean, modern look with easy maintenance. The bright, functional kitchen includes ample cabinet space and connects seamlessly to the main living area. A standout feature is the extra-large laundry room, offering exceptional storage and workspace
Beautiful French Country home in the sought-after Tuscany Subdivision! This rare gem offers four bedrooms all on one level, with a thoughtfully designed open floor plan and 10-foot ceilings throughout. The spacious primary suite is tucked away on one side of the home for added privacy, while the additional bedrooms and full bath are located on the opposite side. The inviting living area features
Adorable, Cozy & Truly Move-In Ready — No Carpet! This charming home offers comfort, style, and convenience all in one. Ideally located just minutes from shopping, parks, the library, and the interstate — commuting is effortless to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, New Orleans, and throughout the Northshore. The home features numerous updates and no carpet throughout, making maintenance simple and
Welcome to this charming and move-in ready home offering both comfort and functionality! The attached garage features a rear roll-up door that provides convenient backyard access featuring an impressive 400 sq ft air-conditioned workshop with its own roll-up door—perfect for hobbies, storage, or projects. Enjoy outdoor living with a covered patio and porch area, complete with space to relax or
Conveniently located close to schools, shopping and interstate access, this darling three bedroom was updated last year. Two living areas with a centrally located kitchen, this home appeals to folks who enjoy today's casual lifestyle. Beautiful trees shade an inviting rear yard for a gathering of friends and family. No pets.
Beautiful Premium waterfront property with 4-bedrooms, 2-bath home featuring an open floor plan filled with natural light. The kitchen offers granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a gas stove, and a large center island--great for cooking and entertaining. The split floor plan provides added privacy, with a spacious primary suite that includes a large walk-in closet, oversized soaking
WESTCHESTER 3 BEDROOM/ 2 BATH HOME FEATURES AN OPEN CONCEPT FLOOR PLAN WITH VINYL LAMINATE FLOORING, CROWN MOLDING, GRANITE COUNTERTOPS. LARGE FENCED BACKYARD WITH PATIO AND OVERSIZED SHED. THE NEIGHBORHOOD POOL IS LOCATED NEARBY ON HOT SUMMER DAYS!
CHARMING HOME ON CORNER LOT. 3 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHROOMS, GREAT LOCATION AND SCHOOL DISTRICT, LARGE FENCED YARD WITH COVERED PATIO, WELL WATER, LAWN CARE INCLUDED.
Lakeside Apartment Homes, is for those who know what they want out of life! Just minutes from fine dining, shopping, and recreation, seize the opportunity to immerse yourself in our state-of-the-art amenities including a BRAND NEW business center, fitness center & clubhouse! Experience resort style living & dive into relaxation with our glistening resort style pool, sports court, playground &
Discover the perfect blend of comfort and convenience at Harborside Apartment Homes, a vibrant waterfront community in Slidell, Louisiana located about 30 minutes from New Orleans. Nestled along scenic Lake Pontchartrain, our pet-friendly one, two, and three-bedroom apartments offer spacious layouts, modern finishes, and private outdoor spaces. Enjoy resort-style amenities, including a sparkling
Welcome home to Villa du Lac, where modern elegance meets the serene beauty of Slidells waterfront. Nestled along Lake Pontchartrain, our pet-friendly one, two, and three-bedroom apartments offer breathtaking views, upscale finishes, and the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Enjoy resort-style amenities, including a sparkling swimming pool, 24-hour fitness center, and scenic walking
Peaceful apartment living, conveniently located, and great rates. Stone Creek offers spacious one- and two-bedroom apartment homes minutes from Slidell's shopping centers, and commerce. All Stone Creek Apartments come with all appliances including washers and dryers, as well as other features and community amenities. We believe that Stone Creek Apartments is a great place to call home and an
Discover luxury living at Pelican Pointe in Slidell, Louisiana, near Lake Pontchartrain, with a 25-minute commute to New Orleans and access to Interstates 10, 12, and 59. Offering upgraded one-, two-, and three-bedroom pet-friendly apartment homes for rent with designer backsplash, spacious walk-in closets, hardwood flooring, washer and dryer connections, soaking tubs, patio or balcony with a
Experience urban luxury at Parks at Slidell apartments in Slidell, LA, offering modern design, premium finishes, and unmatched amenities in a vibrant neighborhood with dining, shopping, and entertainment.
This apartment community has 16 Single Story Units that were built in 2002. Berkley Apartments is tucked away in Slidell yet minutes from shopping, dining and entertainment.
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
