Outdoor amenities in Springfield's corner of rural Louisiana
The rural community of Springfield is bounded by rivers on each side — the Tickfaw to the west, and the Natalbany to the east. While the city limits are relatively tight, the broader area includes plenty of outdoor amenities, such as several marinas, a state park and a popular golf course. “It’s a small area, but it’s got some really nice things there,” says Brent Drude, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker TEC who lived in Springfield for a decade. “It’s really a unique area, even though it’s a little bitty community. I know when I was growing up in the 70s, I was saying ‘I’d never live in Springfield, there’s nothing there.’ But especially with that golf resort, that’s a PGA-type course.”
Developments around marinas and the Carter Plantation golf course
While a handful of houses are clustered on the blocks of Springfield’s small downtown, most homes are outside the city’s core. Some properties sit on long driveways, backing to the forest. But several developments are located around the community’s attractions. Homes in the Carter Plantation subdivision line the golf course’s fairways, while other neighborhoods are built around riverfront canals. “There are a lot of nice homes and weekend homes that people have out there,” Drude says. “They have their second homes, and they have waterfront homes that have access to the river there.” Smaller ranch-style and manufactured homes can sell for $90,000 to $190,000, while New Traditional builds go between $190,000 and $330,000. Larger Acadian and French Country-style houses range from $330,000 to $630,000. Springfield's overall CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, lower than the national figure of 4.
Springfield’s access to waterways means that much of the community is within FEMA-designated high-risk flood zones. Homebuyers may be required to maintain flood insurance. Homes near the river are often elevated to mitigate the effect of potential flooding.
Education at schools within the community
Livingston Parish Public Schools serves Springfield and receives an A-minus overall grade from Niche. The community is mainly zoned to Springfield Elementary, Springfield Middle and Springfield High, each within the community. The elementary and high schools each get B grades, while the middle school receives a B-plus. Springfield High offers such clubs as Future Farmers of America, 4-H and a robotics group.
Recreation at Tickfaw State Park, Carter Plantation or on the river
The Tickfaw River snakes along the community's western edge, cutting through Tickfaw State Park. The park features hiking trails like a boardwalk along the river, boat and canoe launches and a visitor center. Visitors can set up or stay at the park’s cabins. Springfield has several marinas on the Tickfaw and Blood rivers, which each empty into Lake Maurepas. Carter Plantation’s public 18-hole golf course was designed by professional golfer and LSU alum David Toms.
Restaurants in town and at the area's marinas
Springfield is mainly a dispersed community, but Main Street has several shops and restaurants in town. Mami’s Mexican is a popular option for tacos, fajitas and margaritas, while the Springfield Drug Store down the street has been open since 1972. More eateries can be found near the area’s marinas, including Charlie’s Restaurant. The community landmark serves traditional Louisiana fare like seafood and po’ boys. While Springfield has a few dollar stores, residents can head 5 miles to Cain’s Supermarket in Albany or 10 miles to Hammond for more shopping options.
Neighboring Ponchatoula hosts the annual Strawberry festival
Residents attend events throughout Livingston Parish, from the Livingston Parish Fair 17 miles away at the fairgrounds to events at Tickfaw State Park. But the area’s largest gathering is the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival, which celebrates the region’s agricultural industry. Over 300,000 attendees visit the festival annually in the neighboring town. “It started out in a used-car lot,” Drude says. “It takes the whole town up, now, just about.”
Access to interstates 12 and 55 leading to Baton Rouge and New Orleans
Springfield sits roughly 6 miles west of Ponchatoula . The community has easy access to Interstate 12, which leads 40 miles west to Baton Rouge, and Interstate 55, which heads most of the 55 miles to New Orleans. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport serves nearly 60 destinations with direct flights. The Livingston Parish Council on Aging runs a transportation service for seniors, but most residents drive to their destinations. The North Oaks Medical Center is 8 miles away in Hammond and has the nearest emergency room.
