St. Tammany has a superb public school system that continuously scores above national and state levels on standardized tests.

Niche.com ranks St. Tammany Parish Public Schools in the top 10 school districts in Louisiana. The St. Tammany Parish School Board and all public schools within the system are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

In addition to having a nationally ranked public school system, St. Tammany Parish is home to Northshore Technical Community College, as well as many satellite campuses of other local higher education institutions.

St. Tammany Parish is renowned by outdoor enthusiasts and sportsmen for its 26 parks, nature trails, bike paths, playgrounds, and sports complexes, including:

Tammany Trace – This 31-mile rails-to-trails conversion meanders through lovely wooded areas and links five St. Tammany towns, accommodating runners, walkers, cyclists, and even equestrians.

Fontainebleau State Park – This historic park offers 2,800 acres with beautiful cabins built over Lake Pontchartrain, 310 campsites, several nature trails, three group camps, a lodge, sandy beach, playground, and the ruins of an 1829 sugar mill situated among towering oaks.

Northlake Nature Center – A nature preserve with a boardwalk, children’s programs and nature activities, the center is located on 400 acres of ancient pine and hardwood forest along Bayou Castine, and hosts the annual Great Louisiana Birdfest.

Abita Springs
Abita Springs is a quiet, eclectic town known for lush greenery and friendly residents.

Regionally famous as the home of the Abita Brewing Company, it’s a popular destination for its brewery tours and tastings. The beer is brewed from the mineral water pumped from the springs which give the town its name. As a perfect complement to the brewery, Abita Springs is well served by bike trails and sidewalks which access the beautifully landscaped town center.

Covington
Nestled between three winding rivers, Covington was long a quiet, Southern railroad town. However, it grew quickly after the 1956 opening of the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge, with those looking for a more suburban lifestyle outside of the city.

Now bustling with many modern amenities, Covington is perfect for families in search of high-quality schools and access to numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, such as biking, canoeing and kayaking, hiking, camping, and more. With a quaint, historic downtown dating back to 1813, it is one of the region’s most charming cities.

Madisonville
Madisonville is a beautiful community located along the delta of the Tchefuncte River, where the winding stream flows into Lake Pontchartrain.

It has a rich history of boating and is home to the Louisiana Maritime Museum. The waterfront features multiple antique shops, cafés, and restaurants in a quaint and walkable district. With less than 1,000 residents, it maintains a close-knit, small-town feel, just minutes from the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway.

Mandeville
Mandeville is the oldest community in St. Tammany Parish. This historic small town was founded initially as a weekend getaway for well-to-do New Orleanians.

Now a cultured and beautiful city, the community continues to be a popular option for families due to its outstanding schools, kid-friendly focus, and emphasis on outdoor recreation. Mandeville features a walkable downtown, and the only beach access along the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain.

Slidell
The largest community in St. Tammany Parish, Slidell– also known as “the Camellia City” – brims with Southern hospitality.

It attracts many new residents looking for affordable suburban living a quick drive across the Twin Spans from New Orleans. With a walkable and historic downtown, and many modern amenities, including a mall and nationally franchised restaurants, it has become one of the most popular commuter communities. Slidell also offers an abundance of waterfront real estate along the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain.