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Downtown Hammond, in Tangipahoa Parish

Life in Tangipahoa Parish

Tangipahoa Parish is home to a plethora of amenities and first-rate attractions. From shopping to dining options, to a catalog of fun and excitement year-round, this area is the ideal place to live. The convenience of city life in an easy-going, relaxed setting, all located at the bustling crossroads of Interstate 55 and Interstate 12, just 49 miles from New Orleans and 42 miles from Baton Rouge.

Life in Tangipahoa Parish provides opportunity to have expansive land all to yourself. The area has numerous historic downtowns, which include monthly block parties as well as numerous events and festivals. Southeastern Louisiana University (“Southeastern”) is the third-largest university in Louisiana and provides Tangipahoa with the cultural benefits — sports, arts, entertainment — that come with a college atmosphere.

Rankings & Facts

Educational Opportunities in Tangipahoa Parish

Tangipahoa Parish is home to Southeastern Louisiana University and Northshore Technical Community College. Southeastern’s OSHA bachelor’s degree is one of only a few of its kind in the nation, and Southeastern is the only Louisiana university to offer a baccalaureate degree program in Supply Chain Management.

Four Northshore Technical Community College campuses are nearby, and there are 13 additional universities, colleges, and community colleges within an hour’s drive. The area also has a strong public school system, and numerous parochial and private options to fit every student’s needs. Moreover ,Tangipahoa Parish School System has implemented magnet and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs within its K-12 school system to encourage student excellence and foster diversity.

An Array of Sports Opportunities and Attractions

Children and adults can enjoy an array of sports opportunities through Southeastern Louisiana University Athletics, Chappapeela Sports Park, Hammond Area Recreational Department, Ponchatoula Area Recreation Department, and Hammond Sportsplex.

There also are numerous attractions, museums, fairs, and festivals awaiting you, including the Global Wildlife Center, Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center, Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival, Amite Oyster Festival, Louisiana Renaissance Festival, Hammond Northshore Regional Airshow, and Reunion Lake Luxury RV Resort Campground.

Where to Live in Tangipahoa Parish

Hammond
With Southeastern Louisiana University – the state’s third largest public university – located in the heart of historic downtown Hammond, this small community has the vibrant atmosphere of a college town.

As Tangipahoa’s largest city, it is a regional draw for residents of the surrounding rural communities, boasting museums, arts centers, theaters, numerous restaurants, and a thriving nightlife.

Pontchatoula
Although Ponchatoula experienced an influx of new residents in the last several years, the city still maintains a close-knit atmosphere.

Volunteerism is high and neighbors are known to look out for each other. The city has outstanding antiques stores and a strong crafts community. It also is home to the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival, the second largest festival in Louisiana, and a national draw.

Featured Parish Employers

Marco Tejeda-Kemp

Director of Talent and Workforce
504-527-6988