North Shore - Tangipahoa Parish -Growing

Just north of Lake Pontchartrain and to the west of St. Tammany Parish lies a parish that is making its presence known as a great place to live and buy a home. Tangipahoa, a long, slender parish that runs from the lake to the Mississippi border, is part of Louisiana’s Florida Parishes, and is home to towns and cities such as Amite (the parish seat), Kentwood, Independence, Tickfaw and Manchac. At the southern end of the parish lie Ponchatoula and Hammond, two cities growing increasingly as a distinct and important part of the southeast Louisiana region. Realtors familiar with the area and residents note many residents of the central areas of the New Orleans metropolitan region are choosing Tangipahoa (particularly Hammond and Ponchatoula) as an area in which to live. And why not? With much to offer, availability of homes to buy and a rich palette of amenities, this parish is a great place to call home. INCREASED ACTIVITY The majority of the Realtors contacted in the area note an increase in activity over the past year in the market. Interest is high and buyers are coming from outside of the area and out of state as well. “We have definitely seen an increase in activity throughout our area,In the past few months, Though both are working in other parts of the metro area, they opted to buy in Tangipahoa. “They preferred our area because it is above sea level and they fell in love with the friendliness of the people,” she said. Since the beginning of the year, more than 200 homes have sold in Ponchatoula and more than 170 in Hammond, according to figures . An interesting note is the majority of homes sold in the areas have been under five years of age and under $200,000. CRISSCROSSED WITH ADVANTAGES As the southeastern region of the state continues to grow, the areas on the northern side of the lake are melding . Hammond and Pontchatoula are seeing overflow from east and west. To the west, Livingston Parish continues to grow and overflow into Tangipahoa. Long a bedroom sector for Baton Rouge, Livingston has seen tremendous growth in recent decades. Some of that is spilling over into Tangipahoa. To the east, St. Tammany Parish, one of the fastest-growing areas in the country, is spilling to the west into Tangipahoa. Growing areas such as Bedico and Robert are having an effect, as well as outlying areas of Madisonville. Much of the growth is seen along three parallel roadways that run east-west through all of these areas. Interstate 12 connects Hammond to Denham Springs and Baton Rouge (and I-10) to the west and Covington/Mandeville, Lacombe, Slidell (and I-10 and I-59) to the east. Highway 190 runs parallel to the north of the interstate and Highway 22 does the same to the south. Plus, the parish has a major north-south thoroughfare in I-55, connecting to I-10 at LaPlace and running to Mississippi to the north. The bottom line: residents have the bulk of the southern part of the state at easy reach via these throughways, making commuting to work in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Slidell or the River Parishes quite easy. “It is basically the center point between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, There are many individuals who live here and work in LaPlace, Baton Rouge, Prairieville and New Orleans areas. “Hammond and Ponchatoula have so much to offer as it is truly the cross roads of the South.” RULES OF ATTRACTION Besides the ease of access to other areas, attractive pricing and variety are big draws for the area. We noted that Hammond and Ponchatoula, and including nearby Bedico and Robert in St. Tammany Parish, have seen prices for a three-bedroom, two-bath home in the area averaging $154,870 this year, with a median price of $148,700. Types of homes in the area are quite diverse. While there are many new homes in fresh subdivisions, there are also established neighborhoods that boast architectural styles lovingly cared for over the years. Golf communities, waterfront living, country estates and everything in between are available in the area. All those options and good prices are good news. “The good news is that there is a wide variety of housing to choose from, and great pricing. “Interest rates are low and the Tangipahoa area is one of the parishes where Rural Development financing is available. It is definitely a buyer’s market and the deals won’t get any better than they are right now. “If you have been considering the purchase of a home, what are you waiting for?” Besides the availability and variety of homes, Tangipahoa residents have many amenities within the parish. The history of the area is evident in the communities, many of which boast designation on the National Registry of Historic Places. History is an attraction for visitors and also part of the economic engine of the parish as many antique dealers call Tangipahoa home. Festivals celebrate the parish and the heritage of the people in unique style, from oysters to strawberries and more. Education has a major place in the parish, with Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond leading the way. Public and parochial schools throughout the parish are also drawing points for residents. Commerce in a variety of forms contributes to the economic impact. Blended together, this area has great appeal to buyers, including young buyers. “Three out of the last five people I have sold have been young, single men in their early 20s. “They have excellent credit and good jobs. They got 100-percent loans, which included their closing costs and they now live in a brand new constructed home paying the same as they were paying in rent.”