Slidell, Louisiana, sits on the northeastern shore of magnificent Lake Pontchartrain. A vibrant, picturesque city with a rich history and culture, Slidell offers a unique blend of southern charm, subtropical weather, and coastal living.
If you are moving to Slidell soon, you’ll likely have many questions about your soon-to-be new home. If so, the information below will be helpful indeed! It provides a close look at what it’s like to live in Slidell, including the best things to do, top neighborhoods, job market, weather, and more. Read on if that sounds like the actionable info you’re looking for today.
Slidell is Slightly More Affordable than Average
While Slidell isn’t the most affordable city in the southern half of the United States, it beats many northern cities by a mile. The town’s overall cost of living index is 98.4/100, about 2 points lower than the United States average. Groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare costs are all close to the US average.
The one area Slidell shines in, however, is housing. With a housing index of 68.6/100, Slidell is over 31 points lower than the rest of the United States in terms of housing costs. The median home cost is $220,900, $140,000 less than the US average. (Amazingly, Slidell is slightly higher than the Louisiana average, an astoundingly low $184,800!)
Slidell’s Weather is (Mostly) Appealing
As mentioned earlier, Slidell is subtropical, which means it’s hot and humid in summer but mild and comfortable in winter. Summertime typically brings heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, humidity, and the unfortunate hurricane season. Fall, winter, and early spring are comfortable and warm for the most part, and genuinely cold weather is quite rare.
Slidell Has Well-Rated Schools and a Solid Education System
If you’re moving to Slidell with your children, you’re undoubtedly concerned about the public schools and the education opportunities your child will receive. The good news is that Slidell is served by the Saint Tammany Parish Public School System, one of the premier systems in the country. Most schools in Slidell receive excellent rankings.
Slidell Has Beautiful Neighborhoods, Many on the Waterfront
Slidell is not a big city, so it has fewer neighborhoods. However, most neighborhoods here are attractive, safe, and quiet. We’ve listed several of the top neighborhoods below, but experts suggest you visit all of them before choosing.
Eden Isles- Known for its waterfront properties and tranquil canals, Eden Isles offers a serene suburban lifestyle. You’ll have easy access to Lake Pontchartrain for boating and fishing.
Abita Springs- Located just outside Slidell, Abita Springs is known for its art galleries, craft breweries, and the beautiful Tammany Trace Trail.
Northshore Beach- This family-friendly neighborhood features excellent schools and a strong sense of community. It’s a top choice for folks seeking a welcoming, safe environment.
Oak Harbor- Golf enthusiasts will appreciate Oak Harbor’s proximity to the Oak Harbor Golf Club and its stunning views of Lake Pontchartrain.
Belair- A well-established, suburban-styled neighborhood, Belair is known for its friendly residents and tree-lined streets.
Slidell Historic District- Slidell Historic District features charming homes with a touch of nostalgia.
There are Many Fun and Exciting Things to Do in Slidell
No matter the time of year, Slidell always has something interesting, exciting, fun, and even mind-blowing to do! That includes swamp tours, airboat rides, fishing, camping, birding, exploring, trapping, and more. Below are some more exciting things to do in and around the city.
Honey Island Swamp Tours
Explore the enchanting Honey Island Swamp on an airboat!
Olde Towne Slidell
Stroll through the historic Olde Towne district, filled with charming shops, art galleries, eclectic restaurants, and a vibrant, fun atmosphere.
Cultural Festivals
Slidell hosts various cultural festivals and events year-round, celebrating the region’s people, seafood, arts, crafts, and cultural heritage.
Pontchartrain Vineyards
Experience wine tasting and tours at Pontchartrain Vineyards, where you can sample locally produced wines. The beautiful vineyard is worth the trip, even if you don’t plan on doing a tasting.
Heritage Park
Heritage Park is a picturesque green space in Slidell with a playground, walking trails, and a pavilion for picnics and outdoor activities.
Slidell Little Theatre
Enjoy live performances, plays, and theatrical productions at the Slidell Little Theatre. It is a hub for local arts and culture and a great venue with excellent acoustics.
Bayou Adventure
Bayou Adventure is an outdoor recreation center in Slidell that offers kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing activities for people of all ages.
Stennis Space Center
The nearby John C. Stennis Space Center is perfect for educational tours (don’t tell the kids!), spectacular space-related exhibits, and a fascinating look into NASA’s work.
Slidell is Famous for its Fantastic Food
It’s tough to find a restaurant in Slidell that isn’t serving delicious, mouth-watering food (so you’ll need to try them all!). Below is a short list of some of the top eateries in the city.
- La Pines Cafe
- Phil’s Marina Cafe
- KY’s Olde Towne Bicycle Shop Restaurant
- Southside Cafe
- Palmettos By the Bay
- Speckled Ts
- Tacos & Beer Slidell
What are the Pros and Cons of Living in Slidell?
Slidell is a beautiful place to live, but, like all American cities, it does have a drawback or two. Below are the pros and cons of living in Slidell for you to ponder before you arrive.
PROS
- An affordable cost of living
- Being close to New Orleans
- Incredible scenic, natural beauty
- Many community events
- An excellent educational system
- Convenient access to Gulf Coast beaches
CONS
- Extreme heat and humidity in summer
- The risk of hurricanes
- Limited public transportation
- A small job market
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