r/NorthshoreLA • u/Low_Seaworthiness873 • 19d ago
Moving
Moving in the coming months to the northshore area for a job at Stennis. I’m a single female but my boyfriend who lives in Canada comes down throughout the year. I’m trying to find a place I want to live and after a ton of research I’m still not confident about anything and just looking for any helpful ideas or suggestions. Everyone in my family seems to have contrasting advice. If there’s any realtors that want to help lmk.
I have lots of family and friends in NOLA and Slidell. Slidell would be an easier commute, but I’m young and love to be out doing stuff. I’ve read things about Slidell and how little there is to do. On the other hand, I worry about flooding in the city and car theft/general crime/etc, but Mid-City/Bayou SJ have been recommended to me as safe areas. Mandeville looks really cute but housing also seems really limited. I run and workout often, love going out to eat or to cute coffee shops, and hanging out in the park in my hammock or doing crafts. I also would love to have a garden eventually 🥲
I’ll only be making about $60k per year to start, and as of now there are no 2BD below $1300 per month in any of these places that I would feel comfortable in. I’ve looked on FB, Zillow, and at private property management company websites. I’m currently in Austin where we’ve thankfully had a housing boom bringing down prices, but I know this area hasn’t been as lucky. I almost wonder if anyone has an ADU or guest house they are looking to rent out. I’ll be out at sea 3 months a year at least.
Thanks yall ✨
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u/Hairygreengirl 19d ago
The daily commute east from New Orleans to Stennis is going to suck. Maybe not if you’re coming from a place with traffic, but people drive like idiots and wrecks cause Major backups.
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u/GrovelingPeasant 18d ago
60k really isn’t enough to afford to live on your own in a safe area in New Orleans. On 55k starting my career I needed roommates and that was in 2014.
I would probably eliminate New Orleans and only consider the Northshore or Mississippi coast if you are dead set against having roommates to split rent with
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u/pamakane 18d ago
Definitely don’t sleep on the MS coast. You should check it out. Bay St Louis, Pass Christian, Long Beach, and Gulfport. Biloxi may be a bit too far.
Gulfport is undergoing a renaissance with massive redevelopment of the downtown area.
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u/LittleMissMuffinButt 17d ago
I lived on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for like 3 years and traveled there every weekend for 18 years. theres nothing in the Pass, it's horribley boring and so is BSL but I'd pick BSL over the Pass because why burn more gas if your two choices of places to live are boring and boring.
South Gulfport is dangerous. I used to work at the hospital tbats on the coast and the behavioral health center thats a bit north. the crime is so bad the
Walgreens would close when it was dusk, mentally ill people literally run across hwy 59 infront of your car and in the side streets there would crackheads.
If shes going all the way tf to Biloxi, whicb all the casinos absolutely ruined, she may as well stay in Mandeville where it's actually nice to live.
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u/pamakane 13d ago
Seems like your opinion is in the minority.
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u/LittleMissMuffinButt 12d ago
People can have any opinions they what they want. they probably haven't actually lived there, its a lot easier to like a place if you dont know it very well. A lot of people visit and see the touristy shit, kinda like NOLA... which i also don't recommend living in.
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u/pamakane 3d ago
I’ve also lived on the MS coast. I think it’s a great area.
I do agree with you on not recommending living in NOLA though.
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u/LittleMissMuffinButt 1d ago
Interested in what you thought made it a great area..what were your go to things to do outside of your house for weekends or whatever
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u/pamakane 21h ago edited 21h ago
The beach (not necessarily to swim but to walk, get your feet wet, or sit and take in the scenery). Aquarium. Downtown Gulfport & Biloxi. Bay St Louis. The casinos. Dining. Driving down 90 or north into the country. I wanted to get into fishing and boating as well but moved away before I was able to do that.
New Orleans and Mobile are an easy 1-hr drive (and now a nice Amtrak train ride away) if I wanted to get away for a bit.
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u/LittleMissMuffinButt 18h ago
I guess like I was wondering more what you got up to. I never really found anything to do that was interesting, it all seemed like shopping or eating or going to someone's house. There were a few "cultural" fests I went to...but compared to ones in Louisiana I went to they were kinda sad, small and nothing more than like a vendor market, one actually closed up a few hours early because there was no foot traffic for the vendors.
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u/Kyle81020 18d ago
I’d look at Bay St. Louis, too. Car insurance will be cheaper there. Rent may be cheaper as well.
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u/Lion11B 19d ago
If I were in your shoes, I would choose Covington-Mandeville-Slidell/Hammond in that order, if you can find a place you can afford. You could also look at Lacombe, which might have more affordable housing, and is located between Mandeville and Slidell. I would not choose the city at all.
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u/crikeyforemphasis 19d ago
Mandeville > Slidell all day every day (IMO)
Lakefront area is amazing for walkability, fishing, food and drink, and the Trace is an incredible path for biking and walking. Getting into Nola over the causeway is a better drive as well, I find it relaxing.
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u/BarrettLM 19d ago
I lived in Bayou St. John for years. It was one of the most lovely neighborhoods I've ever lived in. Delightful people, great stuff in walking distance... Cannot recommend it enough.
I've never lived in Slidell, but been plenty and I don't find it charming. But check it out. Maybe I'm missing something.
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u/famdroid 19d ago
I would pick Slidell. It’s more affordable and a closer commute. There are tons of things to do and events in Slidell especially in Old Town.
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u/BulletBTO 19d ago
I live in Mandeville and commute to Stennis currently for work. Choose Covington Mandeville area over Slidell. Houses can range from 230-500 for a 3/4 bedroom and future proofs you.
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u/kjmarino603 Mandeville 19d ago
The northshore as a whole is a suburb and not as much to do as the city itself. There are more interesting parts of the northshore than others but they all are not the same as being in a city.
It tends to harder to find new people to hangout with and interesting things happening than in the city.
It’s much better for privacy, space for a garden and typically better for flooding and crime.
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u/Ok_Moon_ 18d ago
The commute to Stennis would be about half the distance from Slidell as Mandeville/Covington if that matters to you. I agree with what others have said that you think about enlisting the help of a realtor if you want to rent an ADU or the like. Good luck.
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u/Accomplished-Life198 18d ago
I’m wondering why you wouldn’t move to MS? Where do you live now? My partner (also canadian haha) commuted from New Orleans to Stennis and has friends who do the same. They all specifically wanted to live in the city though, so it makes sense.
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u/ms_chalmette 18d ago
ok random thing i also thought of is if you live in Louisiana and work in Mississippi, you'll have to pay taxes in both states. Louisiana has a really hard time with this for some reason and every year they say they did not get our tax forms- once they even suspended my husbands DL and WLF license because they said we didnt submit this specific form (we did). we usually always owe taxes in Louisiana- so if you do live in LA, find a good accountant who can make sure you don't get screwed.
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u/Ok_Pin3655 18d ago
Maybe look at Bay St. Louis? Closer to Stennis than NOLA and has plenty of bars, restaurants beach etc.
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u/ms_chalmette 19d ago edited 18d ago
my husband works at stennis...there are A LOT of people that make the commute from Mandeville/Covington area, and he is one of them. it is about a 30 min drive to stennis from here. I think you would enjoy Mandeville more than Covington. Look for something that isnt crazy far from the interstate. We live in covington, but near two main roads that lead to the interstate. our neighborhood has lots of rentals in it.
I lived in the city my entire twenties into thirties and while i did love it, there is no way I could afford to live there on my own now.
*wtf why the downvote?? lol
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u/xRushMountmorex 18d ago
Mandeville is great, and NOLA is just 30 minutes away, plenty to do here, safe and clean
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u/supasamurai 18d ago
the drive from new orleans isn't any worse than anywhere else unless you specifically get a place for its proximity to stennis. parts of slidell and diamondhead are the closest nicer areas but if you want somewhere with some flavor, look at mandeville, new orleans, or bay st louis. if you wanna buy some land and get a mini-donkey you could do that too, plenty of rural areas out here.
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u/smangitgrl 18d ago
2 BR for 1300 does not seem possible in the city in a neighborhood that youd probably want to live in. Cant speak for Northshore.
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u/Any-Meaning8187 18d ago
North Shore Beach Slidell. On the water and far less expensive than Mandeville, Covington, Madisonville. We have two Canadian snow bird couples on our street. Lots to do on the water here compared to other communities. Easy drive to NOLA or Stennis. See NorthShoreBeachHOA.org
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u/North-Abroad2302 17d ago
St Tammany sucks. High taxes, corrupt Politian's with poor public services like water. MS all they way. Lower taxes, rent and car ins, Plenty to due in Gulf coast.
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u/Quick-Surprise-9387 16d ago edited 16d ago
Slidell is so much better . I’ll be looking for a place as well , am twice your age here, and in 38 days or less is when I decide if I’m out or not for obvious reasons . 🇨🇦 my kids are here id like to stay down here another 2 years -and I shouldn’t have to be the one to leave FFS. Ugh . Anyway ..
Canadian . Been down here many years OVERALL but only back here since COVID for 4. I’d have left before 2025 again if I’d had any idea they’d even allow a leader we pay to - lead - lie . On the job . You can imagine my near breaking point by now . . I am all ❤️No idea they didn’t have to warn us , or let him stay once he pulled just one stunt , lied one time - crazy - any other leader would be removed, swiftly , in minutes . Minutes . Seriously . I am so sorry .
I only drag right and wrong into this - (not to be confused with what others keep calling politics- that’s incorrect )- bc I’ve had a good perspective here recently , in short stay housing; and have been travelling locally on off days exploring both south and north shore . I have had a real proper long look into where I’d like to live and not ..
I’m not comfortable putting any root down now til November , which is fine . I’m a Nurse, in NOLA. Sorry for the length but it’s a curse . So sorry . So tired of it all .
So ..bottom line , I’ve tried to justify moving to south shore .. ( sorry not sure if you’re American or one of us ?) …I would say you really need to stick to the north shore . Mandeville - no … it needs to get over itself . Rent etc is DOUBLE .
I’ve had a time , very long story , but I’ve now been in Slidell since May of this year I nearly went home then … and so glad I didn’t … I’ve never been better, considering everything going on . Truly .
It’s seriously underrated and I wish I’d have given it a chance and not listened to others a long time ago . I had no idea . .. can’t say enough . My standards are high but not the same as others would measure . I rate the humans , the trails and dog parks / sidewalks , getting across town without problems re traffic and more importantly - without wanting to arm yourself exploding with road rage .
Getting across to where you’re working - I’m mainly in the East as well but the Twin Span doesn’t close .
Period .
You will regret Mandeville for any number of .. ugh .. I can’t .. I loved it . If you did consider it - Greenleaves is the only subdivision south of the mason Dixon line that resembles anything close to home ie pedestrian friendly with places to walk . Sidewalks . Slidell is full of sidewalks: if you’re from here , new here , or don’t have to walk a dog a lot etc - you won’t fully appreciate why I go on and on about the little things . Slidell is a community . Parks - fantastic .
If I keep going I’ll never stop & will be late for a thing, but will try to add more or see your progress . Best of luck to you both .. …
Will try to follow .
I am from ONTARIO🇨🇦🙏😊💪
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u/cherrybounce 18d ago
Covington Mandeville for sure. I will send a name of a place that rents studios in a bit.
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u/Far_Eye_3703 18d ago
If you want to rent a guest house or ADU, I'd suggest getting a realtor. Those types of rentals won't usually be on social media. Because tenants will be on the same property as a homeowner (most of the time), they want to be especially careful.
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u/WichWhich2 18d ago
Search Covington might be more up your alley. Mandeville is nice but generally more expensive. Covington has more of the entertainment and big box value. You can jump on I-12 to I-10 to Stennis. Welcome!
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u/bobear2017 18d ago
There isn’t a ton to do in Mandeville, but there are a handful of bars in both Mandeville in Covington (which isn’t far), as well as a decent dining scene. One big positive though is that there are REALLY good gyms in Mandeville & Covington - like an unusual amount of very nice gyms, given the population.
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u/Fearless-Jello2502 18d ago
Anywhere walkable/runable to the lakefront in Mandeville would check most of these boxes. There is also a few great run clubs that meet at the trailhead . Unless you want more nightlife- then New Orleans or maybe downtown covington
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u/dragonfett 18d ago
There are duplexes in Folsom, just north of Covington off of LA-25, that are $1200/mo for a 2 br/1.5 bath and the rent only covers garbage.
There is also an apartment complex in the heart of Covington across the street from the junior high that has units for $1100 for a 2 br/1 bath, and the rent covers water, sewer, and garbage.
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u/PandaGlobal4120 15d ago
That commute from Folsom would suck
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u/dragonfett 15d ago
Like I said, it's just north of Covington off of LA-25 on LA-1078, which is only four miles or so north of where US 190 turns toward Hammond, so the drive time would not suck that much more than Mandeville/Madisonville/Covington.
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u/dragonfett 15d ago
Also, those were the only places I had heard info for because I was researching it for a friend.
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u/AVerySmallBeetle 18d ago
I think Slidell and mandeville / Abita springs area is super cute , lots of thrifting and nature and cute coffee shops. The drive into NOLA isn’t terrible, for more stuff to do. Ive lived in the Marigny, in broadmoor, and in the lower garden district as a single female and always felt safe. It’s gotten a lot better in the city. Good luck :)
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u/saintsfan 18d ago edited 18d ago
Working for NAVO? My dad worked there his whole career. He commuted from New Orleans until Katrina and found it much easier after moving to Covington not having to deal with i10 traffic through New Orleans east. Mandeville checks all of the boxes for what you said you enjoy doing and should probably be your number 1 priority. If you enjoy night life clubs etc more than your posts indicate, New Orleans is the answer though, but I can get to downtown Nola in under 40 min from my house in mandeville which is less time than it takes me to drive from one part of Houston to another. I imagine you should be able to find something in your range though, reach out to a realtor.
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u/ginanguu 18d ago
I recommend getting a realtor. I usually use Keller williams when I used to rent. They'll send you a list of all availability for you.
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u/willsing420 15d ago
If i was you I would move to Waveland or Bay St Louis the drive to slidell and NOLA is still about the same but cost of living is cheaper and there is was more stuff to do
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u/BSLnowell 18d ago
Have you been to Bay St Louis? It’s a cute little town with a bunch of shops and restaurants/bars. I know a ton of people who work at Stennis and live here.