Slidell – A Boater’s Paradise

If you are tired of the same ol’ same ol’, you must take a closer look at Slidell. This small city is indeed a boater’s paradise! No other community in Louisiana has as many beautiful homes built directly on navigable water as Slidell.

For example, starting on the far eastern side as you come in on Hwy 90 and across 433 into Slidell, there is Rigolets Estates and Treasure Isle… no longer just a collection of the camps of 50 years ago. Today they are first rate homes built on pilings with the very finest amenities and super easy access to the Gulf via the Rigolets and Lake Borgne. Some of these homes are valued over $1 million. But further up 433 at Pirates Harbor, there are more modestly priced homes and even camps for the weekender.

Coming across the lakefront, but just before you reach I-10, you come to Lakeshore Estates – a gated community of truly luxury homes in the higher price ranges. Again,some well over $1 million. There are also lots still available on Lakeshore Drive for about $250k looking out across the lake itself. Magnificent views!!

If you aren’t in the market for million dollar real estate, just cross the interstate. There you will find everything from waterfront condos at the Anchorage, to townhouses and mid-priced homes in Eden Isles… each with its own dock and direct access to the lake.  A little higher priced, but in the same general vicinity is Clipper Estates, a gated community just off Eden Isles Blvd.

But the real surprise are the waterfront homes along Oak Harbor Blvd. While driving past rolling golf greens and fairways on both sides of the boulevard, you come upon such waterfront developments as Mariners Cove, Oak Harbor Inlets, and The Moorings – all on navigable deep water canals with access to Lake Pontchartrain. These neighborhoods offer beautiful homes from the 400’s on up.

For all these subdivisions, Pontchartrain Blvd (Hwy 11) is the main boundary on the west side. As in earlier days, there are still camps for the weekend boating and fishing enthuiast along the lower end of Pontchartrain Blvd on the marsh side. But today’s visitors will also be surprised to see many waterfront condos on the Moonraker Canal from Oak Harbor Blvd all the way down to the lake itself.

And do you remember ‘Rats Nest’ Road with its camps and long piers reaching like long skinny fingers out into the lake? Actually it’s named Lakeview Dr. and it runs along the edge of the lake just to the east of Hwy 11.

Well, you wouldn’t recognize it today.  The camps washed away, and in their place are beautiful new homes – much nicer and much stronger. On the other side of Hwy 11 is the area known as Northshore. The homes along Carr Drive and beyond have also made a terrific recovery. Many have been raised above the 14′ that Katrina pushed ashore, and new construction is progressing well. Values range from the mid 200’s up – and way up.

However, for all the convenience of these neighborhoods, there is the purist whose heart yearns for the romance and beauty of the Louisiana bayou. Slidell does not disappoint.  As soon as you cross the railroad tracks on Hwy 433 you will see Palm Lake to the left, the gorgeous homes of Bayou Bonfouca, and a little further down the bayou, Coin d’Lestin. Instead of man-made canals, you will enjoy the tranquil beauty of the bayou winding its way to the lake with hundreds of back waterways for a quiet day of fishing.

But the best kept secret of all has to be a charming little neighborhood called Chamale. Even its name is romantic. This is a neighborhood of gracious homes on slow winding roads, a small grouping of condos, a small secluded harbor, and the most picturesque sleepy bayou reminiscent of Evangeline country – and it’s tucked away just off West Hall right in the middle of Slidell. So out of sight, many newcomers to the city don’t even know it is there.

So whether your preference is sailing, fishing, jet skiing, or just a lazy ride in a pirogue, you will find the perfect home to fit both your pocketbook and your lifestyle right here in the City of Slidell – where coming home is like being on vacation.