5 Things That Make Living in Old Mandeville Special

By Gregg Tepper

I have been married to my wonderful wife Letha for 29 years. We have 3 children: Max, Alexander and Charlotte. I have been a licensed Realtor in the New Orleans area for 20 years and am the Operator of The Tepper Group with Keller Williams Realty in Mandeville. Our team services the entire New Orleans and Baton Rouge metro areas. Our team of partners has well over 40 years of experience. In 2024 we helped 132 families buy, sell and lease homes, land and commercial investments.

If you’re thinking about living in Old Mandeville or just wondering why so many people are drawn to this part of the Northshore, it helps to see it on foot. Old Mandeville is where the city first took shape, and even today, it feels different from other parts of Mandeville. There’s a sense of history, walkability, and everyday life happening right outside your door.

Here are five reasons people continue to love Old Mandeville and why it remains such a popular place to live, visit, and spend time.

1. The Mandeville Trailhead brings the community together. The Mandeville Trailhead is one of the most active gathering spots in Old Mandeville. On weekends and Friday evenings, it becomes a hub for farmers’ markets, concerts, and community events. There’s a splash pad nearby, people meeting friends, and families spending time outdoors. It also sits close to some well-known local spots like The Barley, making it easy to go from an event to dinner or a drink without getting in a car.

2. The Tammany Trace connects everything. The Tammany Trace is a 31-mile trail that runs through St. Tammany Parish, connecting Old Mandeville to Covington, Abita Springs, Lacombe, and Slidell. Built on an old rail line, it’s now used for biking, walking, horseback riding, and everyday exercise.

In Old Mandeville, the Trace winds through town, nature areas, and shaded stretches with palmettos, cypress trees, and swamp scenery. It’s one of the most unique lifestyle features we have on the Northshore.

3. The lakefront defines the pace of life. Old Mandeville’s lakefront sits along Lake Pontchartrain and offers walking paths, bike routes, and wide open views across the water toward New Orleans and the Causeway.

Early mornings and evenings bring joggers, families, and people sitting on blankets watching the sunset. Festivals are often held here, and it’s common to see the area bustling on weekends. The oak trees, levee, and open space give the lakefront a classic, relaxed feel.

4. Lake Pontchartrain itself is a major draw. The lake is a big part of daily life in Old Mandeville. There’s a marina, sailing events, kayak launch points, and nearby access to Fontainebleau State Park. While Lake Pontchartrain is technically brackish, it connects to the Gulf of Mexico through Lake Borgne, making it an active, living body of water. Fishing, boating, and sunset views are all part of the appeal, and the lake adds a sense of calm that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.

5. The food scene is walkable and varied. One of the biggest lifestyle perks of Old Mandeville is how easy it is to get around. Within walking or golf cart distance, you’ll find casual spots for a beer and snacks, as well as fine dining with seafood and wine. From poboys to sit-down meals, the variety makes it easy to spend an evening out without planning ahead. Many people finish the night with a walk along the lake as the sun goes down.

What this means for buyers and homeowners. Old Mandeville isn’t just a neighborhood. It’s a lifestyle built around walkability, outdoor space, and local connection. For buyers, it offers a unique mix of charm, location, and daily livability that’s hard to find elsewhere on the Northshore. For homeowners, it’s an area that continues to attract interest because of how it feels to live here, not just how it looks on a map.

If you’re thinking about visiting Old Mandeville or considering a move, I’m happy to help you explore what living here could look like. Call me at (985) 218 5445 or send an email to TGroup@kw.com. You can reach me directly to talk through neighborhoods, homes, and next steps when the time is right.