The Surprising Reason Why People Want to Move to Mandeville

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 19 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.

When searching for a new home, it’s easy to get caught up in square footage, kitchen upgrades, and what the appraisal might value. But there’s something buyers often overlook: community lifestyle. That’s why I’ll take you inside one of Mandeville’s best-kept secrets: Pelican Park.

More than a park, it’s a lifestyle. Located right off Highway 1088, Pelican Park spans hundreds of acres and serves as a year-round hub for sports, events, and peaceful nature getaways. I’ve been coming here for years with my kids for t-ball, soccer, and football. But what most people don’t realize is just how much is packed into this space.

Five surprising features most locals don’t know about:

1. Nature meets recreation. Tucked behind the soccer fields is a connector trail to the Northlake Nature Center, where you can experience quiet boardwalks, Louisiana swamp views, and the Pipeline Trail, perfect for dogs, kids, or just a peaceful reset.

2. Frisbee golf is serious business. Yes, there’s a full 18-basket course hidden within the park. If you’ve never played disc golf, this is the perfect place to try. It’s fun, free, and a lot harder than it looks.

3. The Yellow Brick Road. A central sidewalk path (nicknamed by locals) connects every zone of the park, from basketball gyms and shaded playgrounds to the new pickleball courts and outdoor workout areas.

4. A safe space to teach your kids to drive. Not exactly in the brochure, but most people swear by it. The parking lot by the Castine Center is empty on summer mornings. It’s where I taught all three of my kids to drive. Safe, open, and lined, better than any big box store lot.

5. The secret hiking trail. Near the back edge of the park, past the skate park and dog runs, lies a lightly marked trail that leads to a small lake few know exists. Most people are unaware of its existence. It’s a peaceful, hidden hike you’d never expect this close to town.

If you’re considering a move to Mandeville, Pelican Park might not be on the MLS, but it should be on your radar. It’s the kind of place that shapes weekend routines, creates connections, and makes a house feel like home.

Curious what neighborhoods back up to this area? Want to find a home that puts you right in the heart of the action? I’d love to help. Call or text at (985) 789 8717 or email TGroup@kw.com. Let’s discuss your goals and find the ideal spot for you.