Living in Mandeville, LA

Living in Mandeville, Louisiana

About the City of Mandeville, LA

Located in St Tammany Parish 24 miles north of Metairie on the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain, Mandeville covers approximately 6.8 square miles. The city has over 12,000 (est 2018) residents with plenty more in surrounding neighborhoods just outside the city.

Due to fantastic school systems and proximity to the New Orleans metro area, Mandeville has a robust real estate market. See Mandeville Homes for Sale.

Mandeville Quality of Life

The City of Mandeville is well-established having been founded in 1834. The historic downtown is a vibrant and bustling dining and shopping destination. The mature neighborhoods and wooded suburbs of the city connect residents to the urban landscape of fine dining, day spas, and boutique shopping.

The community of Mandeville strongly supports the Arts. This is evidenced by its two performance theaters, scores of music venues, and hundreds of artists who make Mandeville their home. Mandeville and the North Shore host many art, music, wine, and film festivals throughout the year.    

Outdoor Activities

Situated on the shore of Lake Pontchartrain, Mandeville is a paradise for anyone who loves the outdoors. The mild climate makes waterfront living and outdoor activities pleasant almost year-round. Mandeville outdoor public facilities include:

  • The Mandeville Trailhead of the St. Tammany Trace
  • East Lakefront Children’s Park
  • Neighborwoods
  • Sunset Point and Fishing Pier
  • Paul Cordes Park (City Hall Park)
  • Tyler Thomas Park
  • Mandeville Lakefront
  • Fontainebleau State Park

Mandeville History

The city of Mandeville was founded in 1834 by Bernard Xavier de Marigny de Mandeville. As a member of a prominent family in Louisiana, Bernard inherited a fortune which allowed him to purchase 5000 acres where he planned to develop a new town on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. Plans for the new town were drawn up by the state surveyor general  Louis Bringier and were notarized on January 14, 1834.

The depression of 1837 forced many families to give up their homes and properties in Mandeville. Bernard found himself in a position where he was forced to sell his plantation in 1852, known today as Fontainebleau State Park. The Civil War left the city close to uninhabited until Major F.H. Peck and his troops made Mandeville their temporary home.

By the end of the 19th century the appeal of the lakeshore town began to increase in popularity again. More people from New Orleans and other areas started to populate the town. Steamship ferry service provided by Bernard ended in 1936. The famous Causeway Bridge opened in 1956 providing a direct connection between the north and south shores of the lake.

Mandeville Celebrities

For a small town north of New Orleans, Mandeville has been home to a sizable group of celebrities over the years. Due to this and other factors, Mandeville has ample luxury real estate available. The popular young Cajun Fiddler Amanda Shaw called the city her home for many years. Actor and environmentalist Ian Somerhalder spent many of his teen years attending school in Mandeville. The beautiful Allison Scagliotti, actress from Warehouse 13, grew up in Mandeville before moving on to becoming an actress. Several members of the New Orleans Saints currently live in Mandeville or grew up in the area including Jim Dombrowski and Rich Mauti.

Contact us and speak to one of our local realtors for more information on any homes for sale in Mandeville, LA. Our agents are ready to assist you.