TANGIPAHOA PARISH
Parish Offices
206 E. Mulberry Street
Amite 985-748-3211
https://www.tangipahoa.org
Chamber of Commerce
400 NW Railroad Avenue
Hammond 985-345-4457
https://www.hammondchamber.org
One of the fastest growing parishes in the state, Tangipahoa Parish claims a world of advantages. Strengths within this area include an attractive and diverse landscape, Port Manchac, premier highway access, advanced healthcare, university-level education, and close proximity to Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Southeastern Louisiana University alone generates more than $450 million annually. The rate of economic expansion is reflected by the opening of the Hammond Regional Commerce Center, covering 40 acres at the site of the intersection of Interstates 15 and 12. In addition to businesses of every size and scope, the parish is a frequent choice for Hollywood film production.
Services
Educational opportunities are outstanding in Tangipahoa Parish, where a strong public school system is complemented by a wide selection of private and parochial schools from preschool through high school. Located in Hammond, Southeastern Louisiana University is among the largest in Louisiana, serving as an important educational, economic and cultural center for the entire region. Southeastern offers more than 70 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including a nursing program frequently recognized as “best in the state” by the Louisiana Nurses Foundation. The University is the second-largest provider of distance education and oversees the Southeastern Louisiana Small Business Development Center—a model of collaborative power between education and business. Northshore Technical Community College maintains a campus in Hammond, placing students on the leading-edge of industry and technology with a number of relevant programs from Allied Health and Computer Technology to Appliance Repair. Hammond is also home to Compass Career College, focusing on careers in Allied Health and the beauty industry. The region surrounding the parish is home to many highly respected public and private colleges and universities, from Louisiana State University and Southern University in Baton Rouge to Strayer, Concordia, Dillard, and Loyola universities in New Orleans. New Orleans is also home to the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Southeastern Louisiana University, Southern University at New Orleans, Tulane University, the University of New Orleans, Xavier University of Louisiana, and Our Lady of Holy Cross College.
Serving both Tangipahoa and Livingston parishes with its flagship hospital in Hammond, North Oaks Health System is recognized among Louisiana’s largest, most progressive community hospital organizations. The system includes an acute care hospital, two outpatient diagnostic and treatment centers, an outpatient surgery center, two outpatient rehabilitation clinics, a hospice agency, and skilled professionals for primary and specialty care. North Oaks is constantly expanding and upgrading, growing from a 60-bed facility in 1960 to 330 all-private rooms. Two other specialty centers reflect the state-of-the-art comprehensive care available through North Oaks. Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Hammond features one of the most experienced treatment teams in Louisiana. North Oaks Rehabilitation Hospital is another outstanding facility that even offers transitional apartments. Hammond is also home to an Ochsner Clinic, part of the nationally recognized Ochsner Health System, and St. Luke’s Surgicenter. Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite adds another acute and specialty care hospital accessible to residents of Tangipahoe, St. Helena, and Washington parishes. Should the need for highly advanced or specialized care arise, the New Orleans area maintains nationally and even internationally famous health systems that include premier teaching hospital and Children’s Hospital of New Orleans.
Lifestyle
One of the reasons so many are choosing Tangipahoa Parish as a place to live, work, and do business is the outstanding quality of life. The parish shares in Louisiana’s reputation as a paradise for fishing, hunting, canoeing, boating, fishing, water skiing and sailing. Developed recreational amenities are scattered throughout the parish, crowned by Zemurray Park in Hammond with an Olympic-size swimming pool, tennis courts, and baseball diamonds. Leagues and sports programs are available for all ages in activities that range from softball and softball to volleyball, flag football, and adult basketball. Hammond also offers a new Skate Park, an oasis for skateboarders that covers 10,000 square feet with ramps, bowls and bars. Families will also appreciate the Fun Farm with batting cages, mini golf, arcade games, and an indoor play place. Folsom is well known for the Global Wildlife Refuge, showcasing wild game from all over the world. Even rural corners of the parish offer unique attractions, like the Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Robert, known throughout the state and nationally as a family destination. Public and private golf courses are available for those who want to perfect their backswing, while abundant trails and quiet roads encourage cycling in scenic, safe environments.
Cultural enrichment is highly developed in Tangipahoa Parish, where the vitality of a major university plays an important role in the exceptional caliber of events. The month-long salute to the arts, Fanfare, attracts entertainers from far and wide to The Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, an historic venue operated by Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond. After a $5 million facelift in 2002, The Columbia has dramatically expanded and features an 880-seat performance hall that serves as the premier cultural facility on the Northshore. The small City of Amite welcomes throngs of visitors to the Amite Oyster Festival but also features the Florida Parishes Arena, an open-air arena that hosts horse shows, livestock shows, craft shows, flea markets, car shows, concerts, and rodeos. Eclectic shopping opportunities begin in Hammond with leading department and specialty shops that cover nearly 2.5 million square feet of retail space. The latest feather in Hammond’s cap is Hammond Square, providing the entire parish with upscale local shopping. Tucked away in smaller cities and towns, local downtown districts invite leisurely strolls through craft shops, boutiques, galleries, and antique shops. Picturesque Tangipahoa Parish is well-known for the variety and quality of its residential settings, from the unique and lovely Eden Isles traversed by canals to the equestrian paradise of Folsom, from the bustling university town of Hammond with its beautiful neighborhoods to the open countryside where magnificent manors cover sweeping lots. Those who want to enjoy a relaxed pace of life surrounded by first-class amenities will want to explore beautiful and vibrant Tangipahoa Parish.
COMMUNITY PROFILES
Amite
City Offices
985-748-8761
https://www.townofamitecity.com
Chamber of Commerce
985-748-5537
http://www.amitechamber.org
The parish seat of Amite welcomes newcomers to small-town charm and many unique amenities. Nestled in the heart of the parish, Amite provides a centralized location from which residents can easily access the finest of everything that the parish offers. The city is experiencing rapid growth, and civic and business leaders are committed to ensuring the outstanding quality of life. Amite features lovely homes and picturesque properties graced by azaleas and dogwoods. Each year the city welcomes throngs of visitors to the annual Oyster Festival for carnival rides, family fun and live entertainment. To the east of town, Tangipahoa River is popular for canoeing and tubing destination. Other highlights in this area include the Springview Country Club, the Florida Parishes Skeet & Gun Association, the Tangipahoa Parish Fair, and the Florida Parishes Arena—an outstanding multi-purpose venue. Ideally located at the intersection of Interstate 55 and Highway 16, the city’s Hood Memorial Hospital serves a tri-parish area with comprehensive healthcare. Small but growing, Amite is an increasing popular choice for retirees, young professionals, and families with small children.
Hammond
City Offices
985-277-5600
https://www.hammond.org
Chamber of Commerce
985-345-4457
https://www.hammondchamber.org
Just 30 miles from Baton Rouge and 55 miles from New Orleans, the leading City of Hammond is drawing newcomers to a vibrant college-town atmosphere rich in both recreational and cultural amenities. Long known for its strawberry industry, modern Hammond continues to attract the first-class development that has made the city a leading center of higher education and business. The city boasts transportation efficiencies like Interstates 55 and 12 and the largest general aviation, reliever airport in the Northshore region. Other regional resources include The Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, Southeastern Louisiana University, and one of Louisiana’s largest community health organizations. Hammond offers eclectic retail destinations crowned by the upscale Hammond Square, lovely parks, highly developed recreational facilities and programs, the quaint charm of its downtown district, and scores of tree-lined neighborhoods. Magnificent century-old homes blend with the finest of new construction within and surrounding the city, including handsome country manors set on gracious lots.
Independence
Town Offices
985-878-4145
http://www.townofindy.com
Chamber of Commerce
985-687-7325
https://www.facebook.com/IndependenceLAChamber
Affectionately known as the “Little Italy” of Louisiana, the small Town of Independence grew up as a predominantly Sicilian/Italian community largely because of the thriving strawberry industry in this area. Although the town is more culturally diverse today, newcomers can still look forward to outstanding Italian cuisine in local restaurants and a community of hard-working, friendly people. Many of the families in this area maintain strong generational ties, and young professionals who leave Independence for career opportunities still return often to enjoy family and religious celebrations. Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church remains as a popular gathering place for social and community events, and the town is well-served by active groups like the Knights of Columbus, the Lion’s Club and the local chamber of commerce. The American Legion Hall is another popular community venue that hosts holiday and special events. Those who are looking for a welcoming small town with an exceptionally close-knit atmosphere may find the perfect home in Independence.
Kentwood
Town Offices
308 Ave G
Kentwood 844-557-0444
https://www.councilmancooper.com/visitors
Chamber of Commerce
985-345-4457
https://www.hammondchamber.org
Small and scenic, the Town of Kentwood attracts newcomers to a community that has taken for its slogan, “Water, Woodlands, Wildlife.” Residents of Kentwood are able to take advantage of the natural beauty and serenity of their hometown along 20 miles of scenic bike trails through the piney woods as well as Inspiration Park and Campground, where a beautifully landscaped 58-acre park with a European labyrinth provides outdoor adventure from primitive to RV hookups and fine fishing. For more exciting adventures, the Kentwood Extreme MOTO-X is available for professional bike racing and Kinchen’s Indoor Rodeo Arena features a 100-acre complex with a 1.8-acre indoor facility for barrel racing, team roping, bull bashes and rodeos. Residents enjoy a quiet country setting in close proximity to golf courses and other recreational attractions, premier cultural enrichment, first-rate healthcare, one of Louisiana’s largest universities, fine dining, entertainment centers, family adventures, and upscale shopping. In recent years, Kentwood has proudly billed itself as the hometown of singing sensation Britney Spears.
Loranger, Robert, Natalbany, Roseland, Tangipahoa, Tickfaw
Parish Offices
985-748-3211
https://www.tangipahoa.org
Roseland Town Offices
985-748-9063
Tangipahoa Village Offices
985-229-8300
Tickfaw Village Offices
985-542-9249
Chamber of Commerce
985-345-4457
https://www.hammondchamber.org
Newcomers will find a wide selection of home choices in country settings in the unincorporated communities of Loranger and Robert as well as the sparsely populated rural towns and villages like Robert, Natalbany, Roseland, Tangipahoa and Tickfaw. Most residents are commuters or own local businesses and commercial development is very limited. At the same time, residents enjoy the peace and serenity of a rural lifestyle within minutes of urban shopping, cultural enrichment, a major university, and award-winning healthcare. One of the sources of community pride in Loranger is the Loranger High School Auditorium, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and still in use. Throughout the communities, the local schools and a variety of churches promote family and community closeness. Each fall, throngs of visitors flock to Loranger for the two-day event, Old Farmer’s Day. The community of Robert is well known as the home of Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, one of Louisiana’s top family attractions with an award-winning recreation program.
Ponchatoula
City Offices
985-386-6484
https://www.cityofponchatoula.com
Chamber of Commerce
985-386-2536
https://www.ponchatoulachamber.com
Taking for its motto “A quiet, alternative way of life” and nicknamed “Strawberry Capital of the World,” the small City of Ponchatoula is probably best known as America’s Antique City. More than 40 antique and collectible shops line an eight block area with treasures from yesterday. Down Ponchatoula features several popular restaurants, and an antique train depot that serves as a Country Market and gallery for local craftsmen and artisans. The Strawberry Train ropes off a steam engine and single car so youngsters can safely climb inside, and the local Collinswood School Museum is a former one-room schoolhouse showcasing artifacts and beautiful quilts. This charming city has become a haven for artists from musicians and singers to painters, photographers, writers and poets. The town mascot is a live alligator that is credited with writing a regular column in the local newspaper. The celebrated Strawberry Festival takes pride in being one of few events nationally where all vendors are non-profit and charitable organizations. The close-knit community spirit, architectural preservation, public works of arts, historic landmarks, and a calendar filled with festivals all add to the rare quality of life in Ponchatoula.
