7 Charming Louisiana Communities To Retire Around New Orleans

Do you dream of spending your golden years in the Pelican State? Whether you want to listen to legendary jazz music, roam the bustling streets of the French Quarter, or feast on the best Cajun food in the country, Louisiana offers endless possibilities for retirees. If you love being close to The Big Easy but want the creature comforts of a smaller area, check out these seven charming towns located within two hours of New Orleans, which are ideal for enjoying your retirement years.

Mandeville

Less than 35 miles from the heart of New Orleans, you’ll find Mandeville, located in St. Tammany Parish. The area is known for its small-town charm, offering the perfect blend of outdoorsy sites with delicious restaurants and local shops. Seniors looking to stay active will love walking through Fontainebleau State Park. The park offers spectacular sunset views, and it has a wonderful spot to kayak when you want to spend time on the water. For dinner with a view, visit Rip’s on the Lake, which overlooks Lake Pontchartrain and offers classic Louisiana dishes like gumbo and etouffee. Are you looking to connect with other retirees? Visit the Mandeville Activity Center, which hosts events like health screenings, exercise classes, and educational programs for seniors.

Abita Springs

As you enter your retirement years, having access to high-quality healthcare is more important than ever. When you choose to set down roots in Abita Springs, you can rest easy knowing you have access to the nearby St. Tammany Health System, which offers in-person and virtual appointments. To help you stay active in your retirement years, join the North Shore Cajun Dancers at the Abita Springs Town Hall, where you can take dance lessons to live music with your neighbors. If you prefer walking to dancing, take a stroll through the Abita Springs Art and Farmers Market, where you can purchase local seafood and freshly grown produce to take back to your own kitchen to prepare a healthy meal that keeps you feeling your best.

Harahan

Are you looking for a safe place to put down roots in your retirement years? Consider the town of Harahan, just over 20 minutes outside of New Orleans. The town’s violent crime rate and property crime rate are both significantly lower than the national average, giving you peace of mind in your senior years. Now that you’re done with work, why not spend more time with your grandkids? They’ll love spending a fun-filled day with you at Adventure Quest Laser Tag & Fun Center. Put your minds together to break out of the escape room or work on your pickleball skills before hitting the arcade. If dice games are more your speed, stop by the Harahan Senior Center for a round of bunco or tap into your creative side with one of the center’s jewelry classes.

Slidell

With an average median home price of $249,900, Slidell offers a cost of living lower than the national average, making it an attractive spot for retirees. Beyond that, there’s plenty to keep you busy when you spend your retirement years in Slidell. Take a trip to the Slidell Historic Antique District, where you can browse through collectibles from yesteryear at shops like Magnolia House Antiques or Guilty Treasures. In April and October, head outside to the antique street fairs to find the perfect piece to add to your collection. To connect with the great outdoors, head to Camp Salmen Nature Park to stroll a trail or take the grandkids to the playground for fun.

Donaldsonville

Located in the Mississippi River region of Louisiana, Donaldsonville offers the support seniors need to thrive in their retirement years. Located in the town is the Ascension Council on Aging, a nonprofit dedicated to helping seniors remain independent during their golden years. From offering health screenings and home-delivered meals to assisting with questions about Medicare and Medicaid, the Donaldsonville organization is there to help you make the most of your retirement. The town also hosts regular events like a fun-filled Mardi Gras parade, monthly Farmers Market, and annual GospelFest, so there are plenty of opportunities to get out in the community. Are you interested in local history? Head to the River Road African American Museum to learn about African Americans' history, culture, and traditions in the rural communities of southern Louisiana.

Covington

The average cost of living for a family in Covington is over 12% less than the national average, making it a popular spot for seniors in St. Tammany Parish. The town also has a popular senior living community called Christwood, which offers you the benefits of an independent lifestyle in a safe area with fellow retirees. As a resident, you can visit the Christwood Community Center to take an aquatic physical therapy class or sign up for the community’s Senior Companion Services when you need a little extra help. If you want to feel like you’ve stepped back in time, head to the H.J. Smith & Sons General Store and Museum, which has been around since 1876. To stay active, hit the Tammany Trace, a hiking and biking trail that goes through downtown Covington and other nearby towns and was originally a corridor for the Illinois Central Railroad.

Destrehan

Do you plan to take road trips in your retirement years? Aside from being less than 30 minutes from New Orleans, the town of Destrehan is also within comfortable driving distance of other popular cities like Biloxi, Mississippi, and Pensacola, Florida. The town itself sits right on the Mississippi River and is home to the Destrehan Plantation, a standing history museum on the National Register of Historic Places that tells the important stories of the men and women who were enslaved at the site. The town is also home to the German Coast Farmers Market on Saturdays and Wednesdays, so you can enjoy local produce and support community vendors.

Settle Down Outside of New Orleans

No matter what your retirement plans are, The Pelican State can help you make the most of your golden years. From Mandeville to Destrehan and everywhere in between, you can enjoy small-town vibes with convenient driving access to New Orleans, giving you the best of both worlds. With thriving senior centers and outdoor parks to explore, these seven Louisiana towns are here to help you make your retirement years the best ones of your life!