Thinking about relocating to Covington, but... (New Orleans, Mandeville: rental, insurance, houses)

[MsBecka]

We are thinking about relocating to Covington to be closer to family in New Orleans area, but I can't seem to find any rental property down there. I would want to be able to shop around for a house to buy while getting to know neighborhoods and schools. We live in St. Louis right now.

Does anyone know how to find homes for rent, and also, which are the best schools? I was looking at Northlake Christian School on their website. It sounds great, just not sure if we'll be able to do private right away. Our children are 7 & 11 right now, and we'd be looking to move in about 1 year from now.

Are the houses separated into subdivisions? It's like that up here, and that's what I've become accustomed to.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Becka

[susalex723]

Northlake Christian is a great school but if you go just a bit further south in Mandeville (still the northshore) you can send your kids to public school that is just as good. I live in the Mandeville area and overall have been very happy with the schools. My daughter is doing work on average about a year ahead of her cousin in North Carolina's outerbanks. Most of the area is chopped into subdivisions until you get into the really rural area. Another town you might want to look into is Abita Springs. Watch out if you decide to live in the town of Covington (like downtown area) there are some less than desirable areas there.

[nshorenative]

Covington is a very nice town and has lots of culture activities ie art shows, concerts at the landing, block parties, etc. Covington doesn't have any more "bad" areas than Old Mandeville. I am a native of Mandeville. My kids have gone to Northlake Christian for over 10 years and it is a wonderful school. If you want a small, christian, caring environment, send your kids there. If you want a school where your kids can pray with their teachers and administrative staff, send your kids there. If you want your kids to study God's word daily and be involved in group bible studies weekly, then send your kids there. I went to all Mandeville public schools myself so I am not bashing them but they are no longer the small schools they used to be. Classes are overcrowded and drinking and drug use is prevalent. Not that Northlake is a perfect school with perfect students but you are less likely to encounter those problems there. Covington has great schools too. St. Tammany Parish schools are some of the best - this means Mandeville and Covington - not just Mandeville. Covington is more racially diverse and therefore thought upon by some snooty people to be inferior to Mandeville. You are probably more likely to get insurance on a house in Covington - or at least North of I12 ! Good luck!!