If you’re considering settling down on the Northshore and want an inviting neighborhood with top-tier amenities, Beau Chene might be exactly what you’re looking for. Tucked into the heart of Mandeville, Louisiana, Beau Chene is celebrated for its lush green spaces, strong sense of community, and easy access to both New Orleans and the Northshore’s conveniences. Here’s what you need to know about living in this beautiful, established neighborhood.
A Welcoming Community Vibe
Beau Chene (French for “beautiful oak”) lives up to its name with peaceful streets shaded by ancient live oaks and magnolias. Residents describe the atmosphere as friendly and safe—where neighbors wave as they drive by and families gather for holiday parades, golf cart rides, or a stroll around the lakes.
- The community is gated, with 24/7 security and staffed entry points on Marina Boulevard and North Beau Chene Drive. This creates a genuine sense of safety and privacy.
- Many residents are drawn to the neighborhood’s multi-generational feel, where you’ll find young families, working professionals, and retirees living side by side.
Housing: Southern Charm and Variety
Housing in Beau Chene ranges from classic Southern architecture with wide front porches to waterfront condos with sweeping views of the marina. You’ll find:
- Single-family homes, many with spacious lots along Beau Chene Drive, Evangeline Trace, and Nottoway Drive, boasting views of the rolling golf course.
- Patio homes and townhomes for those seeking low-maintenance living (favorites for downsizers or busy professionals).
- Condo communities near the marina and club, such as Marina Beau Chene, ideal for boaters or “lock-and-leave” lifestyles.
- Home prices tend to start in the upper $300s, but can climb to over $1 million for larger estates or waterfront properties.
Whether you’re searching for a forever home or a seasonal retreat, there’s a style and size to fit most needs—and the neighborhood’s mature landscaping means you feel instantly surrounded by nature.
Walkability and Outdoor Life
While Beau Chene is a large, spread-out neighborhood (over 1,600 acres), it’s designed for walkability and active living:
- Wide, shady streets with sidewalks invite morning walks, jogging, and bicycling—especially around Ox Bow Lane and Live Oak Lane.
- There are several small neighborhood parks and green spaces dotted throughout, alongside lakes, ponds, and views of the Beau Chene Country Club golf courses.
- Golf carts are a favored method of transport for getting to the clubhouse, tennis courts, or even visiting neighbors.
Schools and Family-Friendliness
Beau Chene is especially appealing to families thanks to its location within the acclaimed St. Tammany Parish School District. Public school options include Mandeville Elementary, Tchefuncte Middle, and Mandeville High—known for strong academics and enthusiastic community involvement.
Families also appreciate:
- The neighborhood’s slow traffic and on-site security patrols.
- Community pools, playgrounds, and summer events for kids.
- Proximity to top local preschools and private schools, such as Mary Queen of Peace Catholic School.
Parks, Green Spaces, and Recreation
One of Beau Chene’s biggest draws is its access to nature and recreation, without leaving the neighborhood:
- The Beau Chene Country Club, at the heart of the community, offers two private championship golf courses, a tennis center, swimming pools, dining, and social events. Membership is optional but popular.
- Multiple water features—lakes, ponds, and navigable waterways—give the neighborhood an almost resort-like feel. Fishing and boating are everyday pastimes.
- Greenbelt trails and tree-lined roads encourage daily connection to the outdoors—perfect for dog walkers, runners, or birdwatchers.
Safety and Peace of Mind
Ask a Beau Chene resident what they love most, and “peace of mind” will be high on the list.
- The gated entry points and 24-hour manned security provide reassurance whether you’re home or away.
- Well-maintained roads and common areas, overseen by an active homeowners’ association, further contribute to the sense of order and safety.
- Many houses are equipped with personal alarm systems and neighborhood watch is alive and well, with neighbors looking out for each other.
Location: Close to All the Northshore Has to Offer
Beau Chene is ideally situated just off Highway 22, less than 10 minutes from the heart of old Mandeville and the Lake Pontchartrain lakefront. It’s only a short drive to:
- Great restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques along Girod Street and the Mandeville Trailhead.
- The nearby Causeway Bridge entrance, providing a 30–40 minute commute to downtown New Orleans.
- Major employers in St. Tammany Parish, local hospitals, and shopping at the Nord du Lac complex.
- Waterfront recreation at the Mandeville lakefront, Fontainebleau State Park, and the Tammany Trace bike trail.
This central location means you’re close to everything, while still enjoying the tranquility of a tucked-away, wooded neighborhood.
What Residents Love Most
Perhaps the best “review” comes from the people who choose to stay for decades and raise their families in Beau Chene. When asked, residents often rave about:
- The unique balance of tight-knit community and personal privacy
- Weekend golf or tennis matches followed by casual dinners at the club
- Safe streets for biking and play
- Abundant wildlife and singing birds right outside the window
- Easy access to excellent schools, dining, shopping, and the Causeway Bridge
If you’re searching for a neighborhood that combines the ease of Northshore living with resort-quality amenities and genuine southern hospitality, Beau Chene should be at the top of your list. From winding, oak-lined streets to modern conveniences, living here truly brings out the best of Mandeville.