Covington, Louisiana, is a vibrant community with a great deal to offer those of a variety of ages and interests. Generations of entrepreneurs and artists have found inspiration in Covington. An interesting mix of businesses, boutiques, specialty shops, galleries, and restaurants line the historic downtown streets of Covington. Recent construction has increased the viability of both living and operating a business downtown … a nostalgic concept with a few new twists.

A variety of art classes are taught at the St. Tammany Art Association, located next to the old museum. Community colleges also offer classes in which one can master a foreign language, play an instrument, or learn about starting a business, among other things. Playmakers, one of America’s oldest community theaters, presents several theatrical productions each year. Covington’s many locally owned restaurants offer diverse culinary and dining experiences. Across Lake Pontchartrain, 45 miles south, New Orleans offers numerous museums as well as architectural and historic sites; musical venues; plentiful festivals, such as the Jazz Fest, French Quarter Festival, Renaissance Festival, and Tennessee Williams Literary Festival; NFL football; NCAA basketball; the Audubon Zoo; riverboat rides; and world-class cuisine.

The civic-minded will be interested to know that volunteers are welcome at Habitat for Humanity, Covington Food Bank, local hospitals, libraries, schools, clubs, and the animal shelter. Further volunteer opportunities can be found through the Chamber of Commerce. In addition, numerous services are provided to Covington residents of all ages through St. Tammany Parish and numerous community service organizations, including AARP, the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), the Council on Aging, and the YMCA. Two full-service hospitals offer nearly 40 specialties, including wellness and educational programs.

Walking, biking, and private car are typical modes of transportation in Covington, but a dial-a-ride service is also available. Those who enjoy traveling will appreciate the convenience of having the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport located 40 miles south. In addition, Amtrak provides daily service from New Orleans north to Chicago and New York as well as weekly service west to Los Angeles and east to Miami. Greyhound Bus service is also available.

The historic district is home to many turn-of-the-century cottages nestled among ancient oaks and lush, green South Louisiana foliage. In this quaint and peaceful setting, neighbors enjoy long walks, porch sitting, and numerous community cultural events. The city calendar is full of free concerts and festivals, including the juried Three Rivers Art Festival, featuring over 150 artists from throughout the country. Downtown Art Walks are celebrated every spring and fall with gallery openings and music in the streets.

For those who love nature, Covington’s mild climate affords year-round opportunities for outdoor fun. Gardening enthusiasts will appreciate the advice that has been dispensed by the feed and seed store downtown for over 68 years. Water sports, including fishing, sailing, canoeing, and kayaking, are popular in Covington, and the banks of the lazy Bogue Falaya and Tchefuncte Rivers are prime relaxation spots. The Humane Society hosts an annual Pooch Parade in Bogue Falaya Park. The Nature Center features boardwalks through pristine cypress swamps for close-up birdwatching and wildlife observation. Walkers, joggers, cyclists, and skaters can enjoy the 31-mile-long Tammany Trace and the trailhead parks. Western St. Tammany Parish claims four country clubs, three health clubs, and two public golf courses. A local winery is also situated nearby.

Healthcare costs are priced well below national norms. In fact, the composite cost of living in Covington is just below the national average. Your housing dollars go far in this area, groceries are priced at the national average, and miscellaneous goods and services are far below the national mean. Covington is also a very safe community, with rates of overall crime, violent crime, and property crime all less than half of national norms.