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1st Lake Blog

Northshore New Orleans: Our Guide To Living In Slidell

Slidell, Louisiana is a city rich with culture and more than 100 years of hometown history, just a short, scenic drive from downtown New Orleans. Just a short thirty minute drive from New Orleans, Slidell is located within a breathtaking tract of Louisiana known as the Ozone Belt. This name refers to the special mix of salty sea air and pine scented breezes mingling in the area. This special air was thought by some Native Americans to have restorative powers.

Slidell is home to a host of festive annual events, including the Slidell Heritage Festival held each July 4 and the Olde Towne Slidell Spring Street Fair held in April. Slidell’s Heritage Park even hosts an annual Christmas under the Stars celebration, a holiday spectacular featuring lights, cheer, gingerbread, even a miniature train village!

Slidell’s iconic DuBuisson Gallery, a popular spot for events held throughout the year, gets into the holiday spirit, too. This year, through December 23, DuBuisson Gallery is hosting a holiday market, which is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday. An added bonus, shoppers can stop by the famous City of Slidell Train Display, which will be open for viewing through January 8 of next year.

In addition to being the setting of year-round festivities such as the aforementioned, Slidell is prospering in the face of grim national financial figures. The cost of living in Slidell is nearly 10 percent below the national average, according to Yahoo! Real Estate. While recent job growth is low, 1.5 percent, future job growth is projected to reach 26 percent. Slidell’s unemployment rate, 4.5 percent, is well below the national average, which has hovered around 10 percent nationally for more than a year.

The same source reports Slidell’s population at nearly 30,000 and growing. The median age of residents is 37 and the median income of 50,000 on average. The city also reports a pupil to teacher ratio of 12 to one. Combined, these figures show Slidell as an ideal settling place for young families with children.

There are more facts about this captivating city, visit the official city of Slidell web site. Visitors can also call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375 to learn more about Slidell.

Searching for an apartment in Slidell? Check out our Audubon Gates apartment community, located in the heart of Slidell. 


Tips For First Time Renters: What’s In Your Lease Agreement

Ah, the dreaded lease agreement! Many times, while this is the simplest of moving tasks to complete, this can be the most daunting! A lease agreement, in very basic terminology, grants an individual use of an individually-owned or company-owned asset. Most often, the individual is called the lessee and the owner of the asset is known as the lessor. Simple, right?

Although lease agreements typically contain a long list of terms and conditions that are intertwined with legal jargon, they are meant to provide protection to both the lessee and lessor. Lease agreements are not meant to be scary or over-imposing. In a dynamic world where things are so ever-changing, a lease agreement will offer consistency and comfort in your living experience. Additionally, a lease agreement offers a plethora of rights and privileges to the lessee.

With respect to apartment lease agreements, the lessee is granted much more than just the right and privilege to reside in an apartment home. Rather, the lessee is able to use the luxuries of the owner’s entire asset. Pools, tennis courts, fitness centers, business centers, and all of the other amenities of the owner’s asset can be utilized by the lessee.

It is, however, very important for the lessee to understand the entirety of the lease agreement, so that he/she can make the most of what is being offered and also be aware of what is not permitted due to the well-being of the owner and asset. Read through your lease agreement and ask questions about the topics that you aren’t completely certain of. You’ll be very happy that you did.

The final point to make about a lease agreement is the pride that you should take in it. An individual or company has made an educated decision to entrust you with their precious asset. They’ve determined that you are a good candidate to use, take care of, and represent this asset. You should be proud of yourself for being extended this lease agreement and commit yourself to the terms of it.

Don’t be afraid of a lease agreement. It is there for protection and guidance. Be proud that you were able to secure a lease agreement and make the most of it.