Living In Beau Chene: Northshore Golf Community Guide

Imagine waking up to quiet streets, crisp fairway views, and a calendar full of golf and social events just minutes from Mandeville’s lakefront. If you are drawn to an easygoing, active lifestyle with privacy baked in, Beau Chene on the Northshore might fit you well. In this guide, you will learn what daily life looks like, how the homes and lots vary, what costs to plan for, and the key steps to take before you buy. Let’s dive in.

Location and access

Beau Chene sits in zip code 70471 in St. Tammany Parish, close to Mandeville amenities and the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. You can reach greater New Orleans by driving the Causeway, with typical one-way drive times that range about 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. Local arterials connect you to nearby Northshore towns, shopping, and the lakefront. Municipal services are parish or city-based, so confirm which apply to your address.

Lifestyle and amenities

Country club at the center

Beau Chene is a gated, country-club style community built around a golf course and a private club. You can expect a clubhouse, dining options, a pro shop, and organized golf events. Membership tiers may apply, and golf access is typically governed by the club rather than the homeowners association. Always verify the latest membership offerings, initiation process, and guest policies.

Recreation and social life

Country-club communities commonly offer pools, tennis or pickleball, fitness spaces, and walking paths. Social calendars often include dining nights, seasonal gatherings, and member clubs. Ask the club for a current event calendar to understand the pace of activities and how they align with your interests. If you value a built-in social network, you will likely find it here.

Security and community pace

Beau Chene is gated, which many buyers appreciate for controlled access. Internal traffic is generally light, while course maintenance and events create predictable activity. The overall vibe suits active retirees, professionals, and families who want leisure, convenience, and a close-to-home social life. Confirm gate staffing, hours, and visitor procedures during your due diligence.

Homes

Single-family detached homes are the primary housing type in Beau Chene. You will see a mix of custom estates, classic single-level layouts, and homes that emphasize low-maintenance living. 

Styles and features

Architectural styles on the Northshore often blend Southern, traditional, and contemporary designs adapted for Gulf Coast living. Expect covered outdoor spaces, ample natural light, and layouts that favor entertaining. If you are targeting golf-course views, be mindful of how patios, pools, and fencing need to align with HOA design rules.

Costs to plan for

HOA fees

You should expect recurring association fees that fund common area care, security, and landscaping for shared spaces. Always request the current fee schedule and confirm what services it covers. Review the association’s financial statements and meeting minutes to check reserves, capital plans, and any history of special assessments.

Club membership

Golf access typically requires a separate club membership. Most private clubs have initiation fees, monthly dues, and sometimes a food and beverage minimum. Many offer multiple tiers, such as golf and social-only. Ask whether memberships transfer, if there is a waitlist, and what privileges come with each level.

Taxes and insurance

Property taxes are assessed by the St. Tammany Parish Assessor and vary by millage and homestead eligibility. Insurance planning should include homeowners coverage and, in many cases, wind or hurricane policies. Flood insurance depends on the specific parcel’s FEMA mapping and elevation. Request an elevation certificate and review any flood history or claims for the property.

Utilities and services

Water, sewer, trash, and energy services can be parish, municipal, or private. Confirm providers and whether any bulk services are negotiated through the association. Ask about typical monthly costs and any transfer fees when you set up new service.

Schools and local services

Public schools in the area are administered by St. Tammany Parish Public Schools. Attendance zones can change, so verify school assignments for the exact property address. You will find medical, retail, and dining options in nearby Mandeville and across the Northshore, with regional medical centers serving residents.

Due diligence checklist

Documents to review

• Current HOA or POA covenants, conditions and restrictions and architectural guidelines
• Board meeting minutes, reserve studies, recent financial statements, and any special assessment history
• Club membership packets that detail initiation fees, tiers, privileges, and guest rules
• Short-term rental and leasing policies

Inspections and risk checks

• General home inspection that covers structure, roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical
• Termite and pest inspection, which is important in the Gulf South climate
• Survey to verify lot lines, easements, and compliance with HOA setbacks
• Elevation certificate, FEMA flood zone status, and prior claims history for the parcel

Lifestyle and timing fit

• Visit at different times of day and week, including an event night, to gauge traffic and noise
• Walk key amenities and ask the club about event cadence, junior programs, and guest policies
• Talk with residents when possible for practical insights about governance, maintenance, and daily life

Resale and rental outlook

• Track comparable inventory and days on market for Beau Chene homes through the MLS
• Evaluate buyer demand for fairway frontage vs. interior lots in recent sales
• Confirm any rental restrictions if you plan to lease the property in the future

Buying tips for Beau Chene

• Get pre-approved early so you can act quickly on a well-located home.
• Compare lot settings side by side. Fairway views can elevate your daily experience but may narrow your buyer pool later.
• Align your membership level with how you actually plan to use the club. A social tier can be a good first step if you are still learning your routine.
• Review HOA design rules before planning exterior updates, pools, fencing, or additions.
• Ask for utility averages and recent insurance premiums to tighten your monthly budget.

Commute and daily rhythm

If you commute to New Orleans, plan on about 30 to 45 minutes each way via the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, with variations due to traffic and weather. Many residents find they can handle a hybrid schedule by clustering on-site workdays to reduce peak-hour drives. Locally, you have quick access to shopping, dining, and lakefront recreation, which helps keep most daily errands close to home.

Is Beau Chene right for you?

Choose Beau Chene if you value a private, golf-centered lifestyle with gated entry and an active social calendar. You will find a range of home sizes, architectural styles, and lot types that cater to different stages of life. The key is to match your household’s priorities with the right combination of location, membership, and budget.

If you want a clear, stress-reduced path to a Beau Chene purchase, we can help you align timing, due diligence, and negotiation strategy. Reach out to Felicity Kahn & Associates for local guidance, curated property tours, and a plan that fits your goals.

FAQs

What is the commute from Beau Chene to New Orleans?

• Most residents drive the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, with typical one-way times around 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.

Are Beau Chene’s golf privileges included with home ownership?

• Golf access is usually handled by a separate country club membership, not the HOA, so verify current initiation, dues, and tier options.

Do I need flood insurance for a Beau Chene home?

• It depends on the property’s FEMA flood zone and elevation; request an elevation certificate and confirm requirements with your insurer.

How much are HOA or POA fees in Beau Chene?

• Fees vary by property and billing cycle; ask for the current schedule, what it covers, and any history of special assessments.

Which public schools serve Beau Chene addresses?

• Public schools are administered by St. Tammany Parish Public Schools; verify attendance zones for the exact property address before you buy.