An interesting mix of business, boutiques, specialty shops, galleries, and restaurants line the historic downtown streets of Covington. Original city Ox Lots are still in use today, but cars now fill the off-street squares. Recent downtown construction has increased the viability of living in and operating a business downtown, a nostalgic concept with a few new twists. Volunteers are welcome at Habitat for Humanity, local hospitals, the animal shelter, libraries, schools, clubs and through the Chamber of Commerce.

Work on paddling skill while you float down the lazy Bougue Falaya or Tchefuncte Rivers.

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Explore creativity. 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 Covington. Master a language, play a cello, or learn more about starting a business in your new community. Playmakers, one of America's oldest continuously operating community theater, presents several theatrical productions each year. Across Lake Pontchartrain, 45 miles south, additional entertainment choices await. New Orleans offers NFL Football, NCAA basketball, the Audubon Zoo, numerous museums, architectural and historic sites, musical venues, Jazz Fest, riverboat rides and world-class cuisine. Covington's many locally owned restaurants offer diverse culinary and dining experiences.

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Like to garden? You can grow a garden practically year round in Covington's mild climate. Be sure to get helpful tips from the downtown feed and seed stores. They have been giving out advice for more than 68 years. Relax on the banks of the Bogue Falaya River. Relax on your porch with a Walker Percy classic. Turn out with your neighbors for a free concert. Drive up to the local winery. But if you go for a bike ride, remember to watch out for the trees. The Nature Center features boardwalks through pristine cypress swamps for close-up bird watching and wildlife observation. Walkers, joggers, cyclists and skaters enjoy 32-mile-long Tammany Trace and the trailhead parks.

Western St. Tammany Parish claims four country clubs, three health clubs and two public golf courses. Check out the Audubon Golf Trail. Covington is within 45 miles of three trail courses.

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

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Your housing dollars go far in Covington. The composite cost of living in Covington is just below the national average. Local sources suggest an average home price range of $170,000 in Western St. Tammany. Groceries are priced at the national average. Health care and miscellaneous goods and services are priced well below national norms. St Tammany Parish and numerous community service organizations provide convenient services for all age groups. AARP, the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), the Council on Aging, and the YMCA are active locally.

Downtown housing is plentiful and offers "cottage industry" opportunities and the convenience of a downtown lifestyle. Living downtown makes it easy for residents to walk, shop, dine and play in their own backyard.

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Covington and St. Tammany Parish now rank as one of America's safest retirement locales. Rates of overall crime, violent crime and property crime are all less than half of national norms.

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Take your best friend to the annual Humane Society's Pooch Parade in Bougue Falaya Park.