Marina Beau Chene is an excellent neighborhood. The first thing you notice when entering this neighborhood is that it is gated and staffed by a uniformed security guard. As a person who appreciates the idea of high security and safety, I like that feature. If you are able to get past the initial screening you will notice you've entered an idyllic environment. Homes are beautiful, yards are well manicured and everyone seems friendly. I have no idea if the people are genuinely friendly, but they do wave at me as I drive by. I guess they could be signaling that I am #1 or something, but I digress. The most beautiful feature of this neighborhood is not the gate, the homes or the people. It's the marina. I wont tell you exactly where the marina is located since that would defeat the whole safe and secure environment thing. What I can tell you is that should you have a boat, this would be a good place to keep it. Whether that boat is a nice sized fishing vessel or a large live aboard yacht, you can find it all here. The slips will fit vessels that are 30', 40' or 50'. You can also get into the Tchefuncte River and Lake Pontchartrain if you decide to leave the comfort of the marina. If you are in the market for a boat, or just like to dream about one day owning one, there are always several nice examples for sale here. My favorites were the late 70s live aboard Chris Craft or the waterfront condo with a slip that were both for sale. If you can get past the security, this is a great place to live or visit. read more

Disclaimer: I am reviewing this as a guest in my girlfriend's parent's home. Now that my girlfriend is on the Northshore I'm anticipating making trips to the Northshore. I arrived on New Year's Eve to celebrate with a bunch of girlfriends at the house and then later on at the Chimes. The security gentleman was courteous and remember to give them your name, the name of the people you are visiting, and their address. It is a gated community and when we arrived later that evening we had to enter through the main Beau Chene entrance which is also gated. So prepare to give the same information. It is a beautiful neighborhood but be careful and drive slowly because it is windy roads and at night there was a dog that ran in front of my car. Fortunately I was going super slow and waited until he moved on. The houses are well lit but the streets themselves don't have street lights so again, proceed slowly. My girlfriend's parents built their dream home here and their gorgeous home overlooks the marina with numerous boats. Like any gated community it appears that people maintain their property well. There was a friendly vibe and my friend's personal trainer lived a few doors down. I wish I could have stayed longer to enjoy the front porch, back deck, and the marina! read more