covington
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introduction
The following pictures and information are provided to help employees who are considering an assignment in Covington to learn what it is like to work and live in Covington.
Covington is located in Southeast Louisiana and is the parish seat of St Tammany Parish - one of the fastest-growing parishes in Louisiana. Located on the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain, Covington is about 40 miles north of the city of New Orleans with all the shopping, professional sports, culture and entertainment big cities have to offer. The Lake Pontchartrain area is 15 minutes away and provides opportunities for fresh Gulf Coast seafood, antique and boutique shopping as well as boating and fishing. Additionally, Covington has an active arts community and a rails-to-trails elevated bike path.
Employees who prefer a smaller community with excellent public schools choose to live in Covington or nearby Mandeville, Abita Springs or Madisonville. Other employees, who prefer the vast amenities offered by the city, choose to live on the South Shore, in the greater New Orleans metropolitan area and do a reverse commute on a 24-mile causeway bridge that connects the North and South shores. Chevron also subsidizes large shuttle vans for South Shore employees who wish to participate in vanpools.
Employees who prefer a smaller community with excellent public schools choose to live in Covington or nearby Mandeville, Abita Springs or Madisonville. Other employees, who prefer the vast amenities offered by the city, choose to live on the South Shore, in the greater New Orleans metropolitan area and do a reverse commute on a 24-mile causeway bridge that connects the North and South shores. Chevron also subsidizes large shuttle vans for South Shore employees who wish to participate in vanpools.
Covington has a warm, humid, subtropical climate. July is the warmest month with an average high 91° F (33° C). January is the coldest month with an average low of 40° F (4° C). Covington residents, who live north of Interstate 10, generally have fared better during tropical storms and hurricanes which are common to the United States Gulf Coast area.
The nearest international airport, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), is 40 miles from Covington. MSY offers nonstop flights to a number of major U.S. cities. Most employees drive to the airport as a taxi-cab or hired car starts at $125 (US) each way. Currently, there is no public transportation between the North and South shores.
work environment
Northpark, located in Covington, is the headquarters office for the Gulf of Mexico business unit and situated in an office park setting. Several departments are housed here in an open space environment; approximately 600 employees report here daily. The building is near shopping, restaurants and housing. Northpark is an energy efficient LEED-certified gold building that is well equipped with amenities. Amenities include the Gulf Cafe', Fitness Center, walking trail and access to two Chevron credit unions.
The building is serviced by a covered parking garage (roof uncovered) with various options for overflow parking. In addition to handicapped and guest spaces, Northpark offers preferred parking to carpoolers, vanpoolers and drivers of Low Emission Vehicles (LEV) that meet a green score of 40 or higher.
Additionally, Northpark includes plenty of bright light, collaborative spaces, touchdown rooms for privacy as well as technology enabled conference rooms. The majority of Northpark employees work a 9/80 work schedule with alternating Fridays off; however, individual schedules are determined by specific department needs.
The building is serviced by a covered parking garage (roof uncovered) with various options for overflow parking. In addition to handicapped and guest spaces, Northpark offers preferred parking to carpoolers, vanpoolers and drivers of Low Emission Vehicles (LEV) that meet a green score of 40 or higher.
Additionally, Northpark includes plenty of bright light, collaborative spaces, touchdown rooms for privacy as well as technology enabled conference rooms. The majority of Northpark employees work a 9/80 work schedule with alternating Fridays off; however, individual schedules are determined by specific department needs.
housing
Covington and the surrounding areas offer a number of housing choices, including single family homes, condominiums and apartments. The decision as to where to live is usually based on personal needs, lifestyle preferences and proximity to work and area schools.
Covington has available, both homes to buy and rent. Home square footages vary significantly; however, many of the homes are four bedrooms with two plus bathrooms and geared for families.
The majority of homes offer a private backyard and garage or carport.
Condominiums and town homes, which cater to single employees or those not requiring much space, are also available.
The majority of homes offer a private backyard and garage or carport.
Condominiums and town homes, which cater to single employees or those not requiring much space, are also available.
Covington has a number of apartment complexes, including several within a five-mile (8 km) driving distance to the Northpark office. Renters can find studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Facilities typically include security, open parking, swimming pools, barbeques, spas and clubhouses. Some include Internet services, pet parks and, tennis courts. Most apartments allow small pets but charge an extra security deposit.
Rent prices depend on the location and amenities; however, nicer apartments tend to charge a premium on the North Shore. Recently, several luxury style apartments have opened to meet the growing demand of mobile professionals.
With homes or apartments, employees can bring their own furniture or rent partially or fully furnished apartments. Normally, rental agreements are six, nine or 12 month contracts. Some apartments may do month-to-month leases for a premium. The first month's rent and a security deposit are due upfront.
Rent prices depend on the location and amenities; however, nicer apartments tend to charge a premium on the North Shore. Recently, several luxury style apartments have opened to meet the growing demand of mobile professionals.
With homes or apartments, employees can bring their own furniture or rent partially or fully furnished apartments. Normally, rental agreements are six, nine or 12 month contracts. Some apartments may do month-to-month leases for a premium. The first month's rent and a security deposit are due upfront.
- Power: All homes and apartments have electricity installed. Residents request that power be turned on through Cleco, the local provider. As of 2010, Cleco requires a $150 deposit for all new customers and bill monthly. Electrical outlets are 110 volts with 220 volts for dryers and washing machines.
- Telephone: All homes and apartments are equipped for phone service. Multiple phone lines (for example, phone lines for fax machines or teenage children) can also be installed. Cell phone service is also available. Residents sign up for service through the phone company and are billed on a monthly basis.
- Gas: In St. Tammany Parish, gas is provided by Atmos. Some homes with acreage and on the outskirts of town may have propane tanks on the property. Propane tanks are filled at the resident's expense, as needed.
Residents should check with their landlord or realtor to find out what services are required for their home. - Water: All water flowing to homes and apartments has been filtered through city water systems. Water is safe for drinking, cooking, bathing and washing clothes. H20 is the local water provider and charges a $75 deposit as of 2010 for all new accounts.
- Internet: In general, homes have Internet service capabilities. To reduce costs, most people bundle Internet, phone and cable TV services through one service provider. Some apartment complexes provide free wireless Internet to their residents. Coffee shops often provide a free wireless connection for their customers. Local libraries have computers with Internet access for public use.
view slideshows about covington so you can know what to expect in the following categories:
education
St. Tammany offers an excellent parish public school system as well as a wide variety of private schools. Additionally, Mandeville schools are considered "blue ribbon" institutions and the best in St. Tammany Parish. For more information, visit the St. Tammany Parish Public Schools website.
The Greater New Orleans metropolitan area offers an improving public school system (including some sought-after charter schools) as well as a wide variety of private schools. For more information, visit the Orleans Parish School Board website. Incoming expatriates may also want to gather information on Archdiocese of New Orleans Catholic School and New Orleans Independent School Association of the Southwest.
The Greater New Orleans metropolitan area offers an improving public school system (including some sought-after charter schools) as well as a wide variety of private schools. For more information, visit the Orleans Parish School Board website. Incoming expatriates may also want to gather information on Archdiocese of New Orleans Catholic School and New Orleans Independent School Association of the Southwest.
support services
There are quality medical facilities and hospitals close to the Covington office.
Hospitals with emergency room services:
St. Tammany Parish Hospital
Lakeview Regional Medical Center
Health Care Center (Primary care providers and specialists):
Other providers available check with your insurance provider.
Covington employees are not provided a driver.
Most households in the Covington/Mandeville area operate without the assistance of outside help. Cleaning, baby-sitting and gardening services are available for hire. Most household-help providers come on a daily or scheduled basis and rarely live in the home.
It is very important to interview and check references. The phone book, Internet, neighbors and other employees are good references for these services.
It is very important to interview and check references. The phone book, Internet, neighbors and other employees are good references for these services.
Automated teller machines (ATMs) are available all over the area in banks, grocery stores, gas stations, etc. Most merchants take debit cards, credit cards and cash for purchases. Very few accept checks.
The Chevron Federal Credit Union along with the CUSA Federal Credit Union is located in the main lobby of the Covington office with on-site ATMs. If you are looking to open up a local banking account, some popular institutions with branches nearby are: Chevron Federal Credit Union, CUSA Federal Credit Union, Chase, Capital One and Whitney.
The Chevron Federal Credit Union along with the CUSA Federal Credit Union is located in the main lobby of the Covington office with on-site ATMs. If you are looking to open up a local banking account, some popular institutions with branches nearby are: Chevron Federal Credit Union, CUSA Federal Credit Union, Chase, Capital One and Whitney.
The United States Postal Service has locations around town (see below) where you can buy stamps, send letter mail and packages for a fee based on weight and destination. The Covington office has mail services available during working hours to send interoffice mail and receive packages.
Abita Springs
22444 Highway 435
Abita Springs, LA 70420-9998 70420
Covington
1775 North Columbia Street
Covington, LA 70433-9998
Madisonville
100 Covington Street
Madisonville, LA 70447-9998
Mandeville
1 Saint Ann Drive
Mandeville, LA 70471-9998
Abita Springs
22444 Highway 435
Abita Springs, LA 70420-9998 70420
Covington
1775 North Columbia Street
Covington, LA 70433-9998
Madisonville
100 Covington Street
Madisonville, LA 70447-9998
Mandeville
1 Saint Ann Drive
Mandeville, LA 70471-9998
St. Tammany Parish has library branches in Covington, Mandeville & Abita Springs. Once you sign-up for membership you are able to check-out books, videos and use the on-site Internet. Libraries are open Monday through Saturday.
The city of Covington and its surrounding areas are considered safe communities. Individuals interested in additional security may choose to live in gated communities or apartment complexes that offer security services. Homeowners can also install security alarm systems, which are monitored by security service companies for a fee.
CVS and Walgreens provides access to consumer goods, pharmacy medications along with health and wellness services with multiple convenient locations across town while some locations are also open 24 hours to fill prescriptions or purchase products.
shopping
To purchase groceries (produce, bakery, meat, food) nearby options from the area include:
Covington:
- Acquistapace's Covington Supermarket
- Rouses Supermarkets
- Walmart
- Winn-Dixie
Mandeville:
- Albertsons
- Fresh Market
- Rouses
- Walmart Mini Mart
- Winn-Dixie
In Covington, on Highway 22, is another shopping area with department, craft, consumer electronic stores such as Belk, Best Buy, Hobby Lobby, JCPenney, Kohl's, Michael's, Marshall's Ross and Target.
In Mandeville, the Premier Center in Mandeville is an outdoor shopping area with retail stores such as Aeropostale, American Eagle, Banana Republic, The Gap, Old Navy, Stein Mart, T.J. Maxx and Rack Room Shoes
Furniture stores include: Rooms to Go, Furniture mart, Ashley's and American Factory Direct and will deliver for a small fee.
Home improvement stores include Lowes and Home Depot.
For an indoor shopping mall is located at North Shore Square Mall in Slidell (25 minutes from Covington) or at Lakeside Shopping Center in Metairie (35 minutes from Covington) which includes a Macy's.
The closest outlet mall is Premium Outlets located in Gulfport, Mississippi (1 hour from Covington).
In Mandeville, the Premier Center in Mandeville is an outdoor shopping area with retail stores such as Aeropostale, American Eagle, Banana Republic, The Gap, Old Navy, Stein Mart, T.J. Maxx and Rack Room Shoes
Furniture stores include: Rooms to Go, Furniture mart, Ashley's and American Factory Direct and will deliver for a small fee.
Home improvement stores include Lowes and Home Depot.
For an indoor shopping mall is located at North Shore Square Mall in Slidell (25 minutes from Covington) or at Lakeside Shopping Center in Metairie (35 minutes from Covington) which includes a Macy's.
The closest outlet mall is Premium Outlets located in Gulfport, Mississippi (1 hour from Covington).
transportation
Most employees who work in the Covington office either drive to work or carpool with other employees. With Covington being a smaller town, traffic is low compared to major metropolitan areas. Most commutes take between 5 and 15 minutes for Covington and Mandeville residents.
Commuting from New Orleans can take approximately 45 to 60 minutes to the Covington office. This time estimate includes a 20 minute stretch on the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge.
Transportation service to the Covington office, such as taxicabs, is available for a fee.
recreational and entertainment
- New Orleans Pelicans - Professional Basketball Team
- New Orleans Saints - World-Champion Football Team
- New Orleans Zephyrs - Triple-A Minor League Baseball Team
The local movie theatre in Covington is Hollywood Theatres and plays the latest new release movies.
Some popular bars/grills around town to enjoy include:
Abita Springs
- Abita Brewery Tour
Covington
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Chimes
- Columbia Street Tap Room
Mandeville
- Barley Oak
- Wine Loft
The Covington/Mandeville area has a variety of dining from seafood to ethnic cuisines such as Thai cuisines to choose from. For recommendations please visit Yelp or seek recommendations from colleagues.
Most major fast food chains are located near the Covington office, such as Chick-fil-A, McDonalds, Subway, etc. A few popular restaurants near the Covington office include:
American/New Orleans
- Annadele's Plantation
- Copelands
- Dakota
- Zea Rotisserie & Grill
Bakery
- Zoe's Bakery
Chinese
- Northshore Empress
Greek
- Albasha Greek Restaurant
Italian
- Olive Garden
- Macaroni Grill
Japanese/Sushi
- Osaka
Mexican
- Garcia's
Pizza
- Isabella's
- Mellow Mushroom
Seafood
- Acme Oyster House
- Don's Seafood Hut
Thai
- Thai Spice
The Covington office offers gym membership for low cost but if you would like to join a health club with additional amenities such as. spa, pool, tennis courts, etc., at membership cost the following are some options:
Forty-five Minutes from Covington
- New Orleans - French Quarter, casino, Cajun culture
One Hour from Covington
- Baton Rouge - Capital of Louisiana, home of Louisiana State University campus
- Gulfport, Mississippi - Outlet mal
Three Hours from Covington
- Gulf Shores, Alabama - beaches, shopping, restaurants
- Pensacola Beach, Florida - beaches, shopping, restaurants
Four Hours from Covington
- Destin, Florida - beaches, shopping, restaurants
additional information
It is a good idea to gain a basic understanding of the American culture, history and language. Daily interactions and tasks will be completed in English. Chevron offers 80 hours of instruction to expatriate employees and their family members who relocate into the United States.
Pets can be brought into the United States. Dogs and cats must be free of disease when examined by customs. Further veterinarian examination may be required. All animals should have rabies shots 30 days prior to entry. Certain breeds may be required to remain in quarantine for a set time before being allowed into the population. More information about importing pets is available here.
The United States recognizes religious freedom and there are many different churches or places of worship to choose from depending on personal preference.
Business casual clothing is typically worn. On Fridays, employees in the office can wear jeans.