The Florida Parishes were so named because they originally were part of "West Florida" an area east of the Mississippi River, south of the 31st latitude, and north of New Orleans.  The Florida Parishes include East Baton Rouge, the Felicianas, St. Helena, Livingston, Tangipahoa, Washington and St. Tammany, Louisiana.

The Louisiana I-12 Retirement District consists of St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington parishes.  The parishes of Washington, St. Tammany and Tangipahoa were all originally part of St. Helena Parish.  In 1810, St. Helena was split to form St. Tammany.  Then in 1819, St. Tammany Parish was split to form Washington Parish.  In 1832, St. Helena Parish was again divided to form Livingston Parish.  The final division came in 1869 when Tangipahoa Parish was carved from portion of Livingston, Washington and St. Tammany Parishes. The area is also known as the Northshore, because of its location north of Lake Pontchartrain and New Orleans.

The four parishes encompassing the Louisiana I-12 Retirement District comprise both rural and urban areas.  We have something to offer everyone - from urban neighborhoods and small towns, to artists' meccas, historic villages and panoramic country sides.

BENEFITS OF RETIRING IN THE EAST FLORIDA PARISHES

• Mild Climate
• Low Cost of Living
• Excellent healthcare conveniently located throughout the district
• Safe - attractive communities
• Tax friendly to retirees
• Natural beauty, a sportsman's paradise
• Rich variety of cultural and recreational attractions (food, music, arts, sports, festivals, etc.)
• University towns
• Military bases close by
• The affordable right home for you from independent living to full-time assisted living facilities 
• Exempt from local property tax on primary home's assessed value up to $75,000
• Cost of living 5% to 10% below national average
• Conveniently located a short distance from two metropolitan areas and international airports