Written by Kevin O’Sullivan
When Wanda Fulton was looking for a place to live, she developed her own checklist. “It fits my personality; I’m the dependable, loyal kind of girl.” says Fulton, “I called it CAPS. A place needs to be clean, affordable, peaceful and safe, and Pontchartrain Oaks fits the bill.”
Fulton initially moved into Pontchartrain Oaks in January of 2005, just months before Hurricane Katrina forced the apartment’s residents out.
“I evacuated to Arlington, Texas not knowing what was going to happen. But, I remember calling the apartment at three o’clock in the morning one night to see if I could get an updated message from a machine… But someone answered. It was Hope Brown, she worked in the office and had transferred her phone to her home number. She assured me that my apartment was fine, told me what was going on and we stayed in touch from then on. I’ll never forget that. I think it speaks volumes about Mr. Billy, the owner, and the staff and their care for the residents. I’m still blown away by it,” Fulton described.
Fulton moved back into Pontchartrain Oaks in 2007, making her a nearly 10-year resident. “This is home. I love it here,” Fulton expresses, “It’s a great place to live. I’ve got plenty of square footage, closet space, a fireplace, a washer and dryer in the apartment, a wonderful balcony…”
But it’s not just the living space that Fulton loves about Pontchartrain Oaks. It’s the staff and their dedication to maintaining a beautiful environment and stress-free living. Whether it’s regularly checking the air conditioning systems to make sure they are working through the brutal summer heat, or the minutia of checking fire-detectors, the maintenance crew keeps the apartments in top-notch condition. “They do an incredible job with the landscaping; it’s beautiful outside,” Fulton says, pausing to look at the green hedges and fresh-cut grass. “They also respond immediately if you need them. They’re professional, courteous and they truly care.”
“Outside of the apartments, the area has vastly improved over the years,” said Fulton. “There is a new Walmart, the beautiful Joe W. Brown Park, the hospital, a nice library, more and more businesses are popping up… It’s got everything you would deem necessary and more. I’m a part of a lot of groups that meet in the park. It’s a really nice place to spend time.”
The apartment complex also borders Lake Pontchartrain showcasing an incredible view of the water and a gorgeous sunset.
Fulton brags about her sense of safety within the apartment and about how blessed she is to be there, “I couldn’t ask for more. They take good care of me. I’m happy, and I have a beautiful apartment that I can call home. I love where I am. It’s the truth! It’s easy to speak highly of something when it’s the truth. Pontchartrain Oaks is a great place to live.”
About Pontchartrain Oaks Apartments
Pontchartrain Oaks is an apartment community on Lake Pontchartrain in East New Orleans. Its courtyard is beautifully landscaped and features 200-year-old oaks. The apartments are fully equipped for a need-free life: a full kitchen, washer and dryer and wood-burning fireplaces. From their balconies, some units have a view of the lake or shaded courtyard. This historic architecture is truly a delight. Its cathedral and beamed ceilings, large windows and French doors will make sure that you feel like you are living in luxury.
