Mark Moody and his wife Lynette built and moved into their home in the Eastover Subdivision in 2001 after outgrowing their first home in the Oak Island Phase II Subdivision in New Orleans East.
“We decided to live in Eastover for its picturesque look, and we wanted a safe environment to raise our children,” said Moody.
Eastover is a unique gated community with custom homes that include Acadian, Colonial, French Chateau, Southern, Victorian, and Mediterranean-style. There are 300 homes within the community, some of which are situated on the waterfront, and all of which have breathtaking views of scenic surroundings.
The community is located 12 miles from the French Quarter and CBD and 25 miles from the airport. But for Moody, a reversed commuter who is Lead Engineer in the NASA Rocket Propulsion Test Program Office, it’s equally conveniently located.
“I work at NASA’s Stennis Space Center, which is located directly across the Louisiana/Mississippi line,” Moody said. “My daily commute is 38 miles and is a pleasant ride in that there is minor traffic heading out of the city in the morning and minor traffic as I head home in the afternoon.”
Moody’s wife, Lynette, is a Technology Teacher and Department Chair at Academy of the Sacred Heart, located on St. Charles Avenue — making New Orleans East a central location for them both.
Aside from convenient commutes, Moody cites the quietness, safe environment, green space, lakes, well-maintained properties, and friendly neighbors, as his favorite aspects of living in Eastover.
“I feel very safe living in Eastover, and I am sure that living in a gated community contributes to that feeling,” said Moody. “I remember a past Times-Picayune article that identified Eastover as one of the safest neighborhoods in New Orleans to live.”
Moody’s sense of security is in part due to the diligence of The Eastover Property Owners Association (EPOA), which employs a small full-time staff to handle administrative functions for the subdivision. They are managed by the EPOA Board of Directors, who are elected by the property owners and serve without compensation. The EPOA Board of Directors staff is charged with maintaining the common grounds and ensuring that the association’s Acts of Restrictions are followed. Moody is past Chairman of the board.
While living in Eastover the past 17 years, Moody has observed many changes in the community, and of course, has his favorite spots. “Joe Brown Park is a great place for outside exercise,” Moody said, “and we are particularly excited about the reopening of the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center.”
While Moody and his wife now live alone with their two rescued dogs, Maggie and Max, they once had a full house in Eastover with their three children — Jaime, Shari, and Jon. New Orleans residents may recognize Moody’s youngest, Jon, from his role on Bravo TV’s Southern Charm New Orleans.
“Watching our son on reality TV was interesting, and we accept it as an entertainment opportunity that allows him to showcase his works and endeavors as an artist,” said Moody. “It was also fun watching our daughter Shari appear in episode two of Southern Charm New Orleans with Jon.”
Shari, the Moody’s middle child, is a Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor who works in the mental health field and also in private practice. Meanwhile, the Moody’s eldest child, Jaime, is a United States Diplomat.
It’s clear that the Moody family sets the bar high when it comes to neighbors in Eastover.
Just south of Lake Pontchartrain lies the picturesque community of Eastover. Residences here include mid- to large-sized single-family homes.
Eastover offers residents the perks of living in a gated, suburban community and the convenience of a nearby urban setting.
The community’s location is enough distance from the hustle and bustle of downtown without more than a 20-minute commute to the French Quarter. Eastover has vast green spaces, lakes and ponds, so residents enjoy a quaint setting for walking pets, jogging and more. There is a real sense of community for families, with neighborhood gatherings including the fun and games at the annual Harvest Fest on the grounds.
There is access to a variety of schools in the area, including Lake Forest Charter School, Sarah T. Reed High School and Fannie C. Williams Charter School, among others. Residents enjoy local flavors at nearby Tony’s Super Cajun Seafood and baked goods from the infamous Dong Phuong Vietnamese Bakery and Restaurant.
Pictured: Mark and Lynette Moody, Eastover Residents since 2001.
