re: How does Slidell compare to New Orleans?

Depends on what you want

If you want access to the best fishing and hunting, while still living in nice surroundings with minimal windstorm impact, then you cannot beat the bayou liberty area. You could go closer to the lake in Slidell but you’ll deal with some windstorm and tidal issues.

Otherwise, crime and taxes are fairly low compared to nola. Quality of life is slower in Slidell.

If you have to commute to nola, that could be a bummer tho