Welcome to Algiers
July 15, 2008 by Lisa Heindel
Filed under Welcome
Located directly across the Mississippi River from downtown New Orleans, Algiers provides easy access to not only the East Bank of the river, but to the entire West Bank of New Orleans as well and is the only part of the City of New Orleans and Orleans Parish that is located on the West Bank.
A quick ferry ride from Canal Street will land you in the heart of Algiers Point, the second oldest neighborhood in New Orleans, younger only than the world famous French Quarter. A designated Historic District, Algiers Point is filled with classic architecture and turn of the century homes that recall the slower pace of life of days gone by. The streets are made for strolling through…with local parks, cafes and restaurants within easy walking distance.
Through the years, Algiers has expanded from the confines of Algiers Point, creeping south along the river and resulting in the construction of popular subdivisions such as Tall Timbers, Park Timbers and Walnut Bend. Later years saw the development of gated communities such as Lakewood, English Turn, The Villas of Aurora, Aurora Riverside and Algiers Riverpoint.
Although it is just a few miles away from the hustle and bustle of downtown and the French Quarter, Algiers has long provided a more suburban atmosphere with many of the subdivisions in the southern portion of the community developed during a rapid growth spurt in the 1960s and 1970s. The expansion of the Mississippi River Bridge to the two spans of the Crescent City Connection in the 1980s made commutes quick and easy and opened up the West Bank to even more residential and commercial development to support the growing population, which is now estimated at 50,000 residents.
The long time home of the Naval Support Activity (NSA New Orleans), which is scheduled to break ground on the future Federal City in late 2008, Algiers remains a popular choice for incoming military personnel due to the close proximity to both NSA New Orleans and NAS JRB New Orleans and it’s central location to local recreation, entertainment and colleges and universities.. The completion of the Federal City project is estimated to increase the population of the area by 6,000 to 7,000 residents…even after all of these years, Algiers is still growing!
Currently planned improvements for Algiers include the reopening of Lakewood Golf Course in the fall of 2008 and the redevelopment and expansion of the Village Aurora Shopping Center. Many local residents and business owners are members of the Algiers Economic Development Foundation, which fosters and encourages economic growth for the Algiers community and works closely with elected officials to maintain the quality of life of all of the residents.
Feel free to contact Lisa Heindel, Realtor, with any questions you may have about buying or selling a home in Algiers, Louisiana. Your West Bank real estate specialist, I’d be happy to help!
Welcome to Gretna and Terrytown
July 15, 2008 by Lisa Heindel
Filed under Welcome
Some of the most popular areas of the West Bank of New Orleans are in Gretna and Terrytown. When deciding on a place to live, it’s important to know that there are two parts of Gretna. The City of Gretna has its own police department, mayor, city council and collects additional property tax (in addition to the parish taxes), while the unincorporated areas of Gretna and Terrytown do not. Let’s take a look at each one:
The City of Gretna
Founded in 1836, Gretna is home to approximately 17,000 residents, many of whom live in historic districts and homes. Calling itself the Small Town with a Big Heart, Gretna is the site of the annual Gretna Heritage Festival each October, which has grown from a small local celebration to an event that draws thousands each year. Ferry service from Jackson Street in New Orleans drops you right in the heart of downtown Gretna at the foot of Huey P. Long Avenue.
Historic downtown Gretna is home to Gretna City Hall, along with the Jefferson Parish governmental complex, drawing a large number of people into the downtown area each day. Just around the corner from City Hall is the Gretna Market, scene of the weekly Farmer’s Market and many local events throughout the year, such as Mardi Gras parades, trick or treating during Halloween and the annual Relay for Life race.
Helpful links:
Official City of Gretna Website
Gretna Public School Information
Terrytown and unincorporated Gretna
The remainder of Gretna is made up of Terrytown and the unincorporated portions of Gretna.
Terrytown is known for the alphabet division of the streets. Starting from the West Bank Expressway, the streets are grouped by letter starting with the "A" streets and continue all the way to Belle Chasse Highway on both sides of Terry Parkway (the 2nd exit from the Crescent City Connection). Terrytown is home to the Oakwood Center Shopping Mall, the largest mall on the West Bank, and is the scene of several of the West Bank Mardi Gras parades.
The unincorporated portion of Gretna is made up of several neighborhoods, from the starter homes of Meadowbrook to the upscale golf communities of Stonebridge and Timberlane Estates, with choices in just about every price range.
The convenient location of both Terrytown and Gretna make them a commuter’s dream with easy access to downtown New Orleans and NAS JRB New Orleans in Belle Chasse.
Helpful Links:
Official Jefferson Parish Website
Jefferson Parish Public School Information
Jefferson Parish Parochial School Information
Jefferson Parish Parks and Recreation
Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office
Utility Companies for Terrytown and Gretna
Welcome to Belle Chasse
Just south of Algiers and Gretna on the New Orleans West Bank lies Belle Chasse, LA (French for"beautiful hunting") . Belle Chasse has long been a tight knit community with a great history of hunters and fisherman among its residents, in addition to some of the best citrus orchards in the southeast. If you’ve never had a satsuma, you don’t know what you are missing! The Plaquemines Parish Fair and Orange Festival is one of the most anticipated events each December in Belle Chasse.
Located in Plaquemines Parish, Belle Chasse has been home to the Naval Air Station, Joint Reserve Base New Orleans (the former Alvin Callender Field) since 1957 and houses many military families during their stay in the New Orleans area.
Belle Chasse is a high demand area of the West Bank, in large part due to the excellent public school system in the community. This demand has pushed the average housing price to one of the highest of the West Bank communities. Exclusive neighborhoods such as Springwood Estates and Pleasant Ridge Estates have sprung up in recent years to meet the growing demand for housing in the area.
Helpful links:
Official Plaquemines Parish Website
Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office
Welcome to Harvey
Part of Jefferson Parish, on the West Bank of New Orleans, Harvey has experienced rapid growth in the last few years, especially along the Manhattan Blvd. shopping corridor. New retail and dining options are popping up left and right! A drive down Manhattan will allow you to shop at national chains such as Best Buy, Pier 1, Linens-n-Things, Circuit City, Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, Lowe’s, WalMart, Sam’s Club and more. Hungry? Check out Chili’s, Semolina’s, several Asian cuisine options (including one of my favorite restaurants, Eastern) and the newly opened Parrot Pete’s and Alligator Pear in the almost complete Fountain Park Center pictured above. Or, just stop in and grab a cup of java at Starbucks.
With easy access to the Crescent City Connection and downtown New Orleans, Harvey is home to some of the most exclusive communities in the area. Barkley Estates, Magnolia Trace and The Residence at Park Avenue offer gated, upscale living. If you love to golf, Timberlane Golf Course and the Links at Stonebridge are just a few minutes away in Gretna.
Local Government
Jefferson Parish Assessor’s Office - information on property taxes in Harvey LA
Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office
Local Schools
Jefferson Parish Public School Information
Jefferson Parish Parochial School Information
Other Local Information
West Bank Regional Library - Harvey
Welcome to Marrero
Part of Jefferson Parish on the West Bank of New Orleans, Marrero is a largely residential area, tucked between Harvey and Westwego. With West Jefferson Medical Center as a vital part of the community, there is a large population of medical personnel who live alongside the folks who have called Marrero home for generations.
The main thoroughfare in Marrero is Barataria Blvd., with local and national dining options (Outback Steakhouse, Shoney’s and several fast food options) along with shopping in several small strip centers. With easy access to either the Crescent City Connection to downtown New Orleans or the Huey P. Long Bridge to Metairie, Marrero is centrally located for commuters traveling in either direction.
Marrero Government
Jefferson Parish Assessor’s Office - information on property taxes in Marrero
Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office
Marrero Schools
Jefferson Parish Public School Information
Jefferson Parish Parochial School Information
