$255,604Average Value$164Average Price per Sq Ft40Homes For Sale
Arabi's unique name reflects a colorful past
Even by New Orleans standards, the history of Arabi is almost impossibly colorful. While many neighborhoods began as suburbs before being annexed by a larger city over the years, Arabi did just the opposite, rebelliously breaking away from New Orleans when an 1880s law banned stockyards and slaughterhouses in Orleans Parish. The name itself – Arabi – is an Anglicized tribute to Egyptian leader Ahmed ‘Urabi, who went the 1880s version of viral for starting a revolt against European influence in his country. The spirit of thumbing its nose at NOLA carried into the early 20th century. Arabi was the place New Orleanians sought for its illegal gambling halls until they were finally busted for good in the 1950s. Arabi’s present is not nearly as checkered as its past. Slaughterhouses and gambling dens eventually gave way to something sweeter – Domino Sugar’s largest refinery in North America. But Arabi remains a unique locale – right down to the scent emanating from the factory where sugar cane is turned into what is sold at stores. “It smells like cotton candy all the time,” says Arabi resident Alison Barrios, the broker/owner of Barrios Real Estate Group. “Like someone is cooking caramel constantly.”
Where colorful history meets brand-new construction
While Arabi’s past is colorful in a figurative sense, many of its historic houses are colorful in a literal way. It’s not unusual to find ranches or two-story custom homes with bright pastel exteriors. And while Arabi is rooted in history – the part of town closest to the Mississippi River is known as Old Arabi – there's also plenty of recent construction as many parts of town rebuilt after the devastating storm surge of Hurricane Katrina brought up to 20 feet of floodwater from the canals north of town. Homes range from $189,000-$749,000 with a median price of $317,000. Many homes listed over $300,000 have been built since 2020 and are located both in Old Arabi and the younger area of town north of Judge Perez Drive.
Newly constructed craftsman-style homes are becoming common in Arabi.
Arabi is home to many vibrantly colored houses.
1/2
A small town with big-city tastes
Good eating, good times and a flair for the creative don’t stop when you cross into St. Bernard Parish from New Orleans. The St. Claude Arts campus features 12 artist studios, a park, and the Zeitgeist Theatre. Many buildings on this stretch of St. Claude Ave. Are decorated with murals from local artists. Arabi Food Store has cooked up Louisiana favorites for breakfast, lunch or an early dinner since 1973. For a different set of flavors, Stella Maris Restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine as well as its wildly popular Lebanese Tea to go along with a small grocery. These days, many Arabi residents do their grocery shopping at Canseco’s Arabi Market. Popular nightspots include Pirogue’s Whiskey Bayou and OAB on the River, both of which feature live music. Kitchen Table Cafe is a fine dining establishment that also has live music on its patio.
Arabi Food Store has been serving fresh meals in Arabi since 1973.
Fresh hot donuts are available at Gerald's Donuts, a 24-hour diner.
1/2
Sugar Fest gives Arabi a flavorful event
The event most unique to Arabi is Old Arabi Sugar Fest, held each October at the Ayock Barn community center. This sticky, sweet festival is marked by such events as a donut-eating contest and a dessert bake-off that requires all recipes to use sugar. The Old Arabi Neighborhood Association also hosts a “Sippin’ in the Sunset” fundraiser every few months featuring local vendors and restaurants as well as beer and wine. “It’s a very small-town feel just a couple of blocks outside of the city,” Barrios says.
Community events such as Sugar Fest are held at Ayock Barn.
The Domino Sugar Refinery offers employment to the residents of Arabi, and sponsors Sugar Fest.
1/2
St. Bernard Parish school system
Arabi Elementary is the only school in Arabi. The St. Bernard Parish public school earns a B-rating from Niche. Older students head to neighboring Chalmette to continue their education at Andrew Jackson Middle School, which also has a B-grade. High schoolers attend Chalmette High, which was completely rebuilt following Katrina. Chalmette High has a B-plus rating on Niche.
An unlikely planetarium
The campus that opened as Maumus High School in 1929 before later becoming an elementary school has been rebuilt and reimagined as a community center and planetarium open to the public. Arabi’s Pearl Harbor Memorial Park holds a ceremony every Dec. 7 dedicated to those killed in the attack that brought the United States into World War II. There are also a pair of small community parks with youth sports fields. In nearby Chalmette, the Chalmette Battlefield and National Cemetery commemorate the site of the Battle of New Orleans in 1815.
New Orleans is just minutes away
Residents can take the NORTA No. 84 bus along St. Claude Avenue into the Lower Ninth Ward and the city. The No. 86 route runs along Judge Perez Drive into Chalmette, making its final stop at Nunez Community College. St. Claude Ave. and Judge Perez Dr., which becomes Claiborne Ave. in Orleans Parish, both have drawbridges for residents traveling towards downtown New Orleans through the Lower Ninth Ward. “It's very affordable compared to Orleans Parish, but still less than 10 minutes from downtown or the French Quarter,” Barrios said. “It's quite easy to get pretty much anywhere.”
Photography Contributed By
Andrew Nelson
Video By
Victoria Sharpe
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Michelle LaBanca,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Arabi, LA sell after 117 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Arabi, LA over the last 12 months is $285,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Move-In Ready Beauty in Arabi, LA! This fantastic 3-bedroom, 2-bath home is the total package--modern, spacious, and ready for you to move right in! Step inside to an open-concept layout featuring a bright, oversized living area and a stylish kitchen with a large island--great for entertaining or casual family meals. The generous primary suite is your personal retreat, complete with a relaxing
Welcome to Carolyn Court! This stunner is in one of Arabi's most established neighborhoods. Just a short walk to Carolyn Park and a quick bike ride to the brand-new St. Bernard Parish Bike Path- and only 15 minutes from downtown NOLA. Situated on an oversized 107 x 125 lot, this home was designed for everyday living and entertaining. Inside, you'll find an open-concept layout with tons of natural
Way better than new! This gorgeous 4 year old home offers elegant finishes in molding, tray ceilings and finishes throughout. The dual pane energy efficient windows offer natural lighting throughout the home, highlighting the spacious oversized open floor-plan. The living room offers a very sleek wet bar, perfect for your home bar and/or coffee bar. The kitchen is modern and bright and offers
Stunning Renovated Old Arabi Tri-plex investment property! Perfect property to add to your investment portfolio or owner occupy in the desired Old Arabi Community! All units have light wood colored floors throughout & white paint, that brightens the spaces. Unit A has a gourmet kitchen with white cabinets and counters, and the luxurious bathroom has a claw foot soaking tub, with mosaic flooring,
Oversized vacant lot in the HEIGHTS in ARABI, LA ready to build your next home or investment property! Lot size approx. 7,115. Lots of New construction in this area!
Charming 4 bedroom, 2 bath home nestled in the heart of Old Arabi! Located in this quiet and quaint historic community, this home offers the perfect blend of space and comfort great for entertaining with a large backyard or just to enjoy all the charm the area has to offer. Major update included a new roof installed in 2023, providing peace of mind for years to come. Large detached garage. Enjoy
CHARMING TWO-STORY IN THE HEIGHTS! CORPORATE RENTAL FULLY FURNISHED! Don't wait to take a look at this gorgeous 4-bedroom, 3.5 bath beauty located in booming Arabi! With a master suite located far away from the heart of the house and its own private porch, separate shower, and soaking tub, this oasis is one of the most unique builds you will ever see. Downstairs, you will find an open concept
Charming Craftsman-Style Home on an Oversized Lot located in Arabi! Built in 2012, This inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bath Craftsman-style home blends character, functionality, and space both inside and out. Featuring a welcoming front porch with classic architectural details, this home offers warm curb appeal and a layout designed for everyday living. Inside, you'll find a flexible floor plan that
2 Bed, 1 Bath ready to lease on Judge Perez in Arabi. Short drive to the French Quarter, Downtown New Orleans, and the CBD. Includes range/oven, fridge, and washer/dryer. Available to lease immediately!
Spacious 2 bed 1 bath unit for lease in Old Arabi. Large kitchen opens to the nicely sized living areas. Lease amount includes all tenant utilities and lawn care.
CHARMING TWO-STORY IN THE HEIGHTS! CORPORATE RENTAL FULLY FURNISHED! Don't wait to take a look at this gorgeous 4-bedroom, 3.5 bath beauty located in booming Arabi! With a master suite located far away from the heart of the house and its own private porch, separate shower, and soaking tub, this oasis is one of the most unique builds you will ever see. Downstairs, you will find an open concept
Charming 2019-built cottage with a great layout, and a fully fenced yard with off-street parking. Inside, you'll find 9-foot ceilings throughout, stone countertops, a walk-in pantry, dedicated bar/beverage area, and double vanities in both bathrooms. Spacious back yard complete with a producing citrus tree and fresh herbs. Just minutes from Bywater and The French Quarter, and easy access to St.
Great Renovated Property, Everything new in 2025. (UTILITIES ~ ELECTRIC & WATER ARE INCLUDED) Kitchen features Beautiful Wooden Cabinets, Stainless Frigidaire Appliances, Double Sink, Granite Counters & an Awesome Backsplash. Front Entryway has room for a table by the door. The Primary Bedroom has a 7.5 x 4.6 entry with a shelved closet & the bedroom itself is 18 x 9.5 with a huge closet. Nice
Charming 3-Bedroom Cottage in Old Arabi - Great Location! Don't miss this updated 3-bedroom, 1-bath cottage in the heart of Old Arabi, just minutes from the French Quarter and downtown New Orleans! This home offers modern updates, featuring fresh paint, new flooring, and an updated kitchen and bath. Enjoy an inviting living space, a fully equipped kitchen and all appliances included. Water and
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
