Gramercy is a small residential community near major employers
Gramercy is the home of sugar and chips in the far-eastern reaches of the Louisiana River Parishes. It's the headquarters of Zapp's, known widely for their Voodoo chips, and the former Colonial Sugar Refinery, known today as Louisiana Sugar Refining, LLC. Between the community's two industries is a relatively slow-paced residential community that benefits from proximity to employers and major highways. Its housing stock is a bit older, generally offering lower values than other communities in St. James Parish. "There are a lot of nice homes with a lot of potential in a great area," says local Realtor Christian Matherne of Pennant Real Estate. He's sold homes across the region for seven years and was born and raised in Gramercy. "It's a little bit more developed and affordable than areas like Paulina." Major employers like Marathon are a few miles away.
Established homes that may need a few repairs
Acadian-influenced architecture is common in Gramercy, a legacy of French settlement. These houses are defined by their steep roofing, brick frameworks and columns. Additionally, the community has many 20th-century ranch-style homes and a few historic Creole cottages. Several manufactured homes pepper Gramercy's northern and southern ends. Most properties measure around a quarter-acre, but they're a bit smaller south of East Main Street, where the houses tend to be close-quartered. Streets are fairly narrow, and many are lined with sidewalks. Houses generally sell from around $60,000, which may require repairs, to about $365,000. "You are going to find some older, affordable homes," Matherne says. "Often with that affordability comes a need for some repairs."
Highly regarded sports at Lutcher High School
St. James Parish Public Schools serves over 3,400 students scores an overall B-plus on Niche. Pre-kindergarten through third-grade students attend Paulina Elementary School, while fourth through sixth graders attend Gramercy Elementary. Both elementary schools score a B on Niche. Lutcher High School features a robust athletics program, offering cross country, golf and powerlifting. Niche ranks the school among the top 35 best high schools for athletes in Louisiana, and several students have gone on to play in the NFL and MLB. Niche gives the high school a B-plus.
A few local businesses and places to shop
Gramercy's quaint town center supports a few small businesses along East Main Street. Local watering hole Main Street Tavern is a popular late-night spot with a full bar, occasional DJs, dart boards and pool tables. A convenience market at the corner of East Main Street and North Ezidore Avenue offers hot meals, drinks and essentials, and Dollar General has groceries and various household goods. Additional stores and restaurants line Highway 3125 on Gramercy's north end. Winn-Dixie is the nearest chain grocery store. Folks often take the short trip to Nobile's Restaurant and Bar in Lutcher for dinner and drinks. A chalkboard outside the restaurant lists daily specials, but visitors usually enjoy fried seafood and pork chops. Nobile's butter beans and shrimp is a staple dish.
Holiday bonfires and days at Gramercy Park
St. James Parish operates and maintains Gramercy Park, the community's primary outdoor space. The park features baseball diamonds, a football field, tennis courts and basketball courts, all within walking distance of a few dozen homes. There's also a fitness station, paved walking path and playground for the kids. Gramercy is also home to the St. James Parish Recreation Center, which offers a weight room and a cardiovascular room accessible with membership. Members can also enjoy yoga and aerobic classes. Under a mile west, Lutcher Park has additional sports facilities and a large pavilion with several picnic tables. Lutcher Park is also home to most festivities of the annual Festival of the Bonfires, a massive celebration in December with live music, food, car shows, pageants and fireworks. The bonfire tradition is celebrated the loudest on Christmas Eve along the levees of the Mississippi River.
Navigating St. James Parish
Gramercy is mostly car-dependent, but the River Parishes Transit Authority (RPTA) operates small buses that accommodate around 10 people. These buses shuttle across the River Parishes and must be booked in advance. Louisiana Highway 44 runs along Gramercy's southern edge, parallel to the Mississippi River, and Highway 3213 connects locals with Interstate 10 a few miles north. St. James Parish Hospital is about a mile east in Lutcher, serving as the community's primary medical facility. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, accessible via I-10, is around 30 miles away. Downtown New Orleans is about 14 miles east of the airport.
Important to know
While much of the greater area is low-lying and susceptible to flooding during severe storms, Gramercy has a relatively low to moderate risk of flooding. It's not a Special Flood Hazard Area, but homebuyers may still want to consider purchasing flood insurance.
Written By
Brennen Martin
