Directly across the Mississippi River from New Orleans proper, Gretna is a small West Bank city with a historic heart. Founded in 1836, the city grew after a dedicated ferry landing was built on its shores. Since then, Gretna has come to encompass almost 5 square miles, and its 130-acre historic downtown, Old Gretna, is on the National Register of Historic Places. “Gretna’s very historic with a lot of New Orleans architecture, and the city’s done a great job of keeping up commercial standards and historic properties. It’s almost like Mayberry over here,” says Realtor Courtney Kattengell with TCK Property Marketplace.
Gretna is a small West Bank city with a historic heart.
Gretna is a quiet community along the West Bank of the Mississippi River.
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Commutes across the Mississippi to New Orleans
While Gretna initially grew due to its New Orleans ferry connection, the city does not currently offer consistent ferry services. The nearest ferry terminal today is north of Gretna at Algiers Point. Most commuters in this car-dependent city get to New Orleans via the Crescent City Connection, which crosses the Mississippi to the heart of the Big Easy. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is 18 miles away for longer trips.
The Gretna Ferry stop is directly opposite City Hall in Gretna.
Many Gretna residents traverse the Crescent City Connection to the East Bank.
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Gretna's peaceful atmosphere and historic architecture
Gretna's roughly 17,000 residents often prefer its calmer atmosphere to the bustle of New Orleans. “It’s good for people who want to live away from the city,” says Edward Prange, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty New Orleans. “It’s a quiet area.” Gretna also offers lower housing prices. Its median price of $235,000 is lower than the New Orleans median of $330,000 and the national median of $406,100. Shotgun homes, bungalows and cottages with gingerbread-style ornamentation are concentrated downtown, while ranch-style houses and custom builds sit further from the river.
Shotgun homes are found throughout the Gretna area.
Bungalow home styles can be found throughout Gretna.
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Residents and visitors attend the annual Gretna Fest
Gretna Fest draws over 75,000 attendees to the city's historic district each fall. Visitors find food and drink, local crafts and well-known musicians, such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, the B-52s or Earth, Wind and Fire. Downtown has many attractions besides the festival, including the Gretna Cultural Center for the Arts and the German-American Cultural Center and Museum.
Downtown Gretna has many attractions including the Gretna Cultural Center for the Arts.
The German-American Cultural Center tells the stories of the village that became Gretna.
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Restaurants and shops in historic downtown Gretna
Gretna's historic district is not only the cultural epicenter of the city but also its commercial core. Restaurants and shops line Huey P Long Avenue, with popular spots including River Shack, which features a rooftop patio with views overlooking the Mississippi. In the median of Huey P Long Avenue, the Gretna Farmers Market sells fresh produce every Saturday. The Westside South Shopping Center sits off the Westbank Expressway, with a supermarket alongside other department stores.
Local Ponchatoula strawberries are a crowd favorite at the Gretna Farmer’s Market.
The Westside South Shopping Center has many retail options in Gretna.
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Jefferson Parish Schools and private options
The Jefferson Parish Schools system serves Gretna and has a B grade on Niche. Students can apply to the system’s Advanced Study Academies, including the Thomas Jefferson Academy for Advanced Studies, which receives an A-minus. The area offers many private school options, predominantly Catholic parochial schools. St. Cletus Catholic School receives an A-plus and serves kindergarten through seventh grade, while Catholic high schools include Archbishop Shaw and Academy of Our Lady, both rated B-plus. Colleges and universities in New Orleans include Tulane University, the University of New Orleans and Loyola University.
The Thomas Jefferson Academy for Advanced Studies serves the Gretna Community.
St. Cletus Catholic School provides an education rooted in Catholic faith and teachings.
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Mel Ott Park, named after a baseball legend
Baseball hall-of-famer Mel Ott hailed from Gretna, so the city named one of its main parks in honor the iconic player. Fittingly, the park features three baseball fields as well as a playground and an indoor recreation center. Meanwhile, Gretna City Park is larger and includes trails around a pair of ponds and a kayak launch point.
Gretna City Park is the largest park in Gretna.
Mel Ott Park celebrates its namesake patron.
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Crime rates and flood risk
According to FBI data, violent crime rates tend to be below the national figure, while property crime hovers around the national and state rates. While violent crime rates have stayed steady, property crime rates have slightly risen over the past five years.
Gretna’s climate includes hot, humid summers and mild winters. The city’s low elevation and location along the Gulf Coast makes it vulnerable to hurricanes, which can bring damaging winds and floods. While much of the city is protected by levees along the river, significant portions are within FEMA-designated flood zones. Flood insurance may be required.
Written By
Brendan Doyle
Photography Contributed By
Andrew Williams
Video By
Scott Wiggins
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ken Hamrick,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Gretna, LA sell after 72 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Gretna, LA over the last 12 months is $238,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience refined comfort and effortless outdoor living in this beautifully updated and meticulously maintained residence designed for both everyday living and elegant entertaining. From the moment you arrive, the home's thoughtfully curated landscaping and hurricane shutters across the front create both striking curb appeal and added peace of mind. Inside, the home showcases a warm, inviting
Adorable all brick home with 3 bedrooms, 1 bath located in Gretna featuring wood floors, living room, dining room, kitchen, 3 bedrooms and 1 bath and tons of natural light. Off street parking with carport, fenced yard, detached shed and much more. Make this cutie yours.
Welcome to a home brimming with Southern charm! Tucked away on a quiet street, this residence offers exceptional curb appeal, highlighted by a shady oak tree and a vibrant front door. Inside, you'll discover open dining and living spaces that provide true flexibility for personalization. Fresh paint and tile floors contribute to a cool, low-maintenance living environment. A versatile bonus room
Located in the heart of Old Gretna just a few blocks from the Mississippi River, this beautifully built 2024 home offers modern comfort with timeless charm. Featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, the open floorplan is designed for both everyday living and effortless entertaining. Soaring ceilings and abundant natural light create a bright, airy atmosphere throughout. The kitchen is a true centerpiece
Completely reimagined and move-in ready! This beautifully remodeled Gretna home was gutted to the studs in 2024 and rebuilt with today’s quality and style in mind. Featuring a brand-new HVAC system, new windows, all new electric wiring throughout the entire home, new electrical panel, new insulation and plumbing, plus a 4-year-old roof, this property offers peace of mind for years to come. Enjoy
This classic 2-story traditional, 4-bed 2.5-bath single-family home offers timeless charm, modern convenience, and an unbeatable location. With an attached 2-car garage and thoughtfully designed spaces, this home is perfect for making lifelong memories. Formal living and dining rooms provide the perfect setting for entertaining and family gatherings. A spacious kitchen opens to a large den/family
Timeless lines, thoughtful flow, and a touch of modern magic--welcome to 141 Meadowbrook Drive, a striking mid-century contemporary nestled in the heart of Timberlane Estates. This all-brick beauty honors the era's signature simplicity and indoor-outdoor harmony, offering 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and nearly 2,750 square feet of living space designed for connection and ease. Clean geometry and
Charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home located in the heart of Gretna, LA. This well-maintained property offers a comfortable layout with spacious bedrooms, a functional kitchen, and inviting living areas for everyday living and entertaining. Enjoy the convenience of a great location schools, shopping, dining, and easy access to major routes. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to downsize,
Discover a rare opportunity in historic Gretna: a property that combines a single-family home, a spacious two-bedroom apartment, and a versatile commercial space--all in one location. Main Home: The residence features an oversized living/family room great for entertaining, along with an open kitchen and dining area great for gatherings. Two bedrooms and a hall bathroom are located on one side of
Experience refined comfort and effortless outdoor living in this beautifully updated and meticulously maintained residence designed for both everyday living and elegant entertaining. From the moment you arrive, the home's thoughtfully curated landscaping and hurricane shutters across the front create both striking curb appeal and added peace of mind. Inside, the home showcases a warm, inviting
DOUBLE IN HARVEY LA OF JEFFERSON PARISH! INTRODUCING THIS DOUBLE RESIDENCE, OFFERING A BLEND OF MODERN LIVING AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES. EACH SIDE HAS SPACIOUS LIVING WITH 3 BEDROOMS/2 BATHROOMS ON ONE SIDE AND 2 BEDROOMS/2 BATHROOOMS ON THE OTHER. PRIVACY IS KEY WITH EACH MASTER BEDROOM FEATURING ITS OWN ENSUITE BATH AND WALK IN CLOSET. THE OPEN CONCEPT LIVING AND DINING AREA HAS VINYL
The house is vacant and ready to move in. No carpet only tile throughout the house with floor-length curtains covering the windows, a chandelier in the combined living room and family room, and decorative light fixtures in bedrooms. Kitchen is big to carve out a breakfast nook for daily family get-togethers. A fridge is provided. All rooms are colorfully and artfully painted and drawn with
Move in ready 1bed/1bath efficiency with monthly rate of $950 ($875 rent + $75 trash and water). Unit D is equipped with w/d hookup within a 6-unit-building is available for immediate occupancy. Ceiling fans in all rooms with wall mounted air and heat system in the bedroom and window unit in kitchen combined family with remote control. Tenant is responsible for power and gas. Application fee is
Welcome to this beautiful and fully updated 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home. Designed with convenience and comfort in mind. Newly updated kitchen, flooring, appliances, and fresh paint throughout. Washer, Dryer, & Refrigerator INCLUDED. Off-street parking for added convenience. Located in a well-established neighborhood, this home is around: shopping, restaurants, local cafes, hospitals, and the
Here, at Oak Alley Apartments, we offer high quality, affordable living. We are the only community on the West Bank where **ALL UTILITIES ARE INCLUDED** in the rental rate. NO UTILITY DEPOSIT IS REQUIRED. Our community is designed to make every convenience accessible to you. We offer spacious one, two, and three bedroom flats. Our gated community features an onsite courtesy officer, on-site
Welcome home to Whitney Manor Apartments. You will find comfort and convenience when renting one of our beautiful apartment homes here. We now offer newly remodeled one, two, and three-bedroom flat and townhome options. Whitney Manor offers all of todays modern essentials and convenience to local amenities and public transportation. We cant wait to show you your new home. Contact us and schedule
Shotgun style, 2 bed/1 bath, high ceilings, fenced backyard, SS stove, SS range/hood SS fridge,all brand new flooring throughout, all new paint, and brand new tile flooring in bathroom. New kitchen & bathroom faucet. Shed in back for storage use for tenant. Agent/owner
Welcome home to The Boulevard Apartment Homes. Here, you will find comfort and convenience when renting one of our beautiful apartment homes. We now offer newly remodeled one-, two- and three-bedroom options. Enjoy our Dog Park and BBQ Picnic area provided on the property. Located in the City of Gretna our community is conveniently located across from Gretna Elementary and Gretna Middle School.
Bright and spacious end unit 2nd floor home. New central heat and air. In-unit washer and dryer, off street parking, stainless steel fridge, sewer and water covered by owner.
Welcome to Stonebridge ManorStonebridge Manor, one of Grenta's most prestigious apartment communities was designed with you in mind. You'll enjoy our convenient westbank location near shopping, medical facilities and bus routes. With major freeways, fantastic restaurants, numerous shopping and popular entertainment just around he corner, enhancing our lifestyle is a breeze. Living in Gretna, LA
Situated in the heart of the historic community of Gretna, you will find a wonderful resident experience at Baywood Apartment Homes. This well-appointed apartment community reflects a tradition of quality living and creates an atmosphere of peace and tranquility enhanced by lush landscaping and elegant courtyards. Baywood Apartment Homes offers energy efficient heating, air conditioning,
* Pricing and availability subject to change without notice. Shadowlake Villa Apartments is conveniently located to shopping, dining and the central business district. Shadowlake Villa Apartments offers its residents spacious one and two bedrooms with fully equipped kitchens, intrusion alarms, washer/dryers and roman tubs to name but a few of the amenities waiting for you. An electronic gated
Developed in 1959, Timberlane became part of the New Orleans neighbor Gretna in 2009. The inviting West Bank community is surrounded by 100-year-old oak trees and has more than 500 homes on 150 acres. Timberlane is a planned community built with its golf course in mind, and new homes are still being built around the links.<br><br>In addition to having a golf course built in the late 1950s, Timberlane offers a city lifestyle in a tranquil setting. The area surrounding the course is a gated community with a homeowner’s association called the Timberlane Estates Improvement Association. It is also part of the Timberlane Neighborhood Improvement and Beautification District. Outside the gated community, larger, renovated homes are becoming more popular, and plenty of lots are available for construction. You’ll mostly find ranchers here, but you may stumble upon Federal-styled houses with side-gabled roofs or a Greek Revival with a full-façade porch.<br><br>Schools aren't too far from the neighborhood with Paul J. Solis Elementary and George Cox Elementary being part of the Jefferson Parish Schools system.<br><br>Given Louisiana’s unpredictable weather, residents head to Oakdale Playground when it’s sunny outdoors. The park has a half-mile walking trail, a tot lot, tennis courts and picnic tables. There are also baseball and football fields, batting cages, fitness classes and rentable meeting rooms. Not too far away is the Bellemeade Walking Trail, a short accessible trail for everyone except pets. If you’re looking for a longer course, head to the Harvard Walking Trail. You can hit a mile if you go around the trail five times. The view is fantastic as it sits next to community-operated gardens.<br><br>If you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Reginelli’s Pizzeria. This local chain was established in 1996 and has grown to half a dozen locations. Then there’s Rizzuto’s Ristorante and Chop House. This upscale spot, established in 2017, began life as a pizza parlor but evolved into a 60-seat white-tablecloth eatery. The restaurant specializes in southern Italian food. Everything from the red sauce to the bread is made in-house.<br><br>For a more casual night out, Vinnie’s Sports Bar and Grill began in the early 1990s and has since become a West Bank landmark. With a wide selection of beer and food, it’s easy to kick back and enjoy the live music here. There are also pool tables, video poker, darts and trivia nights.<br><br>Café Hope is a nonprofit culinary arts and life-skills program for ages 17 to 24. The Red, White and Blue Thrift Store has an evolving inventory of clothing, furniture, décor, kitchenware, small appliances, electronics and more.<br><br>Timberlane Golf and Recreation, established in 1959, became the first private country club on the West Bank. The course was designed by famed architect Robert Trent Jones and was originally only nine holes. It was expanded to the customary 18 and now includes four tee areas — and 17 water hazards. The club also features sand volleyball, tennis and an Olympic-sized swimming pool.<br><br>The club hosts many events. The not-so-haunted hayride is a favorite fall pastime. There’s also the Gretna Green Knickers Golf Tournament and Clubhouse Affair, where everyone is encouraged to dress in decade-appropriate attire for that year’s theme.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Gretna Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
17,844
Median Age
41
Population under 18
22.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$44,280
Significantly below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$62,557
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
77.8%
Below the national average
89%
College Graduates
23.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.4%
% Population in Labor Force
61.2%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
67''
Average Winter Low Temperature
46°F
Average Summer High Temperature
93°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Fairly friendly
Bike Score®®
50/ 100
Moderately friendly
Walk Score®®
60/ 100
Somewhat friendly
Transit Score®®
20/ 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic
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.
