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
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an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Gretna, LA sell after 71 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Gretna, LA over the last 12 months is $235,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Quiet and remote area on the Westbank with awesome updates. This renovated 3/2 ba home has a large open living area, kitchen and dining. X flood zone, newer paint, large primary bedroom, an oversized rear yard, 20’x18’ covered screen patio, granite countertop, stainless steel appliances, no carpet and much more to list. Qualifies for 100% financing! Bring me an offer. Sellers are motivated.
Beautiful brick home offering comfort, style, and functionality in a highly desirable area. This well-maintained property features a spacious primary bedroom designed for relaxation and everyday comfort. Features includes a built-in entertainment TV stand, adding both convenience and a modern touch to the living space. Step outside to an exceptional outdoor kitchen for entertaining family and
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained 2 bedroom, 2 bath condominium offering comfort, convenience and easy living. Located on the second floor, this inviting residence features an open living area with vaulted ceilings that flows onto a private balcony with direct balcony access from both the living room and the spacious primary suite. The well-appointed kitchen includes new appliances and
Welcome to 1320 Lake Louise Dr, an impressive single-family home offering 2,900 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. This home features 4 spacious bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and a total of 9 rooms, perfect for comfortable living and entertaining. Its southern exposure fills the interior with natural light, complementing the blend of carpet and tile flooring throughout. The heart of
SELLER MAY BE WILLING TO HELP BUY DOWN BUYERS INTEREST RATE TO QUALIFIED BUYER. ADORABLE RENOVATED HOUSE ON A DOUBLE LOT THAT HAS BEEN VERY WELL MAINTAINED. ROOF IS 2 YEARS OLD!! X FLOOD ZONE! LARGE BACKYARD WITH PLENTY OF ROOM TO PUT IN A POOL OR GARAGE. PLENTY OF PARKING IN THE FRONT DRIVEWAY WITH REAR YARD ACCESS AND REAR PARKING. SOLID WOOD DOORS, SOLID WOOD CABINETS, CEILING FANS, 1/2" THICK
Last residential Lot left on Colony Road. Lot overlooks Timberlane Golf Course golf course in prestigious Timberlane Estates Subdivision. Gorgerous lot amongst million dollar homes, quiet, secure limited access community, perfect location to build dream home. ALL MEASUREMENTS ARE APPROX, PURCHASER TO VERIFY ZONING/BUILDING RESTRICTIONS AND NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION GUIDELINE.
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
Charming 1 bed, 1 bath condo located at 2425 Oxford Place! Offering 780 sq ft of living space, this unit features a functional layout, outdoor patio area, and access to a community pool--very great for relaxing or entertaining. Ideal for low-maintenance living or investment opportunity.
Welcome to this beautifully updated Terrytown home where quality craftsmanship, modern finishes, and exceptional outdoor living come together. From the moment you arrive, you'll appreciate the attention to detail and pride of ownership found throughout. The inviting interior features elegant ceramic tile flooring in the main living areas, smooth ceilings throughout, and stylish granite accents
2024 NEW CONSTRUCTION offering modern finishes, functional design, and great curb appeal! This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home features approximately 1,459 sq ft living with an open-concept layout, tall ceilings, recessed lighting, wood-look flooring throughout, and a bright living/dining area that flows seamlessly into the kitchen. The kitchen includes white shaker cabinetry, stainless steel
MOTIVATED SELLER WANTS TO SELL THIS DOUBLE RESIDENCE IN HARVEY LA, 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 FLOORING
Now available for rent! This well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers comfort, convenience, and a desirable location. Freshly painted throughout, the home features a bright and inviting interior ready for immediate occupancy. Situated on a spacious corner lot, you'll enjoy a large fenced backyard, for outdoor activities, entertaining, or simply relaxing. Conveniently located by shopping,
Welcome to Windsor at Manhattan, a premier apartment community located in the heart of Harvey, LA. Our gated community offers a range of amenities designed to enhance your living experience. Each apartment features central heat and air, new stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and birch cabinets. A pantry provides additional storage space for your culinary needs. Outside your
Prime commercial opportunity in a C-1 zoned location! This spacious 2,350 sq ft property features 2.5 bathrooms and a private office, offering flexibility for a variety of business uses. Owner is willing to complete preselected improvements prior to leasing which includes a single glass front door, and tenant can choose interior paint color. Conveniently located right off the Westbank Expressway
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
Ready to move in on the first floor within a 4-plex in an established neighborhood. This unit is on the left of the building to the very end; it's the last unit of the 2 units on this side of the building. Sunny and good sized rooms with storage spaces, dining area and living room combined. Fridge is provided. Tenant application fee is $28.85 per applicant. All are welcomed.
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.
Choose from our studio, 1 & 2 bedroom apartments in Gretna, Louisiana, and have it all. From a spacious layout, light-filled rooms, and convenient features and amenities, simply everything you need is right here at Stonebridge Manor Apartments. Our prime location in Gretna puts you in proximity to the best of everything in the area. With a near-perfect neighborhood like this, you’ll be mere
* Pricing and availability subject to change without notice. Calypso Bay will turn daily living into a year-round Caribbean vacation. While just 10 minutes from the vibrant Central Business District of New Orleans, Calypso Bay offers a lifestyle that can only be found hundreds of miles away on the beaches and in the serenity of the Caribbean.Calypso Bay provides an oasis of amenities all leading
Welcome Home to Baywood!Choose from our 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments in Gretna, Louisiana, and have it all. From a spacious layout, light-filled rooms, and convenient features and amenities, simply everything you need is right here at Baywood Apartments. Our prime location in Gretna puts you in proximity to the best of everything in the area. With a near-perfect neighborhood like this,
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 today's modern essentials and convenience to local amenities and public transportation. We can't wait to show you your new home. Contact us and
* 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
Situated in the heart of the historic community of Gretna, you will find a wonderful resident experience at Cedarwood 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, open spaces and elegant courtyards. Cedarwood Apartment Homes offers energy efficient heating, air
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
Rental Home Trends
Number of Homes for Rent
74
Median Rent
$1,700
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,800
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$2,200
Median Townhouse Rent
$1,595
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$1,548
Median Condo Rent
$1,350
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$1,500
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
$79,597
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 bikeable
Bikeability®
40/ 100
Moderately walkable
Walkability®
60/ 100
Limited public transit
Transit®
30/ 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.
