West Bank commuter suburb surrounded by wetlands offers competitive home prices
Fully surrounded by canals, the West Bank community of Woodmere maintains unspoiled wetlands and relatively affordable homes for its many commuters. As the rest of the region adapts for future needs, Woodmere is doing the same to its parks and infrastructure, albeit gradually, which some locals prefer the pace of compared to the rapid changes happening across the river in New Orleans. "It's a working-class neighborhood where you get a lot of house for your money. If you want to say you're a 'true New Orleanian,' you're not moving to Woodmere, you're moving to a raised, drafty 600 square foot house that was built 100 years ago," says Realtor Kent Larrimer of Re/Max Select. "Woodmere is a great value where you can get a big house for a fairly small price. There's opportunity for owners and there's opportunities for investors."
Woodmere rest just minutes from downtown New Orleans.
Woodmere is a small community on the West Bank of Jefferson Parish.
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Larger homes for less than New Orleans
Woodmere began concurrently with the region's 1970s and 80s oil boom, housing workers for nearby plants and shipping points. By the mid-80s, the industry was in decline, but the slab foundation ranch-style homes, cottages and shotgun houses the industry spawned remain standing. There hasn't been much new construction since then, but prices for established homes have also remained steady. The community sees a median single-family home price of $225,000, considerably less than the median in New Orleans of $340,000. Not to mention homes are much more spacious than those typically found in New Orleans city limits.
Traditional single-family homes can be found throughout Woodmere.
Ranch style homes are common in Woodmere.
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Community parks and easy access to Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Woodmere is among the southernmost heavily developed areas of Jefferson Parish. Long, quiet roads shoot southward from Woodmere out to mangrove swamps surrounding the community and nearby Lake Salvador, providing easy access to vast protected areas like the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve and expansive recreational parks, like the disc golf course at Park Des Familles. Two community parks offer an assortment of recreational amenities in the community. Woodmere Playground is the larger of the two, home to an indoor exercise room, baseball diamonds and a playground, plus additional amenities planned for the near future. "We're about to complete the 'airnasium,' which will have six basketball goals, a full-size high school court and a volleyball court underneath a covered pavilion," says Gerry Constance, Capital Projects Administrator for Jefferson Parish Parks and Recreation. "Woodmere Park we actually call the 'Woodmere walking trail,' because it has an asphalt walking path with exercise equipment."
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve is a hidden gem in the New Orleans area.
Parc Des Familles offers many activities for visitors.
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Providing temporary relief for St. Ville Elementary students
Students in Woodmere are zoned for Jefferson Parish Public Schools, rated B by Niche. The district maintains more than 100 schools across Jefferson Parish's 665 square miles, accommodating a student population of over 50,000. New schools keep popping up, and Woodmere is helping with that. Currently, students from St. Ville Elementary attend Woodmere Elementary as construction for a new St. Ville Elementary continues. Some parents of K-8 students avail themselves of public schools, choosing to send their children to nearby charter schools instead, like the Laureate Academy, which is rated B-minus.
Woodmere Elementary has an overall Niche grade of C.
Laureate Academy has an overall Niche grade of B-.
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Church groups, civic organizations and rec sports keep neighbors together
Woodmere maintains an active community of residents through its civic association and a half-dozen churches. Residents also find ways to keep up with one another through their local parks. Woodmere Playground hosts a number of youth and adult rec sports games, including baseball, soccer, and track and field. The park also hosts an annual summer camp for kids interested in STEM. "Woodmere's got an elementary school, it's got a park, it's got a playground, it's got a civic association, and those are all pluses," Larrimer says.
The Woodmere Park Community Center host the Woodmere Civic Association.
St John Bosco Catholic Church is one of many churches in the Woodmere area.
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Local shopping centers and nearby commercial corridors
Woodmere Square is the closest option for basic commercial needs, such as groceries, quick bites from fast food chains and laundromat services. Additional shopping centers with grocery stores, like Lapalco Village, are a bit further west on Lapalco Boulevard, which is one of the region's busiest corridors for car dealerships.
Woodmere Square is the closest option for basic commercial needs in Woodmere.
Additional shopping centers, like Lapalco Village, are located near Woodmere.
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Limited routes create long commutes to downtown New Orleans
Residents can catch Jefferson Transit buses at the northeastern corner of Woodmere. Most residents rely on a personal vehicle to get around. Woodmere is only 6 miles away as the crow flies from downtown New Orleans. But the West Bank's many segmenting canals and the Mississippi River's limited number of bridges funnel thousands of commuters into one of only a few routes. Even in light traffic, it can take almost 45 minutes to commute from Woodmere to downtown, which is not an uncommon commute, as the core of New Orleans is a major magnet for jobs in tourism and healthcare. "We've got hotel workers, restaurant workers, cab drivers, medical workers – We've got all the things that service the public, but we don't have big industry," Larrimer says.
Rising insurance costs despite major flood control improvements
Since Hurricane Katrina, home insurance costs in Jefferson Parish have increased. After the storm, the Army Corps of Engineers invested billions into repairing and reinforcing the region's pumps, canals and levees. These days, rain still creates puddles in the streets of Woodmere, but few, if any, homes are located within a special hazard flood zone anymore. Yet, there are still hurdles to consider. "It's not the flood insurance that's getting people today. It's the homeowners insurance," Larrimer says.
Specific crime data for Woodmere is not accessible. But part of Jefferson Parish's appeal is its generally lower crime rates than Orleans Parish. Violent crime rates in Jefferson Parish marginally exceed national figures but are still lower than state figures, whereas violent crime rates in Orleans Parish exceed both state and national figures. Property crime rates are fairly proportionate with state and national figures, although some forms of property crime have increased since 2020.
Written By
Tom Jakob
Photography Contributed By
Andrew Williams
Video By
Brad Davis
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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On average, homes in Woodmere, LA sell after 75 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Woodmere, LA over the last 12 months is $210,000, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Freshly painted and move-in ready, this beautiful 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers the perfect mix of comfort and space. Inside, you’ll find a spacious living room for relaxing or entertaining, and a solid kitchen with plenty of room for cooking and gathering. The primary suite provides a walk-in closet. Outside, enjoy a large driveway with room for multiple vehicles and a huge shed for tools,
Immaculately Turn Key Home Renovated Down To The Studs. Home boasts open floor plan great for entertaining, Four (4) Bedrooms and two (2) Bathrooms. The home includes brand new kitchen cabinetry, Quartz countertops, brand new LG stainless steel appliances including a Refrigerator, Range, Dishwasher, and Microwave. Major Upgrades include electrical, plumbing, energy-efficient windows, water
This beautiful 4-bedroom, 2.5 bath home in Woodmere is truly move-in ready. Completely updated from top to bottom, this spacious split-level offers approximately 2,300 sq ft of living space with fresh, modern finishes throughout. Enjoy durable laminate wood flooring, a bright and open layout, updated lighting, and neutral tones that complement any style. The stunning kitchen features crisp
CALLING ALL BUILDERS! This lot located in the highly desirable Woodmere subdivision offers endless possibilities for developers. With its great location, and ample space for creative development, this lot is a rare gem for builders and investors alike. Don’t miss out on this exceptional investment! Drive by to view.
New to the MARKET! Build your dream home in the heart of Harvey on these ( 3 ) 40x133 lots. Prior to fire, This property had a two story 2600 square foot single family home with 4 bedrooms and 3.0 bathrooms. Debris is being cleared from land. Seller is motivated bring all offers. Sold As Is WOR.
vacant lot with 1. Survey builders package 2. House plan (blueprint) 3. Building permitall paid and ready to start build blueprint has a house approximately 1800 sq ft or you can have your own plan
Situated on a Beautifully Landscaped Large Corner Lot, this well maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence features a double car garage and showcases a formal living/dining room combination, a spacious primary suite with lots of closet space, and is conveniently located in an X flood zone for added peace of mind. The home features beautiful hardwood floors in the foyer and den, as well as unique
This is a very large home, with 1986 sqft living area, plus 2 car attached garage (18'.4"x20'). The moment you walk in, there is a large den & formal dining combo, then it leads to a nice-sized kitchen with a very large family room. The primary bedroom is separated from the other 2 bedrooms. Inside the laundry room (not in the garage). NO CARPET. The house has new flooring, new cabinets and new
Investment opportunity for investors or buyers can move in now and upgrade later in the Woodmere Subdivision. This ranch styled bricked spacious property features a fireplace in the living room, spacious kitchen with a bay window, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, independent laundry room, two car garage, and fenced in back yard. An opportunity to update at your own pace with cosmetic updates or
Welcome to 3105 Primwood Drive, a beautifully maintained home in the heart of Harvey, LA! This move-in ready property features 4 spacious bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and an open-concept living and dining area for entertaining. The updated kitchen boasts granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and ample cabinetry for all your culinary needs. Enjoy outdoor gatherings in the large, fenced
Welcome home to this updated two-story 3 bedroom, 2 full baths rental located in the heart of Harvey. This unit offers exceptional space, practical updates, and privacy for anyone looking for comfort and convenience on the Westbank. Features You’ll Love:New flooring, paint and move-in ready Two-story layout with separation between living and sleeping spacesLarge living room with tile
Stylish and well-kept home featuring 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a light-filled living room, a separate den, and upgraded kitchen appliances. Enjoy plenty of space plus a 2-car garage for parking and storage. Clean, modern, and ready for move-in—this one checks all the boxes
Come see your future home in this quiet Woodmere subdivision. This is a lovely ranch style house featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The master has an en suite and a large closet. There is a nice size living room and a den as well. The roof is 2 years old. The patio is enclosed for privacy and entertaining but is not considered living space. You also have a 2 car garage with gray epoxy floor
Welcome to your dream home! The centerpiece of this residence is the exquisite kitchen, showcasing a stunning 9-foot quartz island—perfect for both cooking and entertaining. Enjoy modern amenities throughout, including stainless steel appliances and sleek stone countertops designed to elevate your culinary experience. With 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 beautifully appointed baths, this home offers
Spacious 2-Bedroom Townhome-Style Unit • Updated Interiors • Move-In Ready Welcome home to this generous two-story 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath rental located in the heart of Harvey. This unit offers exceptional space, practical updates, and privacy — perfect for anyone looking for comfort and convenience on the Westbank. Features You’ll Love: Two-story layout with separation
This property is available for lease at $2,500 unfurnished or $2,900 fully furnished. King size bed is not to be included with the furnished property. Very close to shopping and restaurants. Deck overlooks large fenced backyard. Many other great features in this property. Owner will allow short term lease. No vouchers accpted.
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