Westbank

Just across the Mississippi River from New Orleans, the West Bank is an expansive area named for a pair of navigational quirks. For one, everything on its side of the Mississippi Valley was called "west," regardless of the cardinal direction it faced. The second was the area's position as a gateway to the American West. In the 1800s, to get to Texas and points beyond, thousands crossed the Mississippi and hopped a train toward present-day El Paso. The Westbank neighborhood of the larger West Bank area is very much a part of this history, as is the nearby town of Westwego. Today’s Westbank is largely made up of rural areas with working-class roots, where houses can pass from one generation to the next.

"The West Bank has so much to offer, and it's lovely and convenient. For me it has that small town feel with the opportunities that anyone could want from a bigger metropolis. Watching the sun rise and set on the city that we love is a favorite pastime of ours," says Realtor Heather Mattox with Snap Realty NOLA. "It feels like everything is convenient and just minutes away: school, grocery stores, retail and restaurants. Many houses come with quite a bit of green space and parking! Communities are close knit and gather to celebrate and help each other out when needed."

The homes you encounter driving from Avondale to Bayou Segnette are a lovely collection of traditional designs punctuated by the occasional custom-built residence. There are lots of ranch-style dwellings made of dark or bright red brick alongside Acadian houses with their characteristic large porches and low-sloping roofs. Cottages can be raised or not, and split-level homes peek out from between wooded roads. Considered more affordable than Orleans Parish, you’ll pay around $100,000 for a home needing some TLC to $250,000 for a home closer to the riverfront.

Students in Westbank have their choice of several schools when the time comes. Stella Worley Middle, for instance, has been named one of the top 100 most diverse public schools in Louisiana by Niche. It’s on a mission to inspire students through tutoring, enrichment and intervention programs. In addition, it has a full marching band and sports such as soccer, football and volleyball. L.W. Higgins High School opened in 1969 as an all-girls facility that became co-ed in 1982. It also has a band alongside dance and flag teams as well as track, soccer and baseball.

The neighborhood has a unique green space in Bayou Segnette State Park. Due to its position near brackish wetlands, the park offers both freshwater and saltwater fishing. The swamps and marshland represent a delicate ecosystem of plants, trees and wildlife that’s perfect for visiting to watch birds and other animals. The nearly three-mile nature trail takes you through scenic vistas, and should you want to test the water, a boat launch will let you canoe or kayak through the swamps. In addition, there are 12 cabins on site for those who’d like to enjoy both nature and a comfy place to sleep.

The Alario Center is adjacent to the park and is part of the Bayou Segnette Sports Complex. Found in Westwego, this venue was built for cultural and social events on the West Bank. It hosts sports and entertainment and has served as a training facility for the New Orleans Hornets for over a decade. The multi-purpose facility has three distinct areas including the main hall which seats 2,000 spectators and has a NBA-sized hardwood floor.

Another nearby spot is the regionally famous Westwego Shrimp Lot. Opened in 1978, the open-air seafood market is zoned as a Cajun Village and covers over 10 acres. Home to 14 locally owned and operated brightly colored shacks, the vendors have often been selling here for generations. The local landmark sells crabs, oysters, shrimp and fish from boats docked just a few blocks away. Depending on when you visit, you might even get to visit with a dancing shrimp or crawfish mascot welcoming you to the lot.

When you find yourself hungry, you might try one of the oldest restaurants on the West Bank. Known for its signature Italian cuisine, Mosca’s opened in 1946 under the name Willswood. It was quickly renamed to honor the family who still owns and operates the eatery today. Dishes like Oysters Mosca, Sausage Johnny, and Chicken a la Grande are served family-style so be sure to bring a few friends with you. You can tell them the restaurant won a James Beard award in the America’s Regional Classics category over appetizers.

Close to a great park, restaurant and seafood market, the Westbank neighborhood of New Orleans’ West Bank is a family-oriented area just 13 miles from the city itself.

Written By

K.T. Phillips

Photography Contributed By

Alan Bates

Video By

Jacob Cardwell