The southern Louisiana community of Harvey was developed in the latter half of the 19th century by Joseph Hale Harvey who not only mapped out the area’s canal lock system, but changed its name from Cosmopolite City to his own surname. The Harvey Canal still supports the region’s many industries, including oil and gas, and it’s common to spot cargo ships docking on the banks. New Orleans sits directly across the Mississippi River, about 7 miles away over the Crescent City Bridge. Residents move to Harvey for its proximity to New Orleans, cost of housing and quiet character.
The Jefferson Parish water tower looks over the Harvey neighborhood, with New Orleans skyline.
Boats sit along the Harvey Canal, running through the center of the Harvey neighborhood.
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Older neighborhoods near the Mississippi
The median housing price of this community of roughly 22,000 people is $205,000, lower than New Orleans’s $330,000, or suburbs like Marrero and Gretna. “There are probably about 30 different smaller neighborhoods within Harvey itself, and most are between 30 and 50 years old,” says Charlene Miller, Realtor and Harvey local. Smaller cottages cluster close to the river, while ranch-style homes from the 1990s, condos and new builds populate the area farther inland.
Wide streets with sidewalks are typical throughout the Harvey neighborhood.
A well-kept brick home sits in the Harvey neighborhood.
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Education at Jefferson Parish Schools
Harvey is zoned for the Jefferson Parish Schools system. The district is rated a B by Niche, which ranks it as the seventh-most diverse district in Louisiana. Jefferson Parish Schools offers Advanced Studies Academies for applicants from kindergarten through 12th grade. Private school options, especially Catholic schools, are nearby in Marrero, Gretna, or New Orleans. New Orleans also has several universities, such as Tulane University and Loyola University.
Harvey is served by West Jefferson High School.
Academy of the Sacred Heart has a 6 to 1 student to faculty ratio.
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Jean Lafitte National Historical Park just southwest of Harvey
Residents head to parks within the community, including Harvey Park, which offers three baseball fields, two tennis courts and a playground. Woodland West Park is less than a mile away and has a walking path and a playground of its own. Timberlane Golf and Recreation offers a public golf course, while Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve has trails and wildlife viewing across 26,000 acres of swamps and wetlands.
The Boomtown Hotel and Casino sits along the Harvey Canal in Harvey.
Tennis courts are some of the amenities provided in Harvey Park.
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Shopping and dining on Manhattan Boulevard
Manhattan Boulevard is the main commercial corridor here, with shopping centers and chain restaurants lining the road. Manhattan’s intersection with Lapalco Boulevard is the epicenter of the city’s food scene, with such restaurants as local chain Barrow’s Catfish or New Orleans Food and Spirits. More shopping and dining can be found in nearby cities, such as Gretna.
Dig into a delicious meal at Barrow's Catfish restaurant in Harvey.
Perino's has been serving Harvey residents for over 50 years.
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Boomtown Casino and Gretna Farmers Market
Boomtown Casino is located on the banks of the Harvey Canal, less than a mile south of Harvey. In addition to traditional table games and slots, the casino hosts events, including live music and DJs. Otherwise, residents can head to the adjacent city of Gretna for events like its weekly farmers market or annual Gretna Heritage Festival.
Head to the Boomtown Casino for entertainment right in the heart of the Harvey neighborhood.
The Boomtown Casino provides entertainment right in the heart of the Harvey neighborhood.
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Access to downtown New Orleans
While the strip along the Harvey Canal and Mississippi River is dominated by industry — especially oil and gas — residents often drive into downtown New Orleans for work. The Crescent City Bridge is 5 miles away, with the central business district not much further. The Jefferson Parish Transit bus system also heads into New Orleans. Amtrak service departs from the Union Passenger Terminal in downtown New Orleans, while Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport sits 20 miles away and offers flights to over 50 destinations.
Harvey's climate and flood zones
While crime statistics for Harvey were not readily available, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office has jurisdiction in the community. According to data reported to the FBI, crime rates across the parish are comparable to the state and national averages and have been stable over the last five years.
Harvey’s climate offers hot and muggy summers alongside mild winters. Like much of the Louisiana Gulf Coast, the area is vulnerable to flooding, especially from hurricanes and tropical storms. Harvey is protected from floods on the Mississippi River by a levee, but parts of the community are still designated as high-risk flood zones by FEMA, requiring flood insurance. “When there’s damage from natural disasters, that southern friendliness comes out, especially near New Orleans. We all help one another rebuild,” says Miller.
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.
