About ten miles northeast of downtown New Orleans, West Lake Forest is a suburban neighborhood within the wider community of New Orleans East. One of the last parts of the city to be drained of swampy land and built into residential areas, West Lake Forest was first constructed in the late 1960s. The neighborhood is separated from the rest of New Orleans by the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal and borders Lake Pontchartrain and several notable parks. Although West Lake Forest was hard hit during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the neighborhood is revitalizing, and businesses, as well as large, custom-built homes, are becoming more numerous. Nowadays, West Lake Forest is home to a "thriving residential community where people know their neighbors well and neighborhood associations are starting to form," says David Soublet, a neighborhood local with 25 years of experience as a real estate agent at Humble Abode Realtors. With shady canopies of southern live oaks and expansive sidewalks meandering throughout the neighborhood's wide streets, West Lake Forest is a family-friendly suburb nearby restaurants, parks and downtown New Orleans.
Affordable homes and lots in West Lake Forest
With an average sales price of about $160,000, homes in West Lake Forest cost about $160,000 less than those in the rest of New Orleans, making them "Relatively affordable and popular with those looking to buy their first home," says Soublet. In addition to apartments in the area, homebuyers can find contemporary townhomes and single-family homes ranging from modest bungalows and ranch-style homes built in the late 1970s to colonial revival-style homes along the neighborhood's tree-lined streets. Townhomes with around 1,000 square feet sell for just over $100,000, while single-story, two and three-bedroom homes sporting brightly-colored exteriors and well-manicured lawns can sell anywhere from $110,000 to $250,000. From $300,000 to just shy of $500,000, homebuyers can find newly constructed, traditional-style homes featuring 1,500 to 3,000 square feet. If homebuyers want to build a dream home of their own, 1/3-acre plots are available from $25,000 to $50,000.
Some homes in the West Lake Forest neighborhood offer bright-colored exteriors.
Traditional ranch-style homes can be found in West Lake Forest.
West Lake Forest homes offer off-street parking with large driveways.
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Children in West Lake Forest have the option to take the bus to and from school every day.
Charter schools improving New Orleans community
Students in Arnold are fortunate to have plenty of options for attending school, with several religious schools and elementary schools, as well as two high schools students can take the bus to. Schaumburg Elementary is a charter school in the neighborhood that serves students in pre-K through eighth grade and is managed by Renew Schools. Renew Schools is a charter management organization that aims to make underperforming schools more academically rigorous in order to help prepare students for the next steps of their education. Although Schaumburg Elementary receives a rating of C-minus from Niche, the school is changing its culture toward student and community success by hosting events like Christmas toy drives and participating in Renew School's early childhood and therapeutic programs.
Students in grades 9-12 can attend schools like Abramson Sci Academy and Livingston Collegiate Academy. At Livingston, creating a rigorous and supportive academic environment and facilitating open communication between teachers and parents are top priorities. The school receives a rating of C-plus from Niche and boasts world-class band and sports teams as well as after-school programs like the Anime Club, Boxing Club and Black Student Union.
"Some of the largest, nicest parks in New Orleans"
West Lake Forest has "Some of the largest, nicest parks in New Orleans, like Joe W. Brown Memorial Park, the jewel of New Orleans East," says Soublet, adding that "we're lucky to have so much access to beautiful nature nearby." First donated to the city in 1959, Joe W. Brown Memorial Park has become a neighborhood staple. With spaces like tennis courts and playgrounds to play on, multiple sports fields and an outdoor track to get active on and two lagoons to canoe or fish in, this park is truly unique for the area. Visitors can admire the scenery, meet up with some friends to enjoy the free amenities or even catch a game at the football stadium. For some professionally-guided outdoor activities, NORD Outdoors team behind the Joe W. Brown Rec Center offers paddle and fishing lessons, as well as canoe rentals and supplies for fishing. NORD Outdoors even has an archery range where visitors can get some target practice in.
Bordering Joe W. Brown Memorial Park at the eastern edge of the neighborhood, the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center occupies 86 acres of hardwood bottomland and features three interpretive walking trails. The first is the mile-long Boardwalk trail. This ADA-accessible path allows visitors to enjoy the lush, native greenery surrounding them. Two other unpaved trails take visitors shorter distances into the forest. The park also features an interpretive center where visitors can see wildlife up close in enclosures and learn about the plants and animals that support the ecosystem.
For an afternoon out in the sun, locals often head to the sandy beaches of Lake Pontchartrain to enjoy views of the water, have a barbecue with family or go fishing.
Audubon Louisiana Nature Center is located in Read Blvd East.
Locals can take their kids to the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center in New Orleans.
Joe Brown Memorial Park has multiple sporting fields and an outdoor track in New Orleans.
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Shopping and dining along Lake Forest Boulevard
West Lake Forest is also known for the small businesses and restaurants that make the neighborhood "the town center of the East." A variety of retail options can be found around Lake Forest Boulevard and the surrounding area, including big box stores like Home Depot and Walmart, gyms like Planet Fitness and grocery stores like Winn-Dixie where residents can find their everyday needs. in addition to multiple event spaces and cocktail shops for locals to enjoy, there are a multitude of restaurants in West Lake Forest, many being locally-owned mom-and-pop shops. Cajun Shack Nola serves New Orleans fare like catfish plates and shrimp po-boys while Red Apple offers classic Chinese dishes. Residents can stop by M&J Soul Food Restaurant to enjoy some southern-style comfort food and local art or head to Casa Honduras for an evening of Margaritas, Honduran cuisine and karaoke.
Public Transportation is an option for the residents of West Lake Forest.
The residents of West Lake Forest can work on their fitness at the local Planet Fitness.
M&J Soul Food Restaurant is one of the local favorites in West Lake Forest.
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West Lake Forest streets are wide with live oak trees for shade and green space for exercising.
Fifteen minutes from downtown on I-10
With a wide network of sidewalks, West Lake Forest is a very pedestrian-friendly neighborhood. Public transportation is also an option for residents looking to get out in the wider area and downtown New Orleans is just a 15-minute drive down Interstate 10. The closest hospital and airport are also both conveniently located along Interstate 10. Omega Hospital is about 15 miles down the road, while Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is just five miles further. Residents also benefit from having convenient access to several major highways like the Lake Causeway or Highway 90 if they are heading to Lafayette or Mobile, Alabama. Baton Rouge is also about 90 miles away along Interstate 10.
Community get-togethers in West Lake Forest
In addition to parades during Mardi Gras, West Lake Forest is also home to several annual events that bring the community together. Every winter, Holiday in the Park comes to Joe W. Brown Memorial Park with lights, music, a drive-through experience and a walk-through adventure for families and friends to enjoy.
The park also holds the NOLA East Festival every fall. This family-friendly festival offers vendors, food and live music from local artists like gospel choirs, funk groups and brass bands.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
West Lake Forest
US
Homicide
9
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in West Lake Forest, New Orleans sell after 78 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in West Lake Forest, New Orleans over the last 12 months is $163,844, up 23% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
NEW PRICE!!! 3 bedroom 2 bath brick home with attached 2 car garage. Recently renovated kitchen and bathrooms. Spacious den and living room great for entertaining or family gathering. Mature landscaping! Close to I-10 and short commute to Downton New Orleans. X flood zone!
Somayli De la cruz SeverinoRealty One Group Immobilia
Back on the Market due to buyers financing falling through. Discover this beautiful single-family/investment property in New Orleans East, offering an open floor plan that flows seamlessly for modern living. With easy access to downtown and major city hotspots, it's perfect for anyone seeking convenience and community. The spacious layout is ideal for entertaining, and the versatile design suits
This well maintained townhome is not one to be missed. Downstairs offers an open concept office which leads to the living room and kitchen with fashionable wood cabinets and ceramic floors. There is a half bath and sizable patio for outdoor entertaining. Upstairs, there are two ample size bedrooms with a jack n jill bathroom access and beautiful laminate wood floors to accent the rooms natural
INVESTORS DREAM IN NEW ORLEANS EAST! WELCOME TO 5269 BASINVIEW DRIVE A SPACIOUS 2BEDROOM/2.5 BATH TOWNHOME OFFERING IMMEDIATE INCOME POTENTIAL AND MINIMAL EFFORT TO GET STARTED. THIS PROPERTY IS FOR INVESTORS SEEKING A HIGH YIELD OPPORTUNITY IN A GROWING RENTAL MARKET/ WITH AN ESTIMATED SECTION 8 RENTAL INCOME OF $1600/MONTH OR $19,200/YEAR. THIS PROPERTY OFFERS CASH FLOW FROM DAY ONE. FEATURING
Laguna Creek offers spacious 1 & 2 bedroom apartments coveniently located in Eastern New Orleans. Laguna Creek has everything you're looking for in a community. Unwind at our sparkling swimmiming pool.
UNAVAILABLE AT TTHIS TIME (3/23/2025) - Extremely attractive 3/1.5 two story rental. Kitchen is dressed, has WA/DR hookups for side by side appliances. DEEEEEEEEEP back yard; parking for two cars off street. No carpet at ALL. Upper bathroom is "Jack and Jill" (or Jack and Jack or Jill and Jill), so there are two toilet and vanity set ups. Perfect. And, there is a large common closet
Laguna Reserve is community offering spacious 1, 2, & 3 bedroom units large walk-in closets and washer/dryer connections in each unit we also have outside storage closets for most units, pool with resort-style furnishings. Basketball & Tennis court. Located in the New Orleans East area 15 minutes from downtown.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jiarra Rayford,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
5,044
Median Age
36
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
30.5%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$25,414
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$42,552
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
83.9%
College Graduates
16.8%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.3%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.3%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
67''
Average Winter Low Temperature
46°F
Average Summer High Temperature
93°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
61/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
55/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
36/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
