There are many oddly named places in the United States, but it's truly a rarity to find a spot with an entire sentence as a moniker. Westwego is a suburb of New Orleans found on the opposite side of the Mississippi River from Audubon Park. Originally called Salaville after one of its land-holding residents, the settlement was founded in 1870 and saw a population boom when hurricane refugees moved there in 1893. Its name is something of a mystery, but locals will tell you it came from railroad conductors yelling, “West we go!” as they pulled out of the station toward Texas. Today, Westwego still has the charm of a small town and an almost rural feel, only minutes from the French Quarter. Recreation is more than popular here. It’s a way of life, just like family and community activities are. Local Realtor Linda Nguyen with Armstrong Realty says Westwego has numerous options for all of the above. “There is Alario Center for sports and Avondale Golf Course along with the Westwego Seafood Market, and an Asian Night Market with all Asian food vendors at the Farmer’s Market.”
Welcome to Westwego, LA established in 1892 and still growing.
The Westwego neighborhood has a historic district that includes a weekly farmers markets.
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Homes with a range of build years in Westwego
Nguyen notes that new construction is happening in pockets throughout the community, although most homes are older and more established. Old or new, the houses in Westwego often have large porches and colorful facades. Strolling along the streets here, you’ll find ranch and Acadian styles as well as shotgun houses, camelbacks and cottages. Many have raised foundations, and historic homes can be found close to Sala Avenue, the neighborhood’s historic district. Lawns are beautifully kept, and natural landscaping is easy to find. Prices range from $125,000 to $325,000 for most homes, although very old or very new properties can sell for more.
An updated craftsman style home located in Westwego, LA.
A home on stilts found in the Westwego neighborhood.
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Learning at Joshua Butler Elementary and Stella Worley Middle
Westwego has multiple options when it comes to schools, too. Joshua Butler Elementary School is located in the heart of the area and teaches a diverse set of students from prekindergarten through fifth grade. It’s accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Stella Worley Middle School educates the entire student and strives to enrich their lives through learning. The facility offers tutoring, enrichment and intervention programs, alongside extracurriculars like dance team, marching band, football or volleyball.
Stella Worley Middle School serves the students of the Westwego neighborhood.
De La Salle High School is centrally located in Uptown New Orleans.
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Camping and boating at Bayou Segnette State Park
Nearby green spaces include the 600-acre Bayou Segnette State Park. Only 20 minutes from New Orleans, the park is a natural preserve where you can boat, hike and picnic. There’s also fishing in salt or freshwater, and species like bass, catfish, redfish, and trout are abundant. Straddling woodlands and marshes, the park has an amazing array of plant and wildlife. An afternoon spent watching nature can include alligators, racoons, hawks and hundreds more species of Louisiana creatures. If you prefer to camp, there are 98 campsites with a comfort station, along with group camping options.
Westwego, LA visitors and locals enjoy time on the Mississippi River.
On the edge of Westwego, LA is Bayou Segnette State Park.
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Westwego markets and local dining spots
The Westwego Farmers and Fisheries Market is mere blocks away from moored shrimping boats, which you can see from the open-air space. The market operates March through October on weekends and is home to a main stage area that’s used for concerts on Friday nights, events like the Asian Night Market, or crawfish cook-offs. The regular market features dozens of vendors selling homemade foods, locally grown fruits and vegetables, eggs, jellies and much more. If you find yourself getting hungry after a day of exploring, Joe’s Café is waiting for you. This local chain spans both sides of the Mississippi River and is a popular late-night restaurant and donut shop. The Armand family began the business almost 40 years ago, and guests have been coming back ever since. Start your day with a hungry man’s stack or try the Cajun eggrolls at lunch. The entire menu is served all day, so whether you want a burger at 8 a.m. or flapjacks at midnight, they have you covered.
Amy's Seafood Mart is ready to serve residents and visitors in Westwego, LA.
There is plenty to choose from at Joe's Cafe in the Westwego, LA neighborhood.
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Local venues and getting around
For fun and culture, the Jefferson Performing Arts Society has two locations in the community: the Westwego Performing Arts Theatre and the Westwego Cultural Center. These venues are next door to each other and host plays, musicals, concerts and other special events. The arts society has a mission to bring the best of the performing arts to the Gulf Coast through diverse programming, arts training/education and professional management of art venues. Close to the Crescent City Connection and Huey P. Long Bridges, Westwego is a charming community mere minutes from Downtown New Orleans.
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