New Orleans West Bank Living and Real Estate News: Louisiana: Gretna

This year was the first one in a long time that I wasn't able to attend all three days of the annual Heritage Festival in Gretna LA.  But, despite the fact that I missed the final day, I was still able to get some pictures and video of all of the festivities.  

The festival seems to get bigger every year, but still manages to keep that small town feel that I love so much. Hope you enjoy the photos!  

For more news and events on the West Bank of New Orleans, please visit West Bank Living

Yesterday was the soft opening of Petite Cupcakes in Gretna and the ladies were nice enough to allow me to take a sneak peek during their last minute preparations for the grand opening of their location at 2766 Belle Chasse Highway in Gretna.

The store was filled with cupcakes and a whirlwind of activity as they were frosting and decorating pan after pan of hand held goodies.

This is definitely a family affair as moms and mother-in-laws were on hand, helping to set things up and get ready for customers.  How wonderful to see another locally owned business put down roots on the West Bank!  I hope that everyone will at least stop in to say hello and welcome the newest business to the Gretna/Terrytown area.

Petite Cupcakes, which is military owned, offers a 10% military discount on all orders.

Petite Cupcakes menu

Originally published at West Bank Living

There have been sushi spots popping up all over the West Bank of New Orleans and I'll be the first to admit that I haven't tried them all.  One place that I go back to time and time again is Cafe Zen, right on the corner of Belle Chasse Highway and Wall Blvd. on the edge of Terrytown.

They started out in a much smaller spot in the strip center location a few years back, but now they have a nice corner space with plenty of parking and a much more open, comfortable feel to the entire restaurant.

Reasonably priced and with good service, you'll forget you parked next to Winn Dixie the minute you are seated.  Greeted with traditional warm towels and complimentary noodle salad, it's an excellent way to spend your lunch hour or dinner time, whether you opt to sit at the sushi bar or choose table service.  A large selection of rolls, sushi and sashimi are offered on the traditional Japanese menu.  Rounded out with a few salads and tempura choices and there's something for everyone.

My favorite appetizer, although a little pricey at $9.95, is the Beef Tataki.  Shaved thin, seared beef served atop fresh crisp lettuce with a vinegar based sauce, it's a little bit of heaven and worth every penny.  I try a new roll each time I go and today's choice was the Mango and Salmon roll.  Sounds a little odd, but it was fantastic!

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend that you add Cafe Zen to your list of places to go on the West Bank.

Cafe Zen is located at 2112 Belle Chasse Hwy, Gretna, LA 70053-6651.  Call (504) 393-2293 for more information.

FOR SALE • 3 BR • 1.5 BATH • 1,221 SF LIVING • $139,000

Fantastically updated, this is not your typical Terrytown home.  Located on a beautiful corner lot, you'll be hard pressed to find another home in this great condition and in a reasonable price range.

The kitchen features updated cabinets including deep pot drawers, tile counters and a custom tile back splash.  A full suite of appliances is included in the sale:  dishwasher, range/oven, microwave and refrigerator. The layout is just right to add your kitchen table and still have plenty of work space.  Designed to take advantage of every inch, there's no shortage of work or storage space for all of your cooking gadgets.

The open living room flaunts a double set of french doors, a neutral color palette and laminate floors for quick and easy clean up and care.  Fling those doors open and invite the outdoors in or take a stroll across the patio (patio furniture included!), past the fish pond and the fire pit and into the lush green grass of the huge backyard, complete with storage shed and rear yard access.

Ceramic tile flooring rounds out the bedrooms and bath and a half....and just wait until you see some of the finishing touches!  Crown molding, vessel sink, updated vanities and more.

For your private showing, please call Terri at 504-258-5178.  

FOR SALE: 3 beds • 2 baths • 1,835 SF • Updated kitchen • $170,000

Looking for a kitchen with that wow factor? Check out the fantastic kitchen hidden behind the doors of 292 Sugarpine in the Southwood subdivision and you won't be disappointed. 42" cabinets, tumbled marble back splash, 5 burner cooktop, extra deep pot drawers, 2 pantries, task track lighting...the upgrades go on and on and will satisfy the needs of the most demanding chef.

Surrounding this dream of a kitchen there is also a formal living/dining combination, a large den, a sunny breakfast area that overlooks the backyard and sliders leading to a covered patio that allow you to extend your living space into the outdoors.

Spacious bedrooms have soft, dig-in-your-toes carpeting, plenty of storage space and the master features a full, private bath with updated fixtures and a stand alone shower.

The Location

Easy access to both NAS JRB New Orleans, Federal City and a quick commute to downtown New Orleans as well. Within just a couple of miles you'll find restaurants, grocery and drug stores, shopping, gas stations and more - and that's just at the intersection of Lapalco Blvd and Belle Chasse Highway!

• Jefferson Parish School Information
• Jefferson Parish official website
• Jefferson Parish Parks & Recreation

To schedule an appointment, please contact Terri Babineaux at 504.258.5178.

Why wait for new construction when you can get a 2 year old home with loads of extras?

112 Fried Street is new on the Gretna real estate market and has all of the amenities that home buyers are searching for.

High ceilings, crown moldings, wood floors, granite counters, private balcony…all of this and more can be found just past the front porch and behind the transomed front door.

Offered at $274,000

What will you find at 112 Fried Street?

• 3 bedrooms
• 3 full baths
• 2,025 square feet of living area
• Open floor plan
• Decorator colors
• Master suite with sitting area and private bath
• A view of the Superdome and the city from the balcony
• Off street parking

View Full Album

The Community

Gretna, Louisiana is a suburb of New Orleans, with it’s own mayor, city council and police department. Part of Jefferson Parish, the 3.5 square mile city is packed with history and so many fun things to do.

Just blocks from 112 Fried Street, you’ll find the Saturday morning farmer’s market, the ferry to downtown New Orleans, local restaurants, banks, a post office and more. Sitting right off of the River Road, you’ll be around the corner from the annual Gretna Fest and the fall Concerts by the River series and have a convenient place to jog, bike, run or just watch the ships cruising up and down the Mississippi River.

Minutes away is the Crescent City Connection heading east or the elevated expressway heading west…commute times are a breeze from this location.

View Larger Map

Print a flyer

THIS HOME IS NO LONGER FOR SALE.  Visit West Bank Living for a list of other homes for sale in Gretna

Now priced at $254,000, you’ll be hard pressed to find something as special as the home at 1312 Jefferson Street in the city of Gretna.  Beautifully constructed with special touches throughout, a feeling of warmth and welcoming greets you the moment you cross the threshold.

Dramatic scored and stained concrete floors, soaring ceilings, gorgeous crown moldings and baseboards, granite counters and much, much more is waiting to be discovered in this 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in historic McDonoghville.

Take a video tour of 1312 Jefferson Street…if it makes your heart flutter, contact the West Bank Living Team and we’ll be happy to show it to you personally.

If you can't see the video above, click here

Print a flyer of 1312 Jefferson Street

Developed in the 1980s, the Park Place subdivision is located in Jefferson Parish, in Gretna, Louisiana.

A collection of condos and single family homes make up this community of well kept residences. More than 20 years after the first owner moved in, the neighborhood has matured, with many homes boasting mature shade trees and some beautiful landscaping. Katrina did quite a bit of wind damage in the area, so many of the homes have newer roofs and updates that continue to keep the houses in demand.

Map of Park Place

It’s easy to get to anywhere on the West Bank from Park Place, but you don’t have to go far to find shopping, dining, golf, parks, playgrounds and more. Downtown New Orleans is only minutes away, with Terry Parkway bringing you right onto the Crescent City Connection.

What are condo prices in Park Place?

Condos provide a very affordable way to own your home and 1 and 2 bedroom Park Place units are typically priced below $100,000, while 3 bedrooms units are priced in the low $100s. Monthly dues vary depending on the size of the unit, but most are less than $200 per month.

What are home prices in Park Place?

Homes that have not been updated or renovated are priced in the low $100s, while those that are in excellent condition are priced in the mid to upper $100s.

Park Place Video Tour

Other facts about Park Place in Gretna LA

• Condo sizes range from 1 to 3 bedrooms, with square footage ranging from around 750 square feet to over 1,000 square feet per unit
• Home sizes range from 3 to 4 bedrooms, with square footage ranging from around 1,450 square feet to over 2,400 square feet of living area
• There is a home owner association, but membership and dues are not required. Of course, it’s always a good idea to get involved in your community and get to know your neighbors!
• Park Place is located in flood zone AE, which means lenders will require you to carry flood insurance

Community information

Jefferson Parish Public Schools

Jefferson Parish Parochial Schools

Jefferson Parish official website

For more information about buying or selling a home in Terrytown or Gretna, please contact the West Bank Living Team.  It would be our pleasure to assist you with any of your real estate needs.

Picture yourself relaxing under the shade of a cypress tree, sipping iced tea on the front porch of this beautiful home for sale in the historic McDonoghville neighborhood in Gretna, LA.

Only 5 years old, the architecture is reminiscent of old New Orleans, while the interior of this 3 bedroom, 2 bath is filled with all of the modern conveniences that today’s home buyers are looking for.

NOW OFFERED AT $259,000

10 foot ceilings throughout give an open feel to the entire home. The side hall entry grabs your attention as soon as you open the front door, displaying the gorgeous scored and stained concrete floors that tie every room together. Special touches like crown moldings, 4” baseboards, recessed and pendant lighting add a little luxury to your life.

The open kitchen/dining/living area makes entertaining a breeze and a side door to the patio gives you room to spread the party right into the fenced yard. Beautiful granite kitchen counters meld right into the wraparound breakfast bar and the walk in pantry provides plenty of storage space in addition to the cherry finished cabinets. Under cabinet lighting brightens up the work space, while windows galore let the sun shine in.

The master suite is located at the rear of the house, giving you all of the privacy you could hope for along with french doors leading to the back yard. Custom finished walk in closet, garden tub and separate shower finish out the perfect place to lay your head at the end of a long day.

If you can’t see the video above, click here.

More about 1312 Jefferson Street

For more information or to schedule a private showing of 1312 Jefferson Street, please contact the West Bank Living Team.