Any relocation, civilian or military, is filled with questions about your destination. Top of the list for families with children is "How are the schools?" Every parent wants their child to attend the best possible school, but how do you go about choosing one in a new city? In the New Orleans metropolitan area, there are are multitude of school options for parents to choose from.
Orleans Parish Schools (City of New Orleans)
Post Hurricane Katrina, the public school system in New Orleans became a complex network of schools run by the School Board, the State of Louisiana and a system of charter schools. The application process has often been confusing to parents and left them wondering if they made the right choice. Additionally, there are private and parochial school choices, adding to the often overwhelming job of picking the right fit for your child.
There are some terrific resources available to help research all of the options in New Orleans schools.
New Orleans Public and Charter School Information
New Orleans Parochial School Information
Is your child a budding artist, musician, dancer or actor? The New Orleans Center for Creative Arts is an exclusive institution that serves as a training ground for these students with specialized classes held on their riverfront campus. Attendance is selective and an audition may be a requirement for admission to the program. Note that NOCCA does not offer core academic subjects, but serves as an adjunct to the student's regular school.
New Orleans Center for Creative Arts - curriculum and admissions information
Jefferson Parish Schools
Jefferson Parish public schools, while suffering damage from Katrina, have not evolved into a spider web of school systems like Orleans Parish has. School boundaries are generally determined by your home address, so doing a little research prior to your relocation is critical to ensuring you choose to live in an area that is served by your favorite public school. Of course, private and parochial schools are also available to students who live both in and outside of the parish.
Jefferson Parish Public School Information
Jefferson Parish Parochial School Information - select the Outside of New Orleans link on this page for elementary and high school information
Plaquemines Parish Schools
Plaquemines Parish has long held the reputation for excellent schools, making this a sought after area for parents who want to take advantage of the public school system. While private and parochial schools accept students regardless of their home address, Plaquemines Parish requires proof of residency for enrollment into any of their public schools.
Plaquemines Parish Public School Information
Plaquemines Parish Parochial School Information - select the Outside of New Orleans link on this page for elementary and high school information
Special Options for Military Families
On the West Bank of New Orleans, the NAS JRB New Orleans offers an on-base school option for military families with elementary and middle school age children. Belle Chasse Academy is a charter school with the goal of providing an excellent educational environment for the children of military families in the New Orleans area.
If you need local experience and assistance with your relocation to the New Orleans area, please contact Lisa Heindel, REALTOR® by phone at (504) 616-6262 or by email at lisa@lisaheindelsells.com. I'd be happy to help you settle into your new city!
When buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans or relocating to the New Orleans West Bank, you deserve local expertise and advice. Lisa Heindel provides full time, professional real estate services to buyer, sellers and military transferees in Algiers, Algiers Point, Belle Chasse, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and more.
Copyright 2008. Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.
Does relocating to New Orleans mean you have to leave hiking, canoeing and some of your other favorite outdoor activities behind? Not a chance!
There is a reason that Louisiana is known as the "Sportsman's Paradise". Take a quick tour with me of the many outdoor experiences that are just waiting for you.
Located in Belle Chasse, LA, the Woodlands Trail and Park was created to preserve and highlight the native plants and migratory birds that are an integral part of south Louisiana. Perfect for hiking and bird watching, Woodlands Trail is less than 10 miles from downtown New Orleans, making it a great day trip destination for nature lovers. Stroll through the many miles of trails and see how many native plants you can identify.
Barataria Preserve
The Barataria Preserve offers a chance to experience Louisiana wetlands up close and personal on over 20,000 acres of marshes, swamps, bayous and more. Located just outside of Marrero, LA, there are trails for hiking and the waterways are easily navigated with kayaks or canoes. Fishing is allowed on the preserve with a valid Louisiana fishing license.
Park Rangers offer daytime bird watching walks, hiking tours and guided canoe treks along with special nighttime tours. What a great way to get to know more about the native plants and animals in your new home!
Hunting for waterfowl, deer, squirrel, rabbit and nutria are allowed in the Jean Lafitte Barataria Preserve during the appropriate season.
Fishing in Louisiana
Public boat launches can be found in just about every area surrounding New Orleans. The only hard decision will be deciding whether to go fishing, shrimping or crabbing within the bayous or to venture out into the Gulf of Mexico for that big catch! For more information about fishing regulations and seasons, please visit the Louisiana Department Wildlife & Fisheries.
Bayou Segnette State Park
99 campsites with water and electrical hookups are available by reservation in Bayou Segnette State Park, located in Westwego, LA. The park offers both salt and freshwater fishing, boating, canoeing, picnic areas, playgrounds and a Wave Pool. If you want to get further away from the city, check out this list of other Louisiana State Parks.
Other Parks and Sites in Louisiana
Historic national parks and trails are located throughout Louisiana and in neighboring Mississippi. Several sites are located right in the New Orleans metropolitan area.
Hiking in Louisiana
While we may not have the mountains or valleys that other states have, Louisiana does offer hiking opportunities. Visit the Louisiana Hiking Club for more information on backpacking and hiking in Louisiana and the surrounding areas.
Bird Watching Along America's Wetland Trail
Interested in learning more about the native and migratory birds that can be found in Louisiana? Bird Louisiana has information on bird clubs, festivals and events along with maps to guide both the novice and experienced bird watchers in your family.
Outdoor Education in Louisiana
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries offers public programs for:
Let me be the first to welcome you to the Sportsman's Paradise that is Louisiana!
When buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans or relocating to the New Orleans West Bank, you deserve local expertise and advice. Lisa Heindel provides full time, professional real estate services to buyer, sellers and military transferees in Algiers, Algiers Point, Belle Chasse, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and more.
Copyright 2008. Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved
Valentine's Day Dance
The Knights of Columbus Archbishop Blenk Council 1905 is the sponsor of this weekend's Valentine's Day Dance to be held on Friday from 8 pm - midnight with music by DJ Corey. $15/person or $25/couple. 475 Franklin Avenue, Gretna, LA. For more information, call 368-1905.
West Bank Theatre
The Great American Trailer Park musical starts its run at the Westwego Performing Arts Theatre on Friday, running through March 9th. Shows will be held every Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinees will be performed at 2:00 pm. Buffets are available before each show. For reservations or more information visit the Jefferson Performing Arts Society website.
Friday Fish Fry
The Lenten tradition of the Friday Fish Fry continues on the West Bank.
St. Anthony School 900 Franklin Ave. Gretna, LA. The St. Anthony Dad's Club is sponsoring dinners of fried or broiled fish, fried shrimp, gumbo and more. Eat in or take available, along with soft drinks and desserts. 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Christ the King School 535 Deerfield Ave. Gretna, LA. The Holy Name Society is hosting this weeks dinner. Fried fish, crawfish stew, combo plates, drinks, desserts and more. 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm.
St. Andrew the Apostle 3101 Eton Street Algiers, LA. The Knights of Columbus sponsors the dinner, serving fried fish, gumbo, dessert, and more. 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm.
The Knights of Columbus is also sponsoring a fry at the KC Hall in Algiers Point, 342 Olivier Street, behind Holy Name of Mary Church, 6-8 pm. Fried catfish plus lots of sides like cole slaw, potato salad, hush puppies and more.
The Knights of Columbus Council 6357 of Belle Chasse will hold a fish fry at 9016 Highway 23 (Belle Chasse Hwy) from 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm. Plates and po-boys are available and all proceeds help support local charities.
Gretna Farmer's Market
Saturday under the Gretna Market at Huey P. Long and 3rd Street in Gretna, LA. Choose from a wide variety of locally grown produce, local wines and other goodies. 8:30 am - 12:30 pm.
Oilfield Chili Cookoff
Saturday, 11 am - 6 pm, is the annual Oilfield Chili Cookoff at the Naval Air Station in Belle Chasse. This looks to be the big West Bank weekend event, with rides, raffles, music, food and more. $15 admission, kids 12 and under free with an adult. Temperatures should be perfect in the low 70's...cross your fingers that the rain holds off until evening.
Make it a great West Bank weekend!
Fish photo by Old Shoe Woman
As we move into the busy spring selling season, I spent this weekend showing property all over the West Bank of New Orleans. One of the great neighborhoods that I toured with clients was Magnolia Trace, an exclusive gated community in Harvey, LA.
Developed in the 1995, Magnolia Trace was one of the first upscale, gated communities on the Manhattan Blvd. corridor. The subdivision has been the site of multiple Parade of Home featured properties and remains an in-demand location on the West Bank. The community has an active home owner's association and is a covenant controlled and building restricted community, with low home owner fees of $600 per year.
With a great location right off of Manhattan Blvd., Magnolia Trace is less than 10 miles from downtown New Orleans, making your commute a breeze. If you are stationed at NAS JRB New Orleans, a quick 15 minute drive will take you from your door to the front gates of the base.
Things to do around Magnolia Trace:
Homes and Land for Sale in Magnolia Trace:
There are only 3 available homes in Magnolia Trace at this time. Priced from $399,000 to $475,000, these homes offer 4 or 5 bedrooms and 3+ bathrooms, with an average size of over 3,200 square feet of living area. If you would rather build your own custom home, there are 3 lots still available, all priced under $120,000.
Interested in learning more about buying in Magnolia Trace? Contact Lisa Heindel, REALTOR® by phone at (504) 616-6262 or by email at lisa@lisaheindelsells.com. I'd love to help you find your next West Bank home!
When buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans or relocating to the New Orleans West Bank, you deserve local expertise and advice. Lisa Heindel provides full time, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers and military transferees in Algiers, Algiers Point, Belle Chasse, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and more.
Here's the disclaimer part: The opinions expressed here are strictly those of the author, but you are free to share yours in the comments. All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Copyright 2008. Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.
If you still have any energy left over from your Carnival celebration, check out these fun activities on the West Bank this weekend:
The fish fries are back! 
With Mardi Gras over, Lent has begun and brings with it a return to the tradition of the Friday Fish Fry. Who needs to cook when you can pick up or dine in right here on the West Bank:
St. Andrew the Apostle 3101 Eton St. Algiers, LA 6:00 pm - 8 pm
Adult and children's plates ($7 and $5) are available along with gumbo, dessert, soft drinks and beer.
St. Anthony School 900 Franklin Ave. Gretna, LA 6:00 pm - 8 pm
Choice of fried or broiled catfish or fried shrimp, served with salad, french fries or baked potato for only $7. Seafood gumbo also available for $3, along with drinks and desserts.
Christ the King School 535 Deerfield Rd. Terrytown, LA 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Fried fish ($6), shrimp Colombus ($6) or combo plates ($7) available, along with drinks and desserts.
Bird Walk
Bayou Segnette State Park (Westwego, LA) will have a nature walk to identify the many species of birds found there on Saturday from 9-11 am. Free with park admission, which is only $1!
Canoe Treks
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve (Marrero, LA) is offering free ranger guided canoe treks on Saturday at 9:30 am. Call 589-2330 x10 for reservations.
Gretna Farmer's Market
Saturday, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm, under the covered Gretna Market. 301 Huey P. Long Avenue at the corner of 3rd Street. Rain or shine, get your fresh produce and locally created goodies.
Make it a great West Bank weekend!
When buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans or relocating to the New Orleans West Bank, you deserve local expertise and advice. Lisa Heindel provides full time, professional real estate services to buyer, sellers and military transferees in Algiers, Algiers Point, Belle Chasse, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and more.
Copyright 2008. Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.
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New Orleans West Bank Real Estate| Homes for sale in Algiers|Algiers Point|Belle Chasse|Gretna|Terrytown|Harvey|Marrero|Westwego| Louisiana|home buyers|home sellers|military transfers to NAS JRB
I live and work on the West (Best) Bank of New Orleans, listing and selling homes in Algiers, historic Algiers Point, Gretna and Terrytown, Belle Chasse, Harvey, Marrero and more. I have been a full time real estate agent since 2002, when I left the corporate world of banking after 19 years to follow my dream of being involved in the real estate industry. An Algiers resident, I take pride in all that the West Bank has to offer and welcome everyone relocating to our area. Whether you are moving from across the river or across the country, I am available to assist you in choosing the right West Bank neighborhood for you.
Military relocations to the Naval Air Station, Joint Reserve Base on the New Orleans West Bank are made easy with my in-house lender who offers many choices in VA financing, including direct VA lending. If you are being transferred to NAS JRB New Orleans, contact me for a list of available housing in the area and we can get to work making your relocation as smooth as possible.
Why choose Lisa Heindel as YOUR agent?
I LOVE HOUSES! Small or large, beautiful or ugly, I think every house has potential. OK...almost every house has potential. Being able to see the potential in each home makes it easier for me to focus on the positives when marketing them or helping a buyer to "see" what a home could be. Taking the most flattering photos possible, creating virtual tours, designing flyers for virtual distribution...these are all part of my services to every client, in every price range. Working with Sellers
In today's rapidly changing market, there is nothing more important to a seller than the ability to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. I have been studying home staging and I am working to incorporate some of those principles into my listing plan. Helping my West Bank sellers put their correctly priced homes into prime condition and moving them towards a quicker sale is my primary focus. Today's buyers have more choices than ever in home ownership. This can be overwhelming to most people when faced with literally dozens of choices in the market. Assisting buyers has become a much more specialized effort, so I have teamed up with a dedicated buyer's agent as part of the West Bank Living Team. We can help you narrow down your wants and needs to find the perfect new neighborhood and home for your family. Need help finding a mortgage lender, a home inspector or a title company? Our proven team of partners can assist with every step along the way. Professional guidance through the buying process can eliminate most of the stress involved - let's make finding a new home the fun adventure it can and should be!
I specialize in homes for sale on the West Bank of New Orleans and West Jefferson Parish. Growing up in the area gives me a real appreciation for all of the great amenities the West Bank has to offer and how unique each area is. From Algiers to Avondale, the West Bank is a collection of diverse neighborhoods with homes ranging from historic to newly constructed, from affordably priced starter homes to multi-million dollar properties.
I work with both buyers and sellers, but my passion is being a listing agent. Putting together a marketing plan for a new listing is always very exciting and I want that excitement to shine through in all that I do. I believe that part of my success comes the open lines of communication that my clients have learned to expect from me. Weekly emails, updates after showings, "just touching base" calls, 24/7 web access and keeping my sellers up to date on the current market are all part of my standard services. I strive to always exceed the expectations of all of my clients.
When I list your West Bank home for sale, I guarantee you the following services: Please visit West Bank Living where you can:
NOMAR (New Orleans Metropolitan Association of Realtor) Silver Sales Award 2006, 2008
Latter & Blum Silver Sales Award 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Latter & Blum Gold Sales Award 2006
Member of:
Krewe of Choctaw A West Bank Mardi Gras family tradition.
StayLocal! is an organization dedicated to the support of locally owned and operated businesses in the New Orleans Metropolitan area. Please visit their website to see how your city can stay local too.
Client Testimonials:
Dear Terry and Lisa-
Bruce and I would like to thank you both for all of your hard work and perseverance in helping us buy our 1st home. We couldn't have done it without you! You both made this process less frightening and less stressful!!! We feel privileged to be the first closing you had as a team. You truly worked as a team in every sense and we appreciate it. Thanks again for being with us every step of the way. Catherine & Bruce
Dear Lisa,
We want to thank you for all you've done for us in the past few weeks - this one especially. We're hoping a real "thank you" comes with a closing! You have been invaluable to us - we're so glad we found your website!! Thanks again,
The Beatties
Hi Lisa:
Just to let you know, I was very impressed with all of your knowledge and handling of the sale of my house.
I was very satisfied with the efforts, hard work and service you provided in the sale of my ranch home on Rhodes Ave. If I may go one step further, Latter & Blum is so lucky to have such a fine professional working for them and that you are an asset to the company.
We will definitely recommend you to everyone we know in New Orleans. P.S. Come visit Colorado!
Sincerely, John R. Boutte
Lisa,
You have been a blessing throughout this whole process. Thank you again for all your help with my family and assisting my mother. We love this site of our new home, how awesome it that. If I know of any more military families coming to New Orleans I will definitely send them your way.
We are looking forward to moving into our new house and making it our home.
Thanks again,
Angela and Douglas
Lisa, Thank you so much for helping us find our new home in New Orleans! You've been wonderful to work with and have gone way above and beyond. We won't forget you and we'll be passing on your name and number to anyone looking in the area! Many thanks! The Jones Family __________________________________________________ Lisa, Thank you for all your hard work on the closing of our house. It was a pleasure working with you. We love our new home! Thanks, Charles & Jennifer
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