Belle Chasse & West Bank Homes near NAS JRB New Orleans
Where military families live near the base, how parishes and schools differ, and how to buy on a PCS timeline.
Belle Chasse and the communities of New Orleans’ West Bank are where many military families land when orders read NAS JRB New Orleans. The base sits in Belle Chasse, and the West Bank suburbs just to the north offer more choices in price, home style and commute. This guide, from an active-duty Army NCO and Military Relocation Professional (MRP) broker, covers the areas, how parishes and schools work here and how to buy with a PCS clock running.
Living in Belle Chasse
Belle Chasse is an unincorporated community in Plaquemines Parish on the west bank of the Mississippi, south of New Orleans. It has a small-town feel, its own public schools and quick access to the base.
- Closest to the gate. Many homes are minutes from NAS JRB New Orleans.
- Plaquemines Parish services. Property taxes run through the Plaquemines Parish Assessor and Sheriff, and public schools through the Plaquemines Parish School Board.
- The Belle Chasse Bridge. A new bridge on Highway 23 over the Intracoastal Waterway replaced the old Belle Chasse tunnel and lift bridge. It is a toll bridge, so check current rates with the Louisiana DOTD before you plan a daily commute.
West Bank areas to compare
Each area has a different parish, school system and commute. Drive them at rush hour before you choose.
Belle Chasse
Closest to base. Small-town feel, Plaquemines Parish schools and services.
Gretna & Terrytown
Gretna is the Jefferson Parish seat, with a historic downtown. Established neighborhoods and a range of prices nearby.
Harvey & Marrero
Suburban West Bank neighborhoods with a wide range of home ages and prices.
Algiers
City living on the West Bank, home to The Village at Federal City military housing and the river ferry to downtown New Orleans.
Flood zone and insurance
Much of the area is low-lying and protected by levees, and flood risk changes from street to street. Run every address through our Flood Zone tool, ask the seller for an elevation certificate and get flood and homeowners quotes during your inspection period. Insurance can change your monthly payment more than a small difference in price.
Buying on a PCS timeline
- Know your numbers. Look up your BAH on the Defense Travel Management Office calculator and set a payment ceiling below it. Use our payment calculator to include taxes and insurance.
- Get pre-approved early. A VA-approved lender can pre-approve you before you arrive, so you can write an offer the week you report.
- Shortlist by commute, school and flood risk. Pick two or three areas, then check each address with our Flood Zone and School Zone tools and confirm schools with the parish system.
- Tour virtually, then in person. Live video tours can narrow the list before house-hunting leave.
- Write a Louisiana offer. The good-faith money is called a deposit. Your agent will explain the due diligence period, the seller’s Property Disclosure Document and the act of sale.
- Plan your exit on day one. Decide early whether you would sell or keep the home as a rental at your next PCS.
More guides for military families and Greater New Orleans
PCS to NAS JRB New Orleans • Buying a Home in Louisiana • Keeping your home as a rental • Mandeville • Covington • Slidell
Frequently asked questions
What parish is Belle Chasse in?
Belle Chasse is in Plaquemines Parish. Nearby West Bank communities such as Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey and Marrero are in Jefferson Parish, and Algiers is part of the city of New Orleans in Orleans Parish.
How far is Belle Chasse from NAS JRB New Orleans?
NAS JRB New Orleans is in Belle Chasse, so many homes there are only minutes from the gate. Gretna, Terrytown and Algiers are typically a short drive north on Highway 23 (Belle Chasse Highway), depending on traffic.
Is there a school on base near Belle Chasse?
Yes. Belle Chasse Academy, a K-8 public charter school, is on the installation. Off base, Belle Chasse public schools are part of the Plaquemines Parish School Board. Confirm enrollment for any address with the school system and the base School Liaison Officer.
Can I use a VA loan to buy in Belle Chasse or on the West Bank?
Eligible service members and veterans can use a VA-guaranteed loan to buy a primary residence, including in Belle Chasse and on the West Bank. A VA-approved lender can confirm eligibility and how much you qualify for.
Should I buy and keep my home as a rental after my next PCS?
Many military families do. Compare your expected rent against the payment, insurance, taxes without the homestead exemption, and a reserve for repairs. Our payment and investor calculators help, and we can talk it through with you.
Orders to NAS JRB? Let’s build your housing plan.
A free consultation with an active-duty NCO and Military Relocation Professional who knows the area and the PCS clock. Call the office at (985) 250-0071.
1 St. Ann Drive Suite #92, Mandeville, LA 70471 • Office (985) 250-0071
Licensed in Louisiana • Broker: Ulysses A. Barnes, Jr. • LREC License BROK.995713916-CORP
Equal Housing Opportunity. This page is general information, not legal, tax, insurance, lending or engineering advice. Verify every property-specific fact with the official source named and the appropriate licensed professional.