Gretna, LA Real Estate: Parish seat homes, older riverside streets and how to buy or sell
A local brokerage’s guide to living, buying and selling in Gretna, the Jefferson Parish seat across the river from Uptown New Orleans.
Gretna is the parish seat of Jefferson Parish and its second-largest city, on the West Bank of the Mississippi River across from Uptown New Orleans. The 2020 Census counted 17,814 residents. Gretna is an incorporated city, so the City of Gretna, not the parish, handles building permits and city services inside its limits. This guide covers what buyers and sellers ask us most.
Living in Gretna
- A city with a long history. Gretna was incorporated in 1913, taking in the Jefferson Parish part of McDonogh, and the McDonoghville settlement was the first subdivision in Jefferson Parish.
- Festivals and culture. The German American Cultural Center hosts Maifest and a three-day Oktoberfest each fall, and the city is home to the annual Gretna Heritage Festival.
- Parish government at home. As the parish seat, Gretna is home to Jefferson Parish government offices.
- Local landmarks. Zatarain’s has been based in Gretna since 1963, and the Gretna Public Library opened in 2010.
Areas and home styles to know
Old Gretna near the river
The original town near the Mississippi River levee, with older homes on a traditional street grid.
McDonoghville area
The site of Jefferson Parish’s first subdivision, with older homes near the river.
South of the Expressway
Neighborhoods heading toward Terrytown and Timberlane, with ranch-style and raised homes from the mid-20th century onward.
Getting around
Gretna sits at the West Bank end of the Crescent City Connection, so downtown New Orleans and the Central Business District are a short drive across the river. The West Bank Expressway (U.S. 90 Business) runs through the city toward Harvey and Marrero, and Belle Chasse Highway (LA 23) leads south toward Belle Chasse and NAS JRB.
Flood zones and insurance
Gretna sits inside the West Bank hurricane levee system, with pump stations moving rainwater out. Flood zones still vary by street and elevation. Check any address with our Flood Zone tool, ask for the elevation certificate, and get flood, wind and homeowners quotes during your inspection period. Ask your insurance agent whether a Community Rating System discount applies to the address. See Flood Insurance Costs in Louisiana.
Schools
Public schools in Gretna are run by Jefferson Parish Schools, and the zoned school depends on the exact address. The parish also has magnet and charter schools with their own admission rules. Use our School Zone tool, confirm with the district, and see official data on the Louisiana School Finder. We don’t steer buyers toward or away from neighborhoods; we give you the official sources so you can decide.
Buying a home in Gretna
- Get pre-approved and estimate the full payment with our payment calculator, including flood and wind insurance.
- Check flood zone and school zone for each address you like, and ask whether past additions and repairs were permitted through the City of Gretna.
- Write a Louisiana offer. The good-faith money is called a deposit. Your agent walks you through inspections, the Property Disclosure Document and the act of sale.
- File your homestead exemption with the Jefferson Parish Assessor after closing. See Louisiana Homestead Exemption.
Selling a home in Gretna
Start with a free home estimate built from recent Gretna and West Bank sales, gather your elevation certificate and insurance information, and download the free Seller Success Guide. If you need speed or certainty, ask about Cash Options, if your property qualifies, alongside a traditional listing plan.
Explore nearby communities
Parish guides: Jefferson Parish • Orleans Parish • Plaquemines Parish
Nearby cities: Harvey • Terrytown • Marrero • New Orleans • Belle Chasse & West Bank
Frequently asked questions
Is Gretna a city?
Yes. Gretna is an incorporated city and the parish seat of Jefferson Parish, so the City of Gretna handles building permits inside city limits.
What ZIP codes cover Gretna, LA?
Gretna uses ZIP codes 70053, 70054 and 70056. Some 70056 addresses are in Terrytown rather than the city, so confirm city limits for the exact address.
Do I need flood insurance in Gretna?
Lenders generally require it for homes in a Special Flood Hazard Area (zones beginning with A or V). Many owners outside those zones still carry coverage. Check the specific address and get quotes during your inspection period.
Thinking about a move in Gretna?
Talk with a licensed Melrose Group Realty professional about buying, selling or leasing on the West Bank. No cost, no obligation. 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.