Terrytown, LA Real Estate: Planned 1960s neighborhoods next to New Orleans and how to buy or sell

Terrytown sits on the West Bank of Jefferson Parish, bordered by New Orleans to the northeast, Gretna to the west, Timberlane to the south and Belle Chasse to the southeast. The 2020 Census counted 25,278 residents. Terrytown is an unincorporated census-designated place, so Jefferson Parish Government handles permits and services. This guide covers what buyers and sellers ask us most.

Living in Terrytown

• A planned 1960s community. Developer Paul Kapelow opened Terrytown in March 1960 and named it after his daughter Terry. Carol Sue Avenue is named after his second daughter.
• Shopping close by. Oakwood Center, one of the larger shopping malls in the New Orleans area, sits in Terrytown.
• Library and playground. The Terrytown Library sits across the street from the Terrytown Playground and shares a lot with the Terrytown Golden Age Center.
• Close to the city and NAS JRB. Downtown New Orleans is across the Crescent City Connection, and Belle Chasse and Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans are a short drive south. See our PCS to NAS JRB guide.

Areas and home styles to know

Getting around

Terry Parkway and Carol Sue Avenue are the main streets through Terrytown. Belle Chasse Highway (LA 23) forms the southwest border and leads south to Belle Chasse and NAS JRB and north toward the West Bank Expressway and the Crescent City Connection into downtown New Orleans. Behrman Highway (LA 428) runs through the eastern part of the community toward Algiers.

Flood zones and insurance

Terrytown sits inside the West Bank hurricane levee system, with parish 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. Unincorporated Jefferson Parish takes part in FEMA’s Community Rating System, and the parish announced an improved rating in 2025, which lowers NFIP premiums for eligible policies. See Flood Insurance Costs in Louisiana.

Schools

Public schools in Terrytown are run by Jefferson Parish Schools, and the zoned school depends on the exact address. Some magnet and charter schools have 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 Terrytown

1. Get pre-approved and estimate the full payment with our payment calculator, including flood and wind insurance.
2. Check flood zone and school zone for each address you like, and ask whether past additions and repairs were permitted through Jefferson Parish Government.
3. 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.
4. File your homestead exemption with the Jefferson Parish Assessor after closing. See Louisiana Homestead Exemption.

Selling a home in Terrytown

Start with a free home estimate built from recent 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: Gretna • Harvey • Belle Chasse & West Bank • New Orleans • Marrero

Frequently asked questions