Buying a Home in Friendly Lakeview, New Orleans, LA

For as historic as New Orleans is, Lakeview is a relatively recent development. Throughout most of Louisiana’s history, the Lakeview neighborhood in New Orleans was mostly undeveloped swampland, but beginning slowly in the 20th century, people began to build out into it, and then in the post-World War II boom the area exploded.

Consequently, Lakeview is filled with newer homes, and even some of the houses that were built in the 1950s boom have been pulled down to build newer and better homes. It’s truly a thriving section of the city, with large homes and more land than most New Orleans plots.

What is Lakeview, New Orleans known for?

Living in Lakeview, there is a lot to do, though some of it can be kind of quirky (but that’s what gives it charm!)

Some of the more beautiful areas are the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, an eleven acres of unique organic sculptures, where animals (and other things) are crafted out of living wood. 26 artists have contributed to the sculptures and there is a prestigious art gallery that routinely puts on exhibitions of local and international artists.

One must-see, truly an icon of the area, is the New Canal Lighthouse, which is also a museum and education center. You can take guided tours or just enjoy the beautiful red and white architecture of this iconic structure.

For something a little different, Lakeview has a lot of fascinating cemeteries, the gorgeous and gothic cemeteries that have become so emblematic of New Orleans itself. These above-ground tombs and mausoleums, such as St. Patrick’s Cemetery and Greenwood Cemetery, give you an experience in New Orleans that is truly different from anything else in the United States.

Have kids? Storyland is a fairytale-themed park next to the Carousel Gardens and New Orleans Botanical Garden. With 26 exhibits, kids can board Captain Hook’s ship, or tumble down Jack and Jill’s hill. Another idea for kids (and kids at heart) is the Train Garden, where you can see beautiful miniature recreations of historic America.

Does Lakeview in the New Orleans Area flood?

Lakeview was one of the hard-hit areas from Hurricane Katrina when a section of the levee at the 17th Street Canal collapsed. It was one of the most catastrophic breaks in all of New Orleans.

The flood was one of the main reasons that so many of the homes in this area are recently renovated, making them much nicer to live in. It’s also the reason that the prices are low–not because people are worried about more flooding (the Army Corp of Engineers has gone overboard to make sure that the levees will hold for many generations) but because many houses went vacant after the storm.

Consequently, the population of the Lakeview district is about 75% of what it was pre-Katrina, meaning that there is an over-supply of homes. And, as any economist will tell you, extra supply means that prices will drop.

Right now is an excellent time to buy into Lakeview.

What are some great Lakeview restaurants in New Orleans?

El Gato Negro

When you think of New Orleans, you probably don’t think about Mexican food, but this restaurant provides not only authentic Mexican cuisine but the flavors and extras that keep residents coming back again and again. The table-side ceviche and guacamole are favorites. (The street this restaurant is on, Harrison Avenue, is chock full of great eateries.)

District Donuts Sliders Brew

For pure heart-attack-on-a-plate food, they serve sliders on sliced donuts, and if that sounds odd to you, one bite will convince you otherwise. Also known for their excellent biscuits and kolaches, they’re open until they sell out (which doesn’t take long).

The Blue Crab Restaurant and Oyster Bar

Up by the New Canal Lighthouse? Be sure to make a stop at this restaurant right on the lake. Everything is fresh off the boat and is advertised as “no frills”, though it is definitely gourmet. Right on the water, it delivers on the seafood theme in every aspect.

Reginelli’s Pizzeria

Ever had a pizza with shrimp? Stop at Reginelli’s and you soon will—and you’ll keep coming back for more. Vegetarian? Try the roasted cauliflower and goat cheese pizza.

There are new flavors with every pie that’s brought out.

What is considered Lakeview in New Orleans?

Generally speaking, Lakeview is the area of New Orleans that touches Lake Pontchartrain on the north, the Orleans Avenue Canal on the east, City Park Avenue on the south, and 17th Street Canal on the west.

What kind of homes are available in Lakeview?

Many of the single family homes in the Lakeview area are still the small post-war homes that were built in the 40s and 50s, but a lot of those have been torn down and much larger homes have been raised in their place. Consequently, it’s easy to find wildly different homes (and wildly different home prices) right next door to each other.

One of the main features of the post-war homes are the squat one-story bungalows. Often, these have a small detached garage and two to three bedrooms. But don’t let the size fool you. Many of these post-war bungalow homes have been renovated with vaulted ceilings, gorgeous hardwood floors, granite countertops and all the niceties.

But right next to some of these homes, you can find the sprawling double-lot homes that look like they stepped right out of the French Quarter. With four to five bedrooms and just a gorgeous look, many of these have pools, and large yards, and are very reasonably priced.

In fact, that’s one thing you’ll find throughout the Lakeview neighborhood: all the real estate and homes are good deals. Homes in this area can range from the $200,000s to the $1,000,000+ range, but you get a lot of house for your money.

Lakeview New Orleans Homes for Sale