Located across the Mississippi River from New Orleans, Gretna, LA is the parish seat of Jefferson Parish. This is a vibrant, urban community that boasts excellent schools, a number of recreational opportunities, a thriving economy and an exceptional quality of life. Renting an apartment in this city is a great option for those who are looking for the best that New Orleans has to offer without the high prices. You can easily find a great apartment to rent in the neighborhood of your choice and plant your roots.
Gretna was originally settled as Mechanicsham in 1836 as a railroad station on the Mississippi River. The town became well known in the area by 1889 thanks to the famous company, Zatarain's, being founded. It wasn't until 1913 that the town was officially incorporated, and because the incorporation included parts of other towns, the name was changed to Gretna.
Today, the city is home to almost 18,000 people and is a popular tourist area for those visiting New Orleans. There are a number of historic places in the city, and local residents have a lot of pride about the small town feel that this urban area has.
People who rent and live in this area have a lot of options when it comes to recreation. For instance, there are a number of parks available in the city, possibly one in the neighborhood you choose to live in. Even if there isn't a park on your street, they are all an easy walk from almost anywhere in Gretna. The BMX track in the city is the only one in the New Orleans area and a popular destination for those interested in motocross. You will also find a number of sports leagues for both kids and adults.
History buffs will also find that living in this city will be great for them. Some of the historic areas you can visit in the city include the Louisiana Fire Museum, the German-American Cultural Center and St. Joseph Church & Gardens.
Most people find that a car is needed to get around the city of Gretna. Since it is located south of New Orleans and close to the swampy bayou, Route 90 north to Interstate 10 is usually the best way out of town. When it comes to public transportation, Jefferson Transit, the county bus system, is available.
There are a number of educational opportunities here, especially when you want post-secondary education. The city is close to Loyola University-New Orleans, Xavier University of Louisiana and Tulane University of Louisiana. All of these colleges are between 5 to 8 miles away from Gretna.
You will also find a number of employment opportunities here, many right in your neighborhood. The most popular sectors to find work include construction, health care and manufacturing. The top employers in the city include Jefferson Parish, The Home Depot and Zatarain's.