Neighborhood Overview
Arabi, located just beyond the Orleans Parish line in St. Bernard Parish, represents a unique transitional zone between New Orleans proper and the suburban communities of St. Bernard. Positioned along the Mississippi River and bordered by the Lower Ninth Ward to the west, Arabi combines elements of traditional New Orleans architecture and culture with a distinct parish identity. Heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina's flooding and more recently struck by a devastating EF3 tornado in March 2022, this resilient community has repeatedly demonstrated its capacity for reinvention while preserving its working-class roots and emerging cultural significance.
Quick Facts
- Population: Approximately 4,500 residents (about 80% of pre-Katrina levels)
- Demographics: Increasingly diverse (approximately 65% white, 25% African American, 10% Latino and other groups)
- Housing: Mix of historic cottages, mid-century ranches, and post-Katrina new construction
- Historic Significance: Former site of the infamous Domino Sugar Refinery, home to the historic LeBeau Plantation House (lost to fire in 2013), location of significant Katrina recovery innovations, and increasingly known for arts development and creative adaptive reuse
Free Spaces
Old Arabi Historic District & LeBeau Plantation Site
Tour along LeBeau St., Esteban St., & Mehle Ave., Arabi, LA 70032
This walkable historic area showcases 19th-century cottages, former sugar plantation lands, and markers commemorating the LeBeau Plantation House, once one of Louisiana’s grandest riverfront homes. Free to explore on foot — a living history lesson along the levee.
Studio Arabi / St. Claude Arts Corridor Extension
6601 St. Claude Ave., Arabi, LA 70032
A cluster of artist studios and galleries that regularly open to the public for free art walks and outdoor installations. It’s an extension of the Bywater arts movement — but with a calmer, community feel.
Aycock Barn (St. Bernard Cultural Center Grounds)
409 Aycock St., Arabi, LA 70032
A restored 1920s dairy barn turned cultural hub, surrounded by open green space. When not hosting events, the grounds are free for the public to visit — great for photography, picnics, or simply admiring local architecture.
Jackson Barracks Levee & Riverfront Trail
Access via St. Bernard Hwy. at the Orleans Parish line
A scenic levee walk or bike ride with wide views of the Mississippi River and New Orleans skyline. Locals use it for morning walks, fishing, and sunset watching — completely free and open daily.
Arabi Veterans Memorial Park
8005 W. St. Bernard Hwy., Arabi, LA 70032
A quiet, beautifully maintained pocket park honoring local veterans. It features memorial statues, benches, and landscaped areas — a peaceful stop between riverfront walks or historic sightseeing.
Leave a comment
All comments are moderated before being published.
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.