Neighborhood: Gentilly

Gentilly, one of New Orleans' most diverse neighborhoods, stretches across approximately five square miles bounded by Lake Pontchartrain to the north, the Industrial Canal to the east, the Fairgrounds to the south, and City Park to the west. Once primarily swampland, Gentilly developed as a middle-class residential area in the early to mid-20th century. Today, it encompasses multiple sub-neighborhoods including Gentilly Terrace, Gentilly Woods, Pontchartrain Park, Milneburg, and others.

Quick Facts

• Population: Approximately 16,500 residents (post-Katrina recovery)
• Demographics: Racially and economically diverse, with many long-term residents
• Housing: Predominantly single-family homes, with increasing multifamily development
• Historic Significance: Includes Pontchartrain Park, one of the first planned suburban-style communities for African Americans in the United States

Free Spots to Visit

Mirabeau Water Garden – A 25-acre public green space designed for stormwater management and recreation. Visitors can explore walking trails, native landscaping, and outdoor classrooms that highlight New Orleans’ “living with water” strategy.

Pontchartrain Park – One of the first planned suburban-style communities for African Americans in the U.S., it remains a peaceful public park with golf greens, picnic areas, and walking paths.

Dillard University Campus Grounds – A historic HBCU with open green lawns and beautiful oak trees. The campus welcomes quiet walks and features architecture from the early 20th century.

Gentilly Resilience District Blue-Green Corridors – Along streets like St. Anthony and Filmore, these landscaped corridors include bioswales, walking paths, and benches, providing open-air public access while demonstrating innovative water management.

Gentilly Greens Community Gardens – Part of the urban farming network on formerly vacant lots; visitors are welcome to learn about local food production and neighborhood sustainability projects.

Locally Owned Businesses

Skinny's Tavern