Neighborhoods: Tall Timbers

Neighborhood Overview

The Tall Timbers and Brechtel neighborhoods, located on New Orleans' West Bank in Algiers, represent a distinctive suburban enclave characterized by later development, greater automobile dependency, and different housing patterns than much of the city's historic core. Bounded approximately by General DeGaulle Drive, the Intracoastal Waterway, Holmes Boulevard, and Behrman Highway, this area developed primarily in the 1960s through 1980s as a suburban-style community offering larger lot sizes, ranch homes, and cul-de-sacs that contrasted with the older, more densely built sections of New Orleans. The neighborhood takes its name from the Tall Timbers subdivision and the adjacent Brechtel Park, a 110-acre woodland that provides significant green space and recreation.

Far from the typical tourist image of New Orleans, Tall Timbers/Brechtel offers insight into the city's suburban expansion and the particular challenges and opportunities of maintaining suburban developments within an urban context. As the neighborhood approaches the half-century mark, it faces questions of housing maintenance, commercial revitalization, and adaptation to changing household patterns while building on its strengths of relative affordability, green space, and community stability.

Quick Facts

Population: Approximately 9,200 residents (relatively stable since Katrina due to less flooding impact)
Demographics: Diverse community (approximately 45% African American, 40% white, 10% Latino, 5% other groups)
Housing: Predominantly single-family homes with some apartment complexes and townhouse developments
Historic Significance: Represents mid-to-late 20th century suburban development patterns, home to Brechtel Park (established 1958), and example of relatively stable recovery after Hurricane Katrina due to less severe flooding

Free Spaces

Brechtel Park

4401 Lennox Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70131
The centerpiece of the neighborhood — a 110-acre urban forest with walking trails, lagoons, birdwatching spots, and picnic areas. It’s one of the city’s largest natural parks and completely free to visit year-round.

Lennox Boulevard Lagoon Trail

Along Lennox Blvd., near Brechtel Park entrance
This shaded public path loops around the lagoon area, offering quiet scenery, benches, and native wildlife viewing. A local favorite for morning walks and jogs.

Tall Timbers Park (Neighborhood Green Space)

Intersection of Westbend Pkwy. & Tall Pines Dr.
A small but well-kept neighborhood park featuring green space, a playground, and open lawns perfect for family outings and informal sports.

General DeGaulle Drive Greenway

Runs parallel to General DeGaulle Dr. between Holiday Dr. & Woodland Hwy.
This wide, landscaped corridor provides sidewalks and shaded stretches ideal for walking, running, or biking — a pleasant way to explore the commercial side of Tall Timbers safely.

Brechtel Park Nature Education Area

Inside Brechtel Park, near the back trail entrance
An open-access section of the park dedicated to environmental education and native plant restoration. Interpretive signs highlight the area’s birds, trees, and wetlands. Great for families and nature lovers alike.