If you’re looking for a New Orleans neighborhood that combines lakefront living, boating, recreation, restaurants, and convenient access to both Lakeview and Metairie, West End is a neighborhood worth knowing.
Located at the western edge of the Lakeview area along Lake Pontchartrain, West End has a personality all its own. The neighborhood is known for its connection to the water, marinas, parks, fishing, and its long history as one of New Orleans’ original lakefront recreational destinations.
Where Is West End?
West End is generally defined by Lake Pontchartrain to the north, the New Basin Canal and Pontchartrain Boulevard to the east, Veterans Boulevard to the south, and the 17th Street Canal to the west. The neighborhood is part of New Orleans’ Lakeview planning area and is commonly associated with ZIP code 70124.
Its location puts residents close to:
- Lake Pontchartrain
- West End Park
- The New Orleans Municipal Yacht Harbor
- City Park
- Harrison Avenue
- Lakeview
- Metairie and Veterans Boulevard
- The 17th Street Canal
- Lakefront restaurants and recreation
For people who enjoy being outdoors, it’s difficult to beat the proximity to the lake and waterfront amenities.
A Neighborhood Built Around the Lake
West End’s history is closely tied to Lake Pontchartrain.
The area began as a lakefront resort known as New Lake End in the 1830s. Early attractions included restaurants, fishing and recreational activities along the water. In 1880, the name was changed to West End.
In the early 20th century, the city continued improving the lakefront. A seawall constructed in 1921 and subsequent filling created the area that became West End Park.
Today, that history is still visible in the neighborhood’s relationship with the water, marinas and boating culture.
Boating and Outdoor Living
One of the biggest draws of West End is its waterfront lifestyle.
The New Orleans Municipal Yacht Harbor is located here, providing marina facilities along Lake Pontchartrain. The surrounding area is also home to yacht clubs, boathouses and other marine-related properties.
For residents, the lakefront provides opportunities for boating, fishing, walking, biking and simply enjoying the breeze and sunsets.
West End Park offers another place to enjoy the waterfront, while Breakwater Park provides additional open space along the lake.
And for those who enjoy fishing, West End Point is a recognizable destination along the shoreline.
Homes in West End
The real estate in West End is diverse, which is part of what makes the neighborhood interesting.
You’ll find older New Orleans homes, raised cottages, traditional residences, renovated properties, condominiums and distinctive waterfront and boathouse properties. The architecture reflects the neighborhood’s long evolution from a lakefront resort and recreational destination into a residential community.
For buyers, that means there can be a significant difference between properties depending on:
- Proximity to the lake
- Elevation
- Flood zone
- Renovation level
- Lot size
- Garage and parking
- Waterfront or marina access
- Age and construction of the home
Flood insurance and elevation are particularly important considerations when purchasing in any New Orleans lakefront neighborhood. Buyers should review the property’s specific flood zone, elevation information, insurance requirements and historical flood information rather than making assumptions based solely on the neighborhood.
Restaurants and Everyday Convenience
West End also benefits from being close to the larger Lakeview commercial area.
Harrison Avenue is one of the main dining and shopping corridors nearby, with restaurants ranging from casual neighborhood spots to seafood and international cuisine. The Blue Crab, Felix’s, JB’s Fuel Dock and Landry’s offer wonderful water views!
Nearby options include El Gato Negro – Lakeview, The Backyard and Thai Zaap Express, and Rizzuto’s.
That combination of waterfront recreation and easy access to everyday restaurants and services is one of West End’s practical advantages.
Close to City Park and Lakeview
Another major benefit of West End is its location within the larger Lakeview area.
Residents are close to City Park, the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden and the New Orleans Botanical Garden. Lakeview’s Harrison Avenue corridor also provides additional restaurants, shopping and neighborhood conveniences.
In other words, you can spend the morning walking along the lake, grab lunch in Lakeview, head into City Park in the afternoon and still be home for dinner.
Why People Love West End
West End offers something that can be difficult to find elsewhere in New Orleans: a residential neighborhood with a genuine waterfront lifestyle.
It appeals to people who enjoy:
🌊 Lakefront living
Easy access to Lake Pontchartrain and beautiful waterfront views.
⛵ Boating and fishing
A long-established boating community with marinas and yacht clubs.
🌳 Outdoor recreation
Parks, walking, biking, fishing and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
🍽️ Restaurants nearby
Easy access to West End, Lakeview and Harrison Avenue dining.
🏡 A variety of homes
From traditional New Orleans residences to condos and distinctive waterfront properties.
📍 Convenient location
Close to Lakeview, Metairie, City Park and major roadways.
West End Real Estate
For buyers considering West End, Lakeview or the greater 70124 area, it’s important to look beyond just the list price and square footage. Two homes that appear similar online can have very different values based on elevation, flood risk, renovations, lot size, parking, location and construction quality.
That’s where having an agent who knows the individual streets and micro-markets of Lakeview can make a difference.
At Bruno Swift Real Estate, we help buyers and sellers navigate the Lakeview and West End markets with an emphasis on preparation, local market knowledge and strategy.
Thinking about buying or selling in West End, Lakeview or 70124? We’d love to help you understand what your property is really worth and what the current market looks like.