Living in Bonnabel Place – situated in prime Metairie, LA – is a dream for anyone who loves lakeside charm, Carnival Season, walkable neighborhoods, and genuine Louisiana community spirit. Here’s why:
1. Lakefront Living & Outdoor Escape:
- Bonnabel Boat Launch Park offers a wide array of amenities including the dog park, fishing pier, shelters and direct access to the levee trail next to Lake Pontchartrain.
- The Pontchartrain Lakefront Trail is a nine-plus paved path perfect for biking, running, or strolling – smooth, scenic safe and breezy.
- A brand-new kayak launch and protected paddle canal now connect Bucktown Harbor to Bonnabel Launch as part of a $15million living-shoreline project-enabling kayak and paddleboard adventures close to home. Check out more about this project here.
2. Walkability, Mardi Gras & Community Access
- Residents love the area’s walk-friend vibe!! Sidewalks, street lighting and dog lovers, all love walking their pups safely here! The walking path in the median of Bonnabel is perfect.
- Shops, eateries, and grocery stores along Veterans Memorial Boulevard are within easy walking distance-check quick errands or have a bite without firing up the car
- The Metairie Mardi Gras Parades pass down Bonnabel! The homes on Bonnabel get a front seat to the parades during Carnival Season! This is a lovely time in and around Metairie!
- Metairie’s civic heartbeat is strong: the Bonnabel Civic Association organizes quarterly neighborhood meetings, block-cleans, and community events to preserve the locale’s rich history and keep it vibrant
3. Quality of Life & Strong Community
- Neighbors describe Bonnabel Place as “safe,” “quiet,” and “family‑oriented”—a place where kids play in yards and pets are a regular sight on morning walks (trulia.com).
- It’s a historically significant neighborhood, first settled in the early New Orleans suburb era, now known for its grid layout, large oak‑shaded yards, and a mix of mid‑century ranch homes and newer upscale builds (homes.com).
- With a 19-easy-on-Facebook‑scale “friendliness” score of 83 and strong homeowner presence per Nextdoor data, residents feel genuinely connected .
4. Parks & Family Amenities
- Lakeshore Playground and nearby library serve as community hubs for kids’ sports, league games, reading clubs—the perfect family day out (homes.com).
- In neighboring Bucktown Harbor, you’ll find a scenic boardwalk, covered picnic pavilions, green spaces for bird-watching, and excellent fishing piers (1stlake.com) 1stlake.com+11stlake.com+1.
- While Lafreniere Park isn’t directly in Bonnabel Place, it’s just a short drive away with 155 acres of trails, disc golf, playgrounds, a lagoon, and weekly farmer’s market—a wonderful weekend spot (ezhomesearch.com).
Why Bonnabel Place Feels So Good
- Seamless access to nature: From lakeside trails to kayak canals, the outdoors is your daily view.
- Connection & safety: Walk-friendly streets, active civic groups, and neighbors who look out for one another build real trust.
- Balanced urban-suburban charm: You get proximity to New Orleans vibrancy and Metairie convenience with a relaxed, community-first setting.
- Growing & evolving neighborhood: There’s a mix of historic charm and modern builds, with evolving investments like the paddle canal and fitness areas.
Tips to Enjoy Life in Bonnabel Place
- Take an early-morning lakeside walk or evening dog stroll along the levee trail—you’ll see friendly faces, fishermen, kayakers, and great views.
- Bring your kayak or canoe down to the new canal and paddle toward Bucktown—no car necessary.
- Join the Bonnabel Civic Association to attend community meetings, keep up with local events, and be part of neighborhood upkeep (jprd.com).
- Swing by Lakeshore Playground for little ones’ games or stop at the library for story times and family events.
- Enjoy laid-back weekends: pack a picnic at Bucktown Harbor or go for longer rides along the lakefront—bring water and sunscreen, as shade is limited.
In Summary
Living in Bonnabel Place means waking up in a community that delivers genuine Southern hospitality, scenic lakefront living, and vibrant, safe, walkable streets—all within easy reach of Metairie and New Orleans amenities. It’s the perfect balance of natural beauty, active living, and down‑to‑earth neighborliness. Whether you’re out for a morning run, evening paddle, or weekend family outing, Bonnabel Place truly makes every day feel special.
