Gretna, Louisiana
Gretna is a city on the west bank of the Mississippi River in Jefferson Parish, part of the New Orleans metropolitan area. It serves as a residential, commercial, and riverfront community with a distinct local identity.
Gretna is the second-largest city in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, located on the west bank of the Mississippi River. It lies just across the river from uptown New Orleans and is included in the New Orleans–Metairie – Kenner Metropolitan Statistical Area. At the time of the 2010 census the population was roughly 17,700. Gretna functions as both a suburban community for the greater metro area and an independent municipal center with its own commercial and cultural life.
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Overview and geography
Gretna occupies low-lying land along the Mississippi River’s west bank. Its riverfront location shaped early settlement patterns, transportation links, and industry. The city is a short commute from central New Orleans by bridge, road and river crossings, which makes it part of daily commuter flows while retaining separate local government and services.
History and development
The community developed in the 19th and early 20th centuries as settlement and river trade expanded in the New Orleans region. Over time Gretna transitioned from river-oriented industry and yardlands into a more mixed urban area with residential neighborhoods, small businesses and municipal infrastructure. While its growth has been influenced by events in metropolitan New Orleans, Gretna maintains its own civic institutions.
Government, economy and services
Gretna is governed by a municipal government that provides police, public works, parks and local zoning. The local economy includes retail corridors, professional services, light industry and river-related commerce. Public education is provided through the Jefferson Parish public school system, and residents rely on regional hospitals, transit and highways for broader services.
Transportation and connectivity
- Road links and bridges connect Gretna to New Orleans and other parts of the metro area.
- Ferry services, riverfront routes and public transit options help link commuters and visitors to downtown New Orleans.
- Proximity to major ports and freight routes influences local industry and logistics.
Culture and community
The city has a local civic life with parks, annual events, neighborhood associations and small-business centers. Its close relationship with New Orleans means residents benefit from the region’s festivals, music and cuisine while preserving a compact suburban-urban character. Gretna’s riverfront, municipal services and community organizations contribute to a distinct identity within the New Orleans metropolitan area.
Questions and answers
Q: Where is Gretna located?
A: Gretna is located on the west bank of the Mississippi River in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States.
Q: What is the size of Gretna?
A: In 2010, 17,736 people lived in Gretna making it the second-largest city in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana.
Q: What is the geography of Gretna?
A: Gretna is situated across the Mississippi River from uptown New Orleans.
Q: What is the demographic of Gretna?
A: The population of Gretna in 2010 was 17,736, but there is no further mention of the demographic.
Q: What is the connection of Gretna with other surrounding cities?
A: Gretna is part of the New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes New Orleans and other adjacent cities.
Q: Which side of the Mississippi River is Gretna situated?
A: Gretna is situated on the west bank of the Mississippi River.
Q: How does Gretna compare in size to other cities in Jefferson Parish?
A: Gretna is the second-largest city in Jefferson Parish, implying it is smaller than the largest city in the Parish. Any information beyond this requires independent research.
Related articles
Author
AlegsaOnline.com Gretna, Louisiana Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/40871
Sources
- geonames.usgs.gov : "Gretna, Louisiana"
- www2.census.gov : "2016 U.S. Gazetteer Files"
- census.gov : "Population and Housing Unit Estimates"
- city-data.com : C-Gretna
- census.gov : C2000-LA
- quickfacts.census.gov : "Gretna (city), Louisiana"
- gretnala.com : "City of Gretna"
- census.gov : "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990"