Gentilly sits on a natural ridge formed by Bayou Sauvage, once a flood plain. The neighborhood features a rich mix of California bungalows (mostly built between 1910 and 1940), English cottages, and Spanish- and Mediterranean-Revival homes. It holds the distinction of being the first 20th-century New Orleans neighborhood to be listed as a national historic district. After Hurricane Katrina and the levee failures, much of Gentilly’s original housing stock was lost, leading to a wave of new construction that blends with the historic charm.
Its high ground, natural drainage, and easy access to downtown made Gentilly ideal for development in the early 20th century. The Pontchartrain Railroad, built in 1830, ran through the district from Elysian Fields Avenue to Lake Pontchartrain, spurring growth.
Gentilly is bounded by Lake Pontchartrain to the north, France Road to the east, Bayou St. John to the west, and the Louisville and Nashville Railroad to the south. It borders City Park—New Orleans' largest, spanning 1,300 acres.
Originally, development clustered along the narrow ridge and in Milneburg, a lakefront settlement built on elevated piers. The area between the ridge and the lake was once swamp. Gentilly Terrace, the first residential area off the ridge, emerged in the early 20th century. Builders excavated the swamp and created elevated terraces for homes. Improved drainage technology and raised levees allowed for full development by the mid-century, and the entire area became known collectively as Gentilly.
Today, Gentilly’s blend of architectural styles and tree-lined streets offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s bustle. It is home to Dillard University and Southern University at New Orleans, and it remains one of the city’s most racially diverse neighborhoods. With a vibrant mix of residences, schools, and businesses, Gentilly continues to shine as one of New Orleans’ most distinctive and inviting communities.
