Is McDonoghville safe?
Gretna, Louisiana · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates McDonoghville as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on McDonoghville
“Go with care. McDonoghville is a quiet, historic residential neighborhood on the West Bank with a distinct local identity and responsive police presence on the Jefferson Parish side. While generally tranquil during the day, visitors should exercise typical urban precautions after dark due to occasional opportunistic property crime.”
About the area
McDonoghville is one of the oldest historic settlements on the West Bank of the Mississippi River, characterized by classic 19th-century shotgun homes and quiet residential blocks. Bordering downtown Gretna and Algiers, it offers a peaceful, working-class atmosphere with immediate access to riverfront paths.
- Historic / Quaint
- Quiet Residential
- Working-Class
- Riverfront Access
Walking and biking in McDonoghville
Walk score: 58/100 · Bike score: 62/100
Direct access to the paved Mississippi River Trail offers excellent dedicated cycling along the levee, though interior neighborhood streets lack dedicated bike lanes.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Strict and visible municipal policing by the Gretna Police Department on the Jefferson Parish side.
- Direct pedestrian access to the scenic, paved Mississippi River Levee Trail.
- Lower rates of violent crime compared to the broader New Orleans metropolitan average.
- Rich local history with well-preserved historic shotgun cottages and long-term residents.
Cons
- Incidents of property crime, including vehicle break-ins and theft, occur in the area.
- Elevated poverty rates and scattered blighted or vacant properties along certain secondary blocks.
- Inconsistent street lighting and broken sidewalks on several residential side streets.
- Limited commercial and dining options directly within the interior neighborhood grid.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal within the residential core of McDonoghville, though unhoused individuals are occasionally seen along the nearby Westbank Expressway corridor.
What McDonoghville is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Calm and quiet as residents commute, with dog walkers and runners utilizing the levee path.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Low-key neighborhood rhythm with light residential traffic and open, accessible streets.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and peaceful around sunset, though residential side streets quickly become dimly lit.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Streets are largely deserted; low foot traffic and isolated corners make walking alone ill-advised.
Transit, parking and getting around
Jefferson Transit (JeT) serves the area with routes like the W-2 and W-3 connecting to the Gretna Transportation Center and downtown New Orleans. The Algiers Point Ferry terminal is located approximately two miles away.
Free on-street parking is readily available throughout the neighborhood, and finding a space in front of residences is rarely difficult.
Things to do in McDonoghville
- Visit the historic McDonoghville Cemetery, established in the mid-19th century and notable for its above-ground vaults and historical significance.
- Walk or cycle along the top of the Mississippi River Levee for views of the river and New Orleans skyline.
- Take a short walk to adjacent historic downtown Gretna to explore local museums and the historic red caboose.
Local favorites
- Cafe 615 (Home of Da Wabbit) · Creole Restaurant · 4.5★ (3200)Long-running West Bank landmark famous for oversized po'boys and classic Creole comfort dishes.
- Huey P's Pizzeria · Pizza Restaurant · 4.4★ (850)Casual neighborhood eatery serving stone-baked specialty pizzas, wings, and regional craft beers.
- Gretna Depot Cafe & Spirits · Bar & Grill · 4.5★ (680)Historic venue offering hearty pub fare, cold drinks, and a relaxed community atmosphere.
Neighborhoods near McDonoghville
Common questions about McDonoghville
Is McDonoghville safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is McDonoghville a good place to live?
On safety, McDonoghville scores 67/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is McDonoghville?
Walk score 58/100 and bike score 62/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near McDonoghville are safer?
Algiers Point (76), Warehouse District (New Orleans) (71), Old Gretna (70) score higher nearby.
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