Is South Kenner safe?
Kenner, Louisiana · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates South Kenner as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on South Kenner
“Go with care. South Kenner is home to the pleasant Rivertown historic district and levee recreation, making it worth a visit during the day or for an evening show. Visitors should exercise standard situational awareness regarding vehicle break-ins and avoid unlit side streets late at night.”
About the area
South Kenner sits along the Mississippi River at the southern end of Kenner, anchored by the historic Rivertown cultural district along Williams Boulevard. It features a mix of modest mid-century residential neighborhoods, local eateries, civic museums, and riverfront levee access.
- Historic
- Riverfront
- Suburban
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in South Kenner
Walk score: 48/100 · Bike score: 54/100
The Mississippi River Levee Path offers a continuous paved multi-use trail for long-distance cycling, though protected on-street bike lanes in town are lacking and there is no public bike-share system.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Historic Rivertown district provides a dedicated cultural hub with theaters, museums, and civic spaces
- Direct recreational access to the scenic Mississippi River Trail atop the levee
- Active municipal police patrol footprint covering main avenues and public venues
Cons
- Higher property crime and theft rates compared to upper Kenner and suburban Metairie
- Census tracts show lower median household incomes and localized pockets of housing distress
- Inconsistent street lighting and sidewalk infrastructure across interior residential blocks
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is relatively low, with isolated individuals occasionally seen along major commercial arteries like Airline Highway, but permanent encampments are not a prominent feature of the neighborhood.
What South Kenner is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Mornings are quiet and safe, with locals jogging along the levee and light neighborhood commuter traffic.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Afternoons are active around commercial shops and civic centers, with generally safe walking conditions.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Evenings are lively around theater showtimes and local restaurants, though side streets become quiet and dimly lit.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Late nights see very little foot traffic and carry elevated risks for property crime, making vehicular travel advisable.
Transit, parking and getting around
Jefferson Transit (JeT) serves the area via Route 201 (Kenner Local) and Route E2 along Airline Highway, providing connections to Louis Armstrong International Airport and downtown New Orleans.
Free and plentiful parking is available in dedicated surface lots around Rivertown venues, municipal facilities, and along most residential streets.
Things to do in South Kenner
- Catch a musical or drama at the Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts
- Watch an astronomy show or science exhibit at the Kenner Planetarium and MegaDome Cinema
- Stroll or jog along the paved Mississippi River Levee Trail overlooking river barge traffic
Local favorites
- Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts · Performing Arts Theater · 4.7★ (380)Community theater venue presenting Broadway musicals, plays, and youth theater productions in historic Rivertown.
- Gendusa's Italian Market · Italian Restaurant · 4.5★ (420)Neighborhood eatery known for traditional pizzas, stuffed muffulettas, and classic Italian pasta dishes.
- Kenner Seafood · Seafood Restaurant · 4.4★ (1900)Casual dining spot serving Louisiana boiled crawfish, po'boys, and fresh gulf seafood plates.
Neighborhoods near South Kenner
Common questions about South Kenner
Is South Kenner safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is South Kenner a good place to live?
On safety, South Kenner scores 61/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is South Kenner?
Walk score 48/100 and bike score 54/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near South Kenner are safer?
Chateau Boulevard (80), Westgate (Metairie) (77), Rivertown (72) score higher nearby.
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