Terrytown

Terrytown holds a special place in Jefferson Parish history as the first master-planned community on the West Bank, a visionary project launched in 1960 by developer Paul Kapelow. Named after Kapelow’s daughter, Terry, the town was designed to offer returning veterans and young families a modern, organized alternative to the city, featuring wide streets, integrated parks, and a consistent architectural style that remains the hallmark of the area today. Its location, nestled just at the foot of the Greater New Orleans Bridge (now the Crescent City Connection), quickly made it the premier suburban choice for those working in the New Orleans Central Business District.

The community is anchored by Terrytown Playground, the heart of local social and athletic life, where generations of families have gathered for youth sports and community events. One of its most iconic landmarks is the Terrytown Cafe, a local staple famous for its classic New Orleans-style breakfast and as a gathering spot for long-term residents. The town’s layout, featuring a mix of mid-century brick ranch homes and traditional cottages, reflects the era of its founding while maintaining a resilient, close-knit atmosphere.

For homeowners, Terrytown represents a strategic investment in convenience and stability. As a community that was “built all at once,” it benefits from a cohesive drainage and infrastructure system that was ahead of its time. Its proximity to major shopping hubs like Oakwood Center and the convenience of being just five minutes from the city make it a highly practical and enduringly popular residential enclave. Whether you are maintaining a family home in the historic “original” sections or looking at a renovated property near the canal, Terrytown offers a safe, established, and uniquely accessible West Bank lifestyle.