Gretna Louisiana Map

About Gretna, Louisiana

Gretna is a locality in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States. It has a population of 17,814. The population density is 1704.2 people per km². Gretna is located at 29.9146°N, 90.0540°W. It observes the Central Time (America/Chicago) timezone. Gretna is an incorporated locality. ZIP codes: 70053, 70056, 70054.

Gretna holds a quiet, steady presence upon the flat expanse of the delta, defined by the slow movement of the earth and the heavy, humid air that gathers at dusk. It lies 1.3 miles west-northwest of Terrytown, LA (from Terrytown, LA: bearing 283°T), and is situated 3.0 miles south-southeast of New Orleans.

Gretna sits mere miles from the saline reach of Big Mar, where the horizon blurs into the dark, brackish water of the coastal edge. The land remains low and yielding, shaped by the proximity of the Mississippi River just a mile away, which draws the eye toward its wide, brown currents. To the north, the expanse of Lake Pontchartrain exerts a cooling influence, while the subtle depression of Bell Crevasse marks the local topography. Residents often find solace in the green quiet of Jb Spencer Park, a small oasis that anchors the neighborhood against the broader, flatter landscape. Beyond the immediate view, the distant silhouette of Demourelles Island serves as a persistent reminder of the water’s influence on this fertile, changing ground.

Gretna emerged from the early labor of settlers who recognized the inherent value of the riverbanks for trade and transport. The local economy grew out of the necessity of the river, fostering industries that relied on the steady transit of goods through the deep, murky channels of the Mississippi River. Over generations, the labor of the docks and the steady pulse of commerce have defined the rhythm of daily work, coloring the way the streets fill and empty with the changing shifts. While the modern economy has diversified, the spirit of the early workers remains visible in the sturdy, utilitarian architecture that lines the older avenues. This history is not merely a memory, but a functional framework that continues to dictate how the people of Gretna organize their lives and their livelihoods.

Gretna possesses a distinct character, a blend of traditional Southern grace and the pragmatic, hardworking nature of a river-adjacent settlement. The cultural life here is marked by the lingering heat of summer afternoons and the communal joy found in local festivals that spill into the public squares. Landmarks like the historic courthouse speak to a time when the administration of justice was the literal center of civic life. Among those who have walked these streets, individuals such as the acclaimed musician Fats Domino have added a layer of renown to the local narrative. The social atmosphere remains grounded, favoring front-porch conversations and the slow, deliberate pace of a place that feels no need to hurry. Life here moves in sync with the seasons, reflecting a deep-seated connection to the land and the waterways that have long supported the growth of Gretna.

About This Gretna Map Page

This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of Gretna, Louisiana. Coordinates: 29.914649, -90.05396. Live weather conditions are sourced directly from the National Weather Service. Real-time local and world news feeds keep the page current.

Detailed location data for Gretna includes the ZIP code (70053, 70056, 70054), telephone area code (504), county seat of Jefferson Parish, and school district assignment (Jefferson Parish School District).

Location data is drawn from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and cross-verified against 2020 US Census records by coordinate proximity. Population figures are sourced from the 2020 US Census.