Harahan: The City of Friendship

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Living in Harahan With Kids

Harahan is a charming little town just outside of New Orleans located in the bend of the Mississippi River. The City of Harahan was named for the former president of the Illinois Central Railroad Company, James T. Harahan. In 1844, the Illinois Central railroad workers created a settlement that became the forerunner of the City of Harahan and headquarters for the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad. Y’all know I like to drop some history on ya!

Harahan is a small city in Jefferson Parish, which is just outside of New Orleans. Our population is about 9,300, so Harahan offers a small town feel with big city amenities. We have our own Mayor and police department in Harahan. This is extremely important to me because if there is ever an issue, we get help almost immediately. As an example, I was selling a TV on Facebook marketplace. I called the non-emergency number and asked if they could send a patrol car to pass by while the transaction was taking place. As a single woman living alone, this put my mind at ease. Within greater New Orleans, I am not sure of any other neighborhood where that is even an option!

Living in Harahan With Kids :: Safety

Since Harahan is the 2nd safest city in Louisiana according to safewise.com, homes don’t come up for sale often, and when they do, they have offers in almost immediately if the price is right. The typical home value is around $300,000. Depending on the area, this price could go up to the millions or it could go to the $150,000 range. Within Harahan, there are truly housing options for every budget.

Harahan Elementary is the public school, and then students move on to Riverdale Middle and Riverdale High School in Jefferson, Louisiana. The only private Catholic school in Harahan is St. Rita School.

Living in Harahan :: Accessibility to New Orleans Without the Flooding

Since Harahan is on the ridge of the Mississippi River, it is very rare that we flood during hurricanes or the popup storms we so frequently get. The levee is easily accessible just off of River Road. The city itself is about 15-20 minutes depending on which way you go. I love to drive all the way down River Road until you run into the Audubon Zoo.

Feeling safe in the neighborhood you live in is one of the most important things, if not the most important thing, when deciding on where to plant your roots. I grew up here and love that my son also gets to experience that. As a girl growing up in the City of Friendship, aka Harahan, my family owned a mom-and-pop store, so a lot of residents knew us. Living in Harahan as an adult has been equally wonderful, and I love that I am able to raise my son here as well. We live close to a lot of friends and family, so we are mostly just a quick walk away from one another.

Living in Harahan :: Incredible Small Businesses and Community

There are some hidden gems here you may not know about, including all of these amazing restaurants, and let me tell you, I am here to let you know why we love living in Harahan. There is a huge Halloween block party every year in the Imperial Woods Subdivision that people from all over come to enjoy. It is patrolled by the Harahan Police Department and is a safe place to trick or treat with your families.

Since the pandemic hit, we have not been able to have our Harahan Christmas parade, so Santa gets in a red pickup truck and drives up and down every street to wave to the children instead. Harahan has fire trucks leading the way, honking their horns to let you know to come on out and see Santa. The Easter Bunny also makes an appearance in Spring and borrows Santa’s truck. Beyond the community events, there are so many fun businesses to patronize and enjoy with your kids. And again – this is all within a very quick drive of New Orleans!

Robear’s Snowball

Robear’s has been around since before I was born. I used to visit Mrs. Robear every day after school when they were open. She started making my snowball as she saw me walking up to the window. Her kids run the stand now and it is still the quaint little place it has always been. I highly recommend the Chocolate with Condensed Milk. All New Orleans kids should take a trip to Robear’s regardless of where they live!

Seither’s Seafood

Do you love eating seafood outside while drinking and listening to live music? Well, then this is your place. If you choose to live in Harahan, you’ll find your New Orleans family here a lot!

Colonial Bowling Lanes

Every little town has a place to go bowling, and Harahan is no different! Colonial offers Cosmic bowling on Saturdays and Sundays. Also, on Sundays from 11:00am – 12:00pm and then 3:00pm to close they have specials for $17.99 an hour for a lane. Finally, the food is on point, like some of the best family-friendly food in New Orleans. Get the Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap; you are welcome.

Oak Oven

Do you like Italian food? Who doesn’t?! This restaurant located just outside of New Orleans used to be a Popeye’s, but they completely transformed it into a beautiful space for an amazing dining experience. Oak Oven offers gluten-free pasta, delicious pizza and makes the full menu in-house. Pro tip – salted caramel gelato…chef’s kiss! This is another family-friendly restaurant in New Orleans that is absolutely worth the drive to Harahan.

Smoked

Smoked is a family-owned BBQ joint where everything is homemade. It is located close to Robear’s, so you can make a stop at both in one trip. Smoked also offers delicious catering items for your catering and party needs in New Orleans.

The Wandering Goat

The Wandering Goat place has the BEST macarons I have ever tried. Seriously if you are looking for macarons in New Orleans, drive out to Harahan for these. The Wandering Goat makes everything from scratch, from breads to gelato, and even offers special order cakes.

Little J’s Donuts

Little J’s in Harahan has the best donuts I have had in a long long time. Their specialty donuts are top-notch. 

Other Must Visit Restaurants in Harahan, Louisiana

Happy Italian

Kim Anh’s Noodle House

Liberty Cheesesteak

Royal Thai

Pedros Tacos + Tequila Bar

Taqueria Corona

Bienvenue

Koz’s

Desi Vega’s Prime Burgers

Hickory Cafe & Grill

Charles Seafood

The Breakfast Club

Droopy’s Snowball

Perrin’s Restaurant

Chosen Cakes & Caterers

Red Wagon

My Brother’s Bar

Shimmy Shack

The Daiquiri Stop

I am sure I missed a few of the extraordinary options that living in Harahan has to offer. There is so much to do in Harahan, so come on, take a drive from New Orleans to visit! Better yet, consider moving with your kids to Harahan!

Jeanne DeLasalle
Jeanne is a single mom to a wonderful son who loves nothing more than her family, friends, and her Saints. Born and raised in New Orleans, she enjoys everything this city has to offer. In her spare time you can catch her napping or binge watching movies on her couch. On Sunday's in the fall, she is in the Superdome and goes into a state of depression when football season is over.

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