Kenner

Kenner: Where Riverfront Heritage Meets Suburban Growth

Situated between the mighty Mississippi River and the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, Kenner is a dynamic suburb of New Orleans with deep historical roots and modern appeal. Its story begins in 1855, when landowner Minor Kenner purchased several plantations to form the foundation of the city. Over time, development pushed northward from the river, transforming swampland into thriving residential neighborhoods, commercial corridors, and cultural hubs.

Kenner is intrinsically connected to New Orleans. Not only by proximity but also by identity. The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, located within Kenner’s boundaries, serves as a major gateway to the region. Meanwhile, the city’s Rivertown district, along the Mississippi, honors its past with heritage buildings, public art, and the scenic LaSalle’s Landing (believed to be the spot where French explorer La Salle first landed) where locals enjoy river views, walking paths, and historic markers.

A City of Distinct Neighborhoods and Evolving Homes

Kenner is broadly split by Interstate 10. South of I‑10, you’ll find an older residential core defined by mid-century cottages, ranch homes, and modest bungalows. To the north, more recent subdivisions and planned developments reflect later growth, with French Country, contemporary, and traditional styles flourishing on larger lots.

Post‑Katrina rebuilding enhanced drainage systems, and demand for updated housing have reshaped much of Kenner’s landscape. Buyers today find a wide range of options: from entry-level homes to larger family residences. Making the city accessible to a variety of budgets and lifestyles.

Schools, Learning, and Community

Kenner falls under the Jefferson Parish Public School System, which is among the largest in Louisiana. Families in Kenner benefit from access to public, charter, and private school options. Notably, Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Kenner dates back to the early 20th century and serves as a long-standing parochial institution in the area.

Rivertown itself is also home to the Kenner Planetarium & MegaDome Cinema, combining education, entertainment, and immersive experiences under one roof.

Urban Heartbeat, Recreation & Commerce

Williams Boulevard is Kenner’s main commercial spine. Linking Rivertown to the rest of the city and anchoring shops, restaurants, and retail centers. In Rivertown, historic storefronts, museums, and performing arts venues add character and local flavor. Heritage Park preserves a turn-of-the-century streetscape, complete with replicas of a gas station, icehouse, and early businesses.

Lakefront activity centers around Laketown, a 30-acre development bordering Pontchartrain, offering walking paths, fishing piers, and Coconut Beach, a sand-volleyball and recreation complex. Plans for amphitheaters, inclusive playgrounds, and new public amenities aim to enhance Kenner’s recreational offerings.

The Pontchartrain Center in Kenner hosts conventions, performances, and events, cementing the city’s role in regional entertainment and commerce.

Connectivity, Challenges & Resilience

Kenner is well-connected by major roads. I‑10 provides east-west access, and Williams Boulevard and Veterans Highway run north-south. While public transit serves some corridors, most residents rely on cars for daily commutes.

Because of its geography, lying between the river and the lake, Kenner remains vulnerable to flooding and hurricane impacts. The city and parish have invested in levees, pumping stations, and resilience infrastructure to mitigate risks.

Kenner’s appeal lies in its blend of history, convenience, and community spirit. Whether you’re drawn by river views, family-friendly neighborhoods, or a short commute into New Orleans, Kenner offers a place where tradition and forward momentum coexist.