Despite the name, homes in the Lake Shore New Orleans neighborhood are not actually located right on the lake. A levee separates the neighborhood from Lake Pontchartrain and the seawall, but it certainly doesn’t take away from the beauty of the area.

With 2 parks in the center of each side of the neighborhood and 2 smaller parks that flank Canal Blvd., green space abounds in Lake Shore. From hanging out under the canopy of the oaks to walking along Lakeshore Drive near the lighthouse to sitting and enjoying the dancing Mardi Gras Fountain, to outdoor waterfront dining overlooking the marinas, Lake Shore feels miles away from what you typically think of when you imagine New Orleans.

Homes range from 3 to 5 bedrooms, with most built in the 1960s but updated in recent years. Sprawling ranchers are the norm here, with off-street or garage parking and fenced yards.

Lot sizes range from 65 x 110 on the small side to 95 x 120 on the large side. The curving streets are named for jewels and stones, like Onyx, Crystal, Amethyst, Emerald, and more and are lined with trees.

On the Allen Toussaint Blvd. side of the neighborhood, you’ll find a convenient Robert Fresh Market for groceries, a drug store, a fitness center, and sandwich and coffee shops.

Just outside of the neighborhood, there are several seafood restaurants, 2 yacht clubs, and a marina for parking your boat.

While there are lots of nearby things to do and see, Lakeshore is pretty suburban, and you’ll need a car to get around unless you’re right on the edge by Allen Toussaint Blvd.