Cities and Towns in Saint Bernard Parish, Louisiana

Founded in 1807, St. Bernard Parish is one of 64 parishes in the state of Louisiana. Historically, St. Bernard Parish was one of the original 19 parishes. The city of Chalmette is the parish seat. With FIPS code of 87, St. Bernard Parish has a population of 44,258 and area of 1,794 square miles (4,646 km²).

List of all cities in Saint Bernard Parish, LA alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Arabi, LA 70032 504
Chalmette, LA 70043 504
Chalmette, LA 70044 504
Cypress Gardens, LA 70075 504
Delacroix, LA 70085 504
Francis Place, LA 70075 504
Hi Land, LA 70092 504
Hopedale, LA 70085 504
Kenilworth, LA 70085 504
Meraux, LA 70075 504
Poydras, LA 70085 504
Reggio, LA 70085 504
Saint Bernard, LA 70085 504
Saint Bernard Grove, LA 70075 504
Shell Beach, LA 70085 504
Toca, LA 70085 504
Verret, LA 70085 504
Violet, LA 70092 504

Major Cities and Towns in Saint Bernard Parish, Louisiana

Chalmette

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 7.9 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 22,907 (2020 census)
  • Zip Codes: 70043
  • Latitude: 29.9424° N
  • Longitude: 89.9612° W

Location and History

Chalmette is the parish seat of St. Bernard Parish, located just east of New Orleans, along the Mississippi River. Founded in the late 18th century, Chalmette is most famous as the site of the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812, where American forces led by General Andrew Jackson defeated the British. The city was named after plantation owner Louis-Xavier Martin de Lino de Chalmette, whose estate became part of the battlefield. Over the years, Chalmette evolved from a rural area into a more suburban community, largely due to its proximity to New Orleans. Today, it serves as a residential hub with a rich historical heritage.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Chalmette is home to Chalmette High School and J.F. Gauthier Elementary School, both part of the St. Bernard Parish Public School system. Major landmarks include the Chalmette National Historical Park, which preserves the site of the Battle of New Orleans and offers tours and reenactments of the famous battle. The nearby Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve also highlights the area’s rich history and natural beauty. Another notable landmark is the Chalmette Battlefield and National Cemetery, where soldiers from the War of 1812 and other conflicts are buried. Chalmette’s combination of historical significance and suburban growth makes it a central part of St. Bernard Parish.

Arabi

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 2.6 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 4,533 (2020 census)
  • Zip Codes: 70032
  • Latitude: 29.9563° N
  • Longitude: 89.9925° W

Location and History

Arabi is located just north of Chalmette, bordering the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans. Founded in the late 19th century, the town was originally a rural area, known for its slaughterhouses and meatpacking industry. Arabi’s name is said to have come from the Arabian Slaughterhouse, one of the many meatpacking plants that dominated the area. The town gradually grew into a suburban extension of New Orleans, particularly as the city expanded eastward. In recent years, Arabi has seen a resurgence in residential development and cultural growth, becoming a popular destination for those seeking a quieter lifestyle close to New Orleans.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Arabi is served by schools in nearby Chalmette, including Chalmette High School. One of the town’s most notable landmarks is the Old Arabi Historic District, which features well-preserved examples of 19th- and early 20th-century architecture, including Creole cottages and Victorian homes. The LeBeau Plantation, once a grand sugarcane estate, is another historic site, though it was heavily damaged by fire in 2013. Arabi’s proximity to New Orleans, combined with its growing cultural and arts scene, makes it an appealing community for both residents and visitors looking to experience a quieter, historic side of the region.

Violet

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 4.2 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 5,758 (2020 census)
  • Zip Codes: 70092
  • Latitude: 29.8969° N
  • Longitude: 89.8901° W

Location and History

Violet is a small town located southeast of Chalmette, along the east bank of the Mississippi River. The town was established in the late 19th century and named after the daughter of a local plantation owner. Violet developed as an agricultural community, with sugarcane being the primary crop. Over time, it transitioned into a residential area, with many of its residents commuting to nearby Chalmette or New Orleans for work. Violet was heavily affected by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 but has since made significant strides in recovery, with much of the town being rebuilt and revitalized.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Violet is served by schools in the St. Bernard Parish Public School system, including Trist Middle School and Arlene Meraux Elementary School. Major landmarks in Violet include the historic St. Bernard Catholic Church, which has been a central part of the community since the 18th century. Violet’s proximity to the wetlands and the Mississippi River makes it a popular spot for fishing and boating. The nearby Violet Canal is also a significant waterway that supports local industry and recreation. Violet’s blend of historical charm and access to natural resources make it a quiet but resilient community in St. Bernard Parish.

Meraux

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 4.5 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 7,651 (2020 census)
  • Zip Codes: 70075
  • Latitude: 29.9254° N
  • Longitude: 89.9053° W

Location and History

Meraux is located between Chalmette and Violet, along the Mississippi River. The town was named after the Meraux family, prominent landowners who played a significant role in the region’s agricultural development, particularly in sugarcane farming. In the early 20th century, the Meraux family expanded their holdings and contributed to the area’s growth, including the establishment of oil refineries and other industrial ventures. Like many communities in St. Bernard Parish, Meraux was severely impacted by Hurricane Katrina, but it has since undergone extensive recovery efforts, with new housing developments and businesses contributing to its revitalization.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Meraux is home to schools such as Arlene Meraux Elementary School and Andrew Jackson Middle School. The town’s major landmarks include the Meraux Foundation’s wildlife refuge, which preserves large tracts of land for conservation and outdoor recreation. The nearby Mississippi River offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and scenic views, while the historic Meraux family estates provide a glimpse into the area’s agricultural past. The Meraux Refinery, an important part of the local economy, continues to play a role in the town’s industrial landscape. Meraux’s combination of suburban living and industrial growth makes it a key part of St. Bernard Parish’s economy and culture.

Poydras

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 4.2 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 2,263 (2020 census)
  • Zip Codes: 70085
  • Latitude: 29.8668° N
  • Longitude: 89.8792° W

Location and History

Poydras is a small community located southeast of Violet, along Bayou Terre aux Boeufs. The town was named after Julien Poydras, a prominent figure in early Louisiana politics and business. Poydras has a long history tied to agriculture, particularly sugarcane and cattle farming, and it remains a predominantly rural and residential area. The town’s location near the bayou and the Mississippi River has made it an important spot for fishing and small-scale farming. Like much of St. Bernard Parish, Poydras was affected by Hurricane Katrina, but it has since worked to rebuild and preserve its quiet, rural character.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Poydras is served by schools in nearby communities, including Chalmette High School and Trist Middle School. A notable landmark in the area is the Poydras Plantation, a historic site that reflects the town’s agricultural heritage. Poydras is also home to several small fishing camps and recreational spots along Bayou Terre aux Boeufs, where locals enjoy fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. The town’s proximity to the wetlands makes it a key location for wildlife viewing and conservation efforts. Poydras’s blend of rural charm and access to natural resources makes it a peaceful community within St. Bernard Parish.

Toca

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: N/A (unincorporated community)
  • Population: Approximately 1,000 (estimate)
  • Zip Codes: 70085
  • Latitude: 29.8520° N
  • Longitude: 89.8206° W

Location and History

Toca is a small, unincorporated community located in the eastern part of St. Bernard Parish, near Bayou Terre aux Boeufs and the wetlands of southeast Louisiana. Historically, Toca developed as a rural farming and fishing community, with many of its residents involved in agriculture, particularly sugarcane and cattle farming. Over the years, Toca has remained relatively undeveloped compared to other parts of the parish, preserving its rural and natural character. The town is surrounded by marshes and bayous, making it an important area for fishing and wildlife conservation.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Toca is served by schools in nearby Violet and Chalmette, including Chalmette High School and Trist Middle School. The community’s major landmarks are the surrounding wetlands and bayous, which provide opportunities for fishing, hunting, and birdwatching. Toca’s location near Bayou Terre aux Boeufs makes it an ideal spot for outdoor recreation, with many locals and visitors using the area for boating and fishing. The rural atmosphere and natural beauty of Toca make it a unique and peaceful community within St. Bernard Parish, offering a slower pace of life and close connection to the region’s ecosystems.