Westwood Neighborhood Overview
Overview
Nestled on the western edge of the charming town of Abita Springs, Louisiana, the Westwood neighborhood offers a serene, residential retreat characterized by its lush pine and hardwood forests. This established community provides a quintessential small-town atmosphere while maintaining convenient access to the cultural and economic hubs of the Northshore and New Orleans. Its location, just off the scenic Highway 59, positions it as a gateway to both the tranquility of rural St. Tammany Parish and the amenities of downtown Abita Springs, including the famous Abita Brewery and the Abita Springs Trailhead Museum.
Westwood's development primarily took root in the latter half of the 20th century, evolving from wooded tracts into a sought-after neighborhood of spacious lots. The area retains a strong sense of privacy and connection to nature, with many properties backing onto undisturbed forest. This history of thoughtful development has resulted in a cohesive community that values its quiet, family-friendly streets and its distinct identity within the broader, eclectic town known for its art, festivals, and historic springs.
Housing & Real Estate
The housing stock in Westwood is predominantly composed of single-family homes, ranging from classic Louisiana ranch-style houses to larger, custom-built homes on generous, wooded lots. Architectural styles are varied but consistently reflect a comfortable, suburban feel that prioritizes indoor-outdoor living. Lot sizes are a key attraction, offering residents ample space, mature trees, and a high degree of seclusion not always found in newer subdivisions.
Price ranges in Westwood are typically moderate to high for the Abita Springs area, reflecting the lot sizes, established nature of the neighborhood, and the high demand for homes in the top-rated St. Tammany Parish school district. The market is overwhelmingly owner-occupied, with a very low rental mix, contributing to the neighborhood's stability and strong community ties. Recent trends show sustained demand, with homes often receiving competitive interest from families and professionals seeking a peaceful lifestyle within a short drive of Covington, Mandeville, and the I-12 corridor.
Schools & Education
Westwood is proudly served by the highly regarded St. Tammany Parish Public School System. Students typically attend Abita Springs Elementary School, which is known for its strong academic programs and community involvement, followed by Abita Springs Middle School and the acclaimed Fontainebleau High School in nearby Mandeville. This educational pathway is a primary draw for families moving to the neighborhood, offering consistency and quality from kindergarten through high school graduation.
In addition to the excellent public schools, families have access to several well-respected private and parochial school options in the surrounding Northshore region, including St. Scholastica Academy and Northlake Christian School. For higher education, the University of New Orleans Northshore Campus and Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond are within a reasonable commuting distance, providing further educational opportunities for residents.
Parks & Recreation
While Westwood itself is a quiet residential area, its proximity to Abita Springs' unique recreational assets is a major benefit. The renowned Abita Springs Park, with its iconic pavilion, art installations, and the free-flowing Abita Spring, is just minutes away. The park serves as a community hub for festivals like the Abita Springs Opry and the yearly Arts and Crafts Festival. The Abita Springs Trailhead offers direct access to the Tammany Trace, a 31-mile rails-to-trails path perfect for cycling, walking, and jogging that connects to Covington, Mandeville, and Lacombe.
Outdoor enthusiasts also appreciate the short drive to the Bogue Chitto State Park, which offers river tubing, hiking, horseback riding, and camping. Within the neighborhood itself, the natural environment provides its own recreation, with many residents enjoying birdwatching, gardening, and the simple pleasures of a quiet walk along its shaded streets. The community's setting fosters an active, outdoor-oriented lifestyle deeply connected to the natural beauty of the region.
Local Dining & Shopping
Residents enjoy easy access to the quaint and quirky businesses of downtown Abita Springs. Dining options include local institutions like the Abita Brew Pub, which pairs its craft beers with classic pub fare, and the family-friendly Abita Cafe. For upscale dining, nearby Covington and Mandeville offer a wider array of restaurants, but Abita Springs holds its own with cozy spots and the famous Abita Roasting Company for coffee enthusiasts.
For everyday shopping, the Abita Springs Farmers Market is a popular weekend destination for fresh produce and local goods. While major grocery stores are located in Covington, the town has essential services and unique retail shops, including art galleries, antique stores, and the beloved UCM Museum (aka the "Abita Mystery House"). The neighborhood's location ensures that larger retail centers and big-box stores are only a 10-15 minute drive away, providing convenience without compromising Westwood's secluded feel.
Who Lives Here
Westwood attracts a mix of established families, professionals, and retirees who prioritize tranquility, space, and a strong sense of community. The neighborhood is particularly popular with families drawn by the top-tier schools and the safe, nurturing environment where children can play outdoors. It also appeals to professionals working in Covington, Mandeville, or even New Orleans who desire a peaceful home base after their commute.
The community vibe is one of friendly, respectful neighbors who value their privacy but come together in support of local schools and town events. Residents are typically drawn to a lifestyle that balances the benefits of suburban comfort with deep appreciation for the natural environment and the unique
Top Real Estate Agents in Westwood, Abita Springs
Merit Criteria — Agents must hold an active license verified by
Louisiana Real Estate Commission (LREC), maintain a minimum 4.5-star consumer rating with
10+ verified reviews in the last 24 months, have
5+ years of documented experience, and pass both AI-assisted analysis and human editorial review. Fewer than 1% of licensed agents in covered markets qualify. No agent can pay for inclusion or ranking position.
16 agents met the full merit gate for Westwood, Abita Springs, LA, selected from over 30,000 licensed Louisiana professionals.
5.0 stars
655+ verified reviews
License: 2250814
Real Brokerage
21+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (310) 902-1004
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.thesuarezteam.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/The%20Suarez%20Team
Why selected: Selected for her active community leadership, recognized by Sigma Kappa Sorority's 35 Under 35 program. She combines a 5-star rating from 655 reviews with 20 years of market expertise as a top-performing agent.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
138+ verified reviews
License: 1800853
Huntington Group
20+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (626) 403-8230
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://huntingtongroup.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Jack%20Holwahjian
Why selected: Selected for his extensive community leadership as CEO and Co-Owner of the Huntington Group, combined with over 20 years of expertise handling complex real estate and mortgage transactions in Los Angeles.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
116+ verified reviews
License: 1900787
The Agency
12+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (424) 233-0922
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.benbelack.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/bbelack
Why selected: Selected for his extensive community and industry leadership, highlighted by major media recognition and a Netflix series. He demonstrates elite performance with over $1 billion in sales, 500+ transactions, zero expired listings, and 116 five-star reviews.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
108+ verified reviews
License: 1846410
The Agency
20+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (213) 380-8888
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.theagencyre.com/agent/george-ouzounian/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/George_Ouzounian
Why selected: Selected for his two decades of dedicated community involvement in Los Angeles. He combines a 5.0-star rating with extensive expertise in diverse real estate specialties.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
77+ verified reviews
License: 2235535
Compass
25+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (310) 430-4842
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.michaelhaddad.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/haddad1213
Why selected: Selected for his 24 years of experience and exceptional client service, earning 77 five-star reviews. His approach prioritizes lasting relationships and personalized guidance for every transaction.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
48+ verified reviews
License: 1885132
Coldwell Banker Brokers of the Valley
20+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (707) 266-8086
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.lamperealestategroup.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Litle%20and%20Lampe
Why selected: Selected for her deep community engagement as a local business owner and volunteer, combined with a strong 5-star rating and over 100 transactions. Her unique interior design expertise further distinguishes her service.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
4.9 stars
44+ verified reviews
License: 2233441
Real Brokerage Technologies
9+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (310) 877-4407
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.thesuarezteam.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Ronald%20Anavim
Why selected: Selected for his deep community involvement and leadership roles. He combines a 4.9-star rating from 44 reviews with unique CPA credentials and financial expertise for exceptional client outcomes.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
41+ verified reviews
License: 1158366
The Stephanie Younger Group at Compass
19+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (805) 705-5316
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.stephanieyounger.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Stephanie%20Singletary
Why selected: Selected for his 18 years of experience and 41 five-star reviews, demonstrating exceptional client service. His career is built on reliability and clear communication throughout the transaction process.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
40+ verified reviews
License: 1516799
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
20+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (805) 861-9210
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://alisonebbertt.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/alisonebbertrealty
Why selected: Selected for her President's Award-winning performance and top 5% sales ranking, Alison Ebbert is a 5-star agent with 40 reviews. Her career, built entirely on referrals since 2005, reflects exceptional client service.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
39+ verified reviews
License: 1993690
Beverly & Company
24+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (424) 272-5099
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.londynrealestate.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/bethanylondyn
Why selected: Selected for her extensive community leadership and charitable work, which is paramount to our ranking. She combines this with a strong 23-year track record, 39 five-star reviews, and a finance degree that provides unique investment insight.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
4.9 stars
32+ verified reviews
License: 1949299
eXp Realty of California, Inc.
16+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (408) 219-0030
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.gennawalsh.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/GennaWalsh
Why selected: Selected for her significant community involvement and leadership roles. She demonstrates strong performance metrics and stands out as a Certified Probate & Trust Specialist.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
26+ verified reviews
License: 2228526
eXp Realty of California, Inc.
22+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (310) 963-7384
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.revimendelsohn.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Revi%20Mendelsohn
Why selected: Selected for his top 3% sales production, 26 five-star reviews, and over two decades of experience achieving exceptional results like 124% of asking price.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
26+ verified reviews
License: 1862237
Compass
17+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (847) 826-4885
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.instagram.com/fliplosangeles/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Liz%20Cappola
Why selected: Selected for her significant community leadership roles and charitable work. She combines this with top-producing performance metrics and a unique professional background in fine art and advertising.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
26+ verified reviews
License: 2090359
Sotheby’s International Realty
5+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (310) 339-4559
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.adamkuyt.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/akuyt1
Why selected: Selected for sustained community leadership and market excellence, with 26 five-star reviews since 2020 and a unique professional background. He combines an artistic eye with high-stakes negotiation skills, standing out in client service.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
25+ verified reviews
License: 924546
Coldwell Banker Brokers of the Valley
47+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (707) 953-1798
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://carolynroberts.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/carolynrobertsnapa
Why selected: Selected for her significant community leadership as a Board Member of a Local Bank, combined with 46 years of expertise. She demonstrates exceptional performance with 25 five-star reviews and is a Continuous Multi-Million Dollar Producer.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
21+ verified reviews
License: 1958437
Luxe Places International
8+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (916) 919-5341
Email: [email protected]
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/tony95405
Why selected: Selected for his deep community engagement and collaborative father-son team leadership. He is further distinguished by 21 five-star reviews and a proven commitment to lasting client relationships.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.