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River Ridge, LA

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River Ridge, LA

River Ridge is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States. It is a suburb of New Orleans. The population was 13,591 in 2020.

The land that is now River Ridge was developed by French colonists and their descendants in the late 18th and early 19th centuries for large sugar plantations; these lined the Mississippi River in traditional French long-lot fashion. The plantations had relatively narrow waterfronts, to provide water access, and extended deeply back from the river. These plantations were developed by French colonists and their descendants; they depended on the labor of African slaves. Major landowners included members of the Trudeau and Sauve families. (Pierre Sauve (1805-1867) had a major plantation here known as Providence.)

The alignments of the major streets in the area are vestiges of this era. Sauve Road continues to be a main thoroughfare in River Ridge.

In 1849, a major flooding event known as Sauvé's Crevasse occurred. The crude river levee at the Sauve Providence plantation failed under the pressure of high water on the Mississippi. The massive flood inundated much of the land to the east, including parts of New Orleans. This crevasse occurred where a former meander of the Mississippi River once branched to form the Metairie and Gentilly Ridges.

In the early 20th century, an interurban transit line was constructed through this area. It served to connect the cities of New Orleans and Kenner. It was aligned along the present course of Jefferson Highway, which was improved from earlier roads.

For many years the area remained rural farmland, until the post-World War II suburbanization era. Aided by funding under the G.I. Bill, which enabled veterans to buy houses, large-scale suburban development began in the early 1950s. By 1965, virtually all of the area along the Mississippi River between Harahan and Kenner was developed. This area at the time was known as "Little Farms", a name that well described its pre-urban history; this was also the place name officially recognized by the Post Office. (To this day Little Farms Avenue remains a major River Ridge thoroughfare.) Other subdivision names such as "East Bank" and "Rural Acres" were used as place names for the area at the time.

To eliminate confusion and create some sense of community identity, the area between Kenner, Harahan, Metairie, and the Mississippi River was officially renamed "River Ridge" in 1974.

In 2019, a baseball team from River Ridge won the Little League World Series, becoming the first team from Louisiana to do so. They also became the first team since 2001 to lose their opening game but win the championship.

River Ridge is located along a 3-mile (5 km) stretch of Jefferson Highway (Louisiana Highway 48). Its boundaries include Harahan to the east, Kenner to the northwest, Metairie to the north, and the Mississippi River to the southwest. Across the Mississippi is the unincorporated community of Waggaman.

River Ridge is located at 29.958265°N 90.221894°W. According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 3.55 square miles (9.19 km²), of which 2.80 square miles (7.24 km²) are land and 0.75 square miles (1.95 km²), or 21.18%, is water.

Ensuring the health and wellness of its residents, River Ridge provides access to quality healthcare services through Ochsner Health Center, a renowned healthcare provider known for its commitment to excellence in patient care and medical innovation. Jefferson Community Health Care River Ridge offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Planet Fitness offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. Bayou Yoga offers yoga sessions for all levels, helping participants improve flexibility and reduce stress. Pure Barre specializes in low-impact, high-intensity workouts to tone muscles. Serenity Day Spa & Gifts offers massages, facials, and relaxation therapies to rejuvenate the body and mind.

The top sites in River Ridge, LA are the Oak Alley Plantation, Old River Road Plantation Adventure, and Southern Food and Beverage Museum

Population: 14,000 (2021). Elevation: 10 feet. ZIP Code: 70123. Area code(s): 504. Area: 5.22 square miles (13.5 km²).

FAQs

What is the history of River Ridge, LA?

River Ridge was developed by French Colonists and their descendants in the late 18th century for large sugar plantations. For many years, the area remained rural farmland until the post-World War II suburbanization era. To create a sense of community, the area was officially renamed River Ridge in 1974.

What are the demographics of River Ridge, LA?

River Ridge is a city located in Jefferson Parish Louisiana. River Ridge has a 2024 population of 13,216. River Ridge is currently declining at a rate of -0.55% annually and its population has decreased by -3.46% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 13,690 in 2020. According to the most recent ACS, the racial composition of River Ridge was White: 81.21%, Black or African American: 8.91%, Two or more races: 6.02%, Other race: 2.87%, Asian: 0.89%, Native American: 0.1%, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0%.

Is River Ridge, LA a good place to live?

River Ridge is in Jefferson Parish and is one of the best places to live in Louisiana. Living in River Ridge offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In River Ridge, there are a lot of bars, restaurants, and coffee shops. Many retirees live in River Ridge and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in River Ridge are above average.

Sources

Wikipedia

Jefferson Parish

Niche

Visit Jefferson Parish

World Population Review

Oak Alley Plantation

Old River Road Plantation Adventure

Southern Food and Beverage Museum

Ochsner Health Center

Jefferson Community Health Care River Ridge

Planet Fitness

Bayou Yoga

Pure Barre

Serenity Day Spa & Gifts

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete, or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.