I'm not sure what's driving sales on the Westbank--they have increased so dramatically.  I'm traveling so often now to the Westbank from the East I have a Crescent City Connection sticker for the bridge.  Maybe I qualify as a "wanker"..  I love the Westbank, especially Gretna.  The eating is great---so diverse and inexpensive and the parts of Gretna near the Mississippi, Old Gretna, Garden Park and McDonoughville are just beautiful and so peaceful. I feel like I've been transported to the country but with down town minutes away.  I think the Westbank is catching on--prices are affordable and the living is easy.