Moving to
LaPlace
The heart of Louisiana's River Parishes, affordable homes, refinery-powered incomes, and a 35-minute commute to New Orleans. Here's your complete relocation guide.
At A Glance
LaPlace
By The Numbers
Key numbers for anyone considering a move to LaPlace, Louisiana.
Why LaPlace
Why People Move to LaPlace
Refinery incomes, New Orleans access, and a community that feels like family.
High-Paying Refinery Jobs
Marathon Petroleum's Garyville Refinery, one of the largest in the U.S., along with DuPont, Shell Chemical, and ArcelorMittal provide well-paying industrial careers right in the parish.
Affordable for the Metro
A median home price of $190,000 is substantially below New Orleans, Metairie, and Kenner. You get more house for your money while staying within commuting distance.
Easy New Orleans Commute
Just 30 miles west of downtown NOLA via I-10. Commute to Kenner, the airport corridor, or the CBD in 35, 45 minutes while enjoying suburban space and quiet.
Above-Average Income
Median household income of $68,028 exceeds both the state ($53,571) and gets close to the national average. Industrial wages drive strong purchasing power here.
River Parishes Culture
The Andouille Festival, Bonfire on the Levee tradition, and Cajun/Creole cuisine give LaPlace a cultural identity that's distinctly Louisiana. Known as the "Andouille Capital of the World."
Outdoor Access
Lake Pontchartrain fishing, Manchac Swamp tours, and easy access to the Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area make LaPlace a base camp for outdoor enthusiasts.
Cost Of Living
LaPlace Cost of Living Breakdown
How LaPlace compares to statewide and national averages.
| Category | LaPlace | Louisiana Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $190,000 | $253,100 | $368,581 |
| Cost of Living Index | 96 | 93 | 100 |
| Median Household Income | $68,028 | $53,571 | $75,149 |
| Median Rent | $1,097/mo | $906/mo | $1,200/mo |
| Property Tax | 0.53% | 0.53% | 1.1% |
| Income Tax | Varies 0, 13% |
Local averages. Your own numbers move with the property, the parish and the insurance quote.
The Line That Is Not On This Table
Homeowners insurance. In Louisiana it is the expensive part of the payment, not the taxes, and it goes straight into your escrow, which means it goes straight into what you qualify for. I quote it before we set your budget instead of after.
Neighborhoods
Where to Live in LaPlace & St. John Parish
LaPlace and the surrounding River Parishes communities offer diverse residential options.
Central LaPlace
The largest residential area in the parish with a full range of housing from starter homes to larger subdivisions. Close to shopping, schools, and the I-10 corridor for commuters.
Reserve
A quieter community just east of LaPlace with a more rural feel. Lower prices and larger lots make it popular with families looking for space.
Garyville
Adjacent to the Marathon refinery. Convenient for industrial workers, with affordable homes and a tight-knit community. Short commute to work.
Lions / Mt. Airy
Small communities west of LaPlace along the river. Even more affordable with a countryside atmosphere, yet still within easy reach of I-10 and parish amenities.
Schools
LaPlace Schools & Education
St. John the Baptist Parish School Board
The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board operates 14 public schools serving the entire parish. Key schools include:
- East St. John High School, the primary high school for LaPlace students
- East St. John Preparatory Academy, a magnet program focused on college readiness
- Emily C. Watkins Elementary, well-rated primary campus in LaPlace
- Lake Pontchartrain Elementary, popular school in a lakeside setting
Private & Parochial Options
The parish also offers three parochial schools and one private school for families seeking alternative education options. Southeastern Louisiana University in nearby Hammond provides higher education access.
Jobs And Economy
LaPlace Employment & Economy
Top Employers
- Marathon Petroleum (Garyville Refinery), one of the largest refineries in the U.S., a dominant employer
- DuPont, operates a significant chemical manufacturing facility in the area
- Shell Chemical Company, petrochemical operations in the River Parishes industrial corridor
- ADM Growmark, agricultural processing
- ArcelorMittal (formerly Bayou Steel), steel manufacturing
- St. John the Baptist Parish School Board, major public-sector employer
Key Industries
The River Parishes industrial corridor, stretching from New Orleans to Baton Rouge along the Mississippi, hosts some of the densest petrochemical infrastructure in the world. This drives above-average wages for the area. Healthcare, education, and retail provide additional employment. LaPlace's I-10 location also makes it viable for New Orleans commuters.
Buying Here
How to Buy a Home in LaPlace
Strong incomes paired with affordable prices make LaPlace one of the best value markets near New Orleans.
With above-average incomes and a median price of $190,000, many LaPlace buyers qualify for conventional loans with competitive rates. FHA remains popular for first-time buyers. Some surrounding areas qualify for USDA zero-down financing. Get a free quote to see which program fits your situation.
FHA Loan
Low down payment and flexible credit. The loan most first-time buyers here actually use.
FHA LoanUSDA Loan
$0 down on an eligible address. Eligibility runs off the address, not the city name.
USDA LoanConventional Loan
From 3% down with mortgage insurance that comes off at 20% equity instead of riding the loan.
Conventional LoanFirst-Time Buyers
Louisiana assistance programs compared, and a straight answer on whether now is your time.
First-Time BuyersLaPlace Mortgage Broker
Every program we run in LaPlace, priced side by side on your real numbers.
LaPlace Mortgage BrokerHonest Assessment
Pros & Cons of Living in LaPlace
Every place has tradeoffs. Anybody telling you LaPlace has none is selling you something. Here is the list I would give a friend.
What You Get
- d16b9; High-paying refinery and chemical plant jobs
- d16b9; Affordable housing, $190K median vs $368K national
- d16b9; 35-minute commute to New Orleans
- d16b9; Above-average median household income ($68K)
- d16b9; Rich Cajun/Creole culture and festivals
- d16b9; Low property tax rate (0.53%)
What You Sign Up For
- Hurricane and flood risk, Hurricane Ida (2021) caused major damage
- Industrial air quality concerns in the "Chemical Corridor"
- Property insurance premiums higher due to storm history
- I-10 traffic congestion during peak commute hours
- Limited nightlife and dining compared to New Orleans
LaPlace FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About LaPlace
Still Deciding?
Get A Straight Answer On Your Own Numbers
A soft credit check tells you where you stand. Nothing hits your report until you decide to move forward.
Compare Markets
Other Louisiana Cities
Worth Looking At
Prices, insurance and school districts change inside an hour's drive. If LaPlace is not quite it, start here. The statewide relocation guide covers all 32.
Real Closings
Real Clients.
Real Closings.
Real families we have helped get from pre-approval to keys in hand.
Find Out What A LaPlace Payment
Actually Looks Like
Tell me roughly what you want to spend and I will come back with the real number, insurance and parish taxes included, and tell you straight whether the timing is right. Free quote, no credit pull to start.
Get My Free QuoteMortgages by Channing · 337-476-2623 · Serving LaPlace and all of Louisiana · NMLS #1457759
