Moving to
Marrero
Affordable West Bank living just 15 minutes from downtown New Orleans, a diverse community in Jefferson Parish with solid schools, convenient bridge access, and homes well below NOLA prices.
At A Glance
Marrero
By The Numbers
Key numbers for anyone considering a move to Marrero, Louisiana.
Why Marrero
Why People Move to Marrero
Bridge-close to NOLA, budget-friendly, and more diverse than you might expect.
New Orleans Prices Without NOLA Taxes
Homes in Marrero are significantly cheaper than the city proper, and Jefferson Parish property taxes and insurance tend to be more reasonable than Orleans Parish.
15-Minute NOLA Commute
The Crescent City Connection bridge connects Marrero directly to downtown New Orleans, the CBD, the Warehouse District, and the French Quarter in about 15 minutes.
Diverse Community
Marrero is one of the most culturally diverse communities in the metro area, with a rich mix of backgrounds reflected in its food, festivals, and neighborhood character.
Jefferson Parish Schools
The Jefferson Parish Public School System is the largest in the state and offers a range of traditional, magnet, and charter school options for families.
Suburban Space
Unlike cramped New Orleans housing, Marrero offers full-size lots, driveways, and garages at a fraction of the cost. Large-scale suburban development began in the late 1950s.
West Bank Job Access
Oil and gas storage facilities, the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, healthcare facilities, and the growing retail/service sector provide local employment without crossing the bridge.
Cost Of Living
Marrero Cost of Living Breakdown
How Marrero stacks up against statewide and national averages.
| Category | Marrero | Louisiana Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $190,000 | $253,100 | $368,581 |
| Price Per Sq Ft | $131 | $140 | $195 |
| Days on Market | 54 days | 60 days | 45 days |
| Property Tax | 0.53% | 0.53% | 1.1% |
| Income Tax | Varies 0, 13% | ||
| Sales Tax | 9.95% | ~9.5% | ~7.1% |
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 Marrero
Marrero and the surrounding West Bank communities offer a range of residential options.
Central Marrero
The core residential area with established subdivisions from the 1960s-1980s. Close to shopping on Barataria Blvd, schools, and bridge access. Good starter-home territory.
Harvey
Adjacent to Marrero on the east side, closer to the bridge. More urban feel with quick NOLA access. Mix of apartments and single-family homes.
Estelle
South of Marrero, Estelle offers newer construction, larger lots, and a more suburban/rural feel. Growing area popular with families seeking more space.
Westwego
West of Marrero along the river. Known for the Westwego Farmers & Fishermen's Market. Smaller, quieter community with affordable homes and a distinct identity.
Schools
Marrero Schools & Education
Jefferson Parish Public School System
Marrero is served by the Jefferson Parish Public School System, the largest district in Louisiana. Key schools include:
- John Ehret High School, the primary high school serving the Marrero area
- L.H. Marrero Middle School, centrally located middle campus
- Truman Middle School, serves portions of Marrero
- Multiple elementary schools including Vic A. Pitre and others
Magnet & Charter Options
Jefferson Parish offers magnet programs and charter schools throughout the district. Families can apply for specialized programs in STEM, arts, and college prep regardless of their home address within the parish.
Jobs And Economy
Marrero Employment & Economy
Top Employers
- Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NAS JRB New Orleans), major military installation on the West Bank
- Jefferson Parish Government, county-level government services and employment
- West Jefferson Medical Center, a major regional hospital
- Oil and gas industry, storage facilities and support companies line the riverbanks
- Retail and hospitality, Barataria Blvd corridor and Oakwood Center area
- New Orleans metro employers, many Marrero residents commute across the bridge
Key Industries
The West Bank economy blends military, oil and gas, healthcare, government, and retail employment. The NAS JRB is a significant economic driver. Many residents work in New Orleans proper but live in Marrero for the affordability. Jefferson Parish is also one of Louisiana's largest economies by GDP.
Buying Here
How to Buy a Home in Marrero
With a median price of $190,000 and strong FHA/VA options, Marrero is one of the most accessible markets near New Orleans.
FHA loans are the most popular choice in Marrero, requiring just $6,650 down on a median-priced home. VA loans are widely used given the NAS JRB presence. Flood insurance is an important factor to budget for in many West Bank areas. 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 BuyersMarrero Mortgage Broker
Every program we run in Marrero, priced side by side on your real numbers.
Marrero Mortgage BrokerHonest Assessment
Pros & Cons of Living in Marrero
Every place has tradeoffs. Anybody telling you Marrero has none is selling you something. Here is the list I would give a friend.
What You Get
- d16b9; Affordable housing, well below New Orleans prices
- d16b9; 15-minute bridge commute to downtown NOLA
- d16b9; Diverse, welcoming community
- d16b9; Jefferson Parish school options (magnet + charter)
- d16b9; Suburban lots with driveways and garages
- d16b9; Lower property taxes than Orleans Parish
What You Sign Up For
- Bridge traffic can be heavy during rush hour
- Flood risk, flood insurance often required
- Hurricane vulnerability (low elevation)
- Higher sales tax (~9.95%) than national average
- Some areas have higher crime rates, research neighborhoods
Marrero FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Marrero
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 Marrero 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 Marrero 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 Marrero and all of Louisiana · NMLS #1457759