Moving to
Metairie
Jefferson Parish's largest community, all the culture and convenience of New Orleans with suburban space, strong schools, and lower crime. Here's everything you need to know.
At A Glance
Metairie
By The Numbers
The numbers that matter most when you're evaluating a move to Metairie.
Why Metairie
Why People Move to Metairie
Suburban living with immediate access to one of America's most vibrant cities.
Proximity to New Orleans
Metairie borders New Orleans directly. Downtown, the French Quarter, and the Superdome are all within a 15-minute drive, yet you get more space and lower crime rates.
Strong Schools
Jefferson Parish Schools serves 50,000+ students across 75 schools, including Haynes Academy, consistently ranked among Louisiana's top high schools.
Utilities 20% Below Average
While housing runs slightly above the national average, utility costs are over 20% below the national average, keeping monthly expenses manageable.
Major Employment Hub
Ochsner Health, East Jefferson General Hospital, Chevron, and ExxonMobil all have significant operations in Jefferson Parish, providing thousands of local jobs.
Culture & Dining
From Metairie's own restaurant row on Veterans Boulevard to Fat City's nightlife district, you don't have to cross the parish line to enjoy world-class food and entertainment.
Low Property Taxes
Louisiana's property tax rate of 0.53% is roughly half the national average. On a $320,000 home, that's about $1,700/year vs. $3,500 in an average state.
Cost Of Living
Cost of Living in Metairie
How Metairie compares to the Louisiana average and the national average.
| Category | Metairie | Louisiana Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $320,000 | $253,100 | $368,581 |
| Groceries | 97 index | 96 index | 100 index |
| Utilities | 80 index | 82 index | 100 index |
| Transportation | 99 index | 95 index | 100 index |
| Healthcare | 95 index | 93 index | 100 index |
| Property Tax | 0.53% | 0.53% | 1.1% |
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
Notable Metairie Neighborhoods
Metairie stretches from the Mississippi River levee to the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, with distinct neighborhoods for every lifestyle.
Old Metairie
Tree-lined streets, historic homes, and a walkable village feel. Metairie's most established and sought-after area, with home prices from the mid-$300s to well over $1M.
Metairie Club Gardens
Large lots, elegant homes, and a country-club setting. One of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Jefferson Parish with a strong sense of community.
Bucktown
Waterfront community on the 17th Street Canal near Lake Pontchartrain. Known for its seafood restaurants and laid-back charm. A favorite of boaters and fishers.
Lakeside / North Metairie
Family-friendly area anchored by Lakeside Shopping Center. Newer subdivisions, good school zones, and quick access to I-10 and Causeway Boulevard.
Fat City
Metairie's entertainment and nightlife district along 18th Street. A mix of restaurants, bars, and shops, revitalized in recent years with new investment.
South Metairie
More affordable homes closer to the river, with 1950s-60s cottages and ranch-style houses. Great starter-home territory with easy interstate access.
Schools
Schools in Metairie
Public Schools
Metairie is served by Jefferson Parish Public Schools, one of the largest districts in Louisiana with 75 schools and more than 50,000 students. The district has invested heavily in magnet and specialized programs.
- Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies, Consistently ranked among the top 5 high schools in Louisiana
- Bonnabel Magnet Academy, Popular magnet high school with strong academics and athletics
- Dr. John Ochsner Discovery Health Sciences Academy, STEM-focused magnet school
- Metairie Academy for Advanced Studies, Top-rated elementary/middle magnet
Private & Parochial Schools
Metairie has an extensive network of private and parochial options, including Archbishop Rummel, Archbishop Chapelle, St. Martin's Episcopal, Ridgewood Preparatory, and multiple Catholic elementary schools throughout the community.
Higher Education
The University of New Orleans, Tulane, Loyola, and Xavier are all within a short drive. Delgado Community College also has a campus in the area.
Jobs And Economy
Employment in Metairie
Metairie sits in the heart of the New Orleans metro economy, giving residents access to employers across Jefferson and Orleans parishes. Key sectors include healthcare, energy, hospitality, and professional services.
Top Employers
- Ochsner Health System, Louisiana's largest non-profit health system, headquartered in Jefferson Parish with multiple campuses
- East Jefferson General Hospital, Major medical center and one of the parish's largest employers
- Chevron / ExxonMobil, Significant energy-sector footprint with offices and operations in the metro area
- Jefferson Parish Government, One of Louisiana's largest parishes by population, employing thousands
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, Located in neighboring Kenner, employing 4,000+ workers
- Retail & Hospitality, Lakeside Shopping Center, Clearview Mall, and the Veterans Boulevard corridor support thousands of retail and service jobs
Buying Here
Buying a Home in Metairie
With a median home price of $320,000 and property taxes at just 0.53%, Metairie is affordable compared to similar-quality suburbs in other states. Home values have risen about 10% year-over-year, signaling strong demand. Louisiana uses parishes instead of counties, and property law here has unique elements influenced by the Napoleonic Code, working with a local lender who understands these nuances matters.
One thing to note: flood insurance is a factor in much of the New Orleans metro. Many Metairie homes are in flood zones, so factor that cost into your monthly payment. A local lender like Mortgages by Channing can help you understand exactly what to expect.
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 BuyersMetairie Mortgage Broker
Every program we run in Metairie, priced side by side on your real numbers.
Metairie Mortgage BrokerHonest Assessment
Pros & Cons of Living in Metairie
Every place has tradeoffs. Anybody telling you Metairie has none is selling you something. Here is the list I would give a friend.
What You Get
- ᖍa6; Minutes from New Orleans without the city's higher crime and taxes
- ᖍa6; Strong school options including top-ranked magnet programs
- ᖍa6; Property taxes roughly half the national average
- ᖍa6; Major healthcare and energy employers nearby
- ᖍa6; Utilities 20%+ below national average
- ᖍa6; Diverse restaurant and shopping scene on Veterans Blvd
What You Sign Up For
- ᖍa6; Flood insurance is often required and can be expensive
- ᖍa6; Hurricane risk, Metairie was heavily impacted by Katrina in 2005
- ᖍa6; Summer heat and humidity (June, September) can be intense
- ᖍa6; Traffic on I-10, Causeway, and Veterans Blvd during rush hour
- ᖍa6; Limited public transit compared to New Orleans proper
Metairie FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Metairie
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 Metairie 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 Metairie 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 Metairie and all of Louisiana · NMLS #1457759
