What loan programs are available in Marrero?

FHA loans (3.5% down), VA loans ($0 down for veterans), conventional loans (3-20% down), and first-time buyer assistance programs are all available in Marrero. Bayou Mortgage can help determine your best option.

Moving to Marrero, LA — Cost of Living, Housing & Relocation Guide

At a Glance

Marrero Quick Stats

Key numbers for anyone considering a move to Marrero, Louisiana.

~32,400

Population

$190,000

Median Home Price

$131/sqft

Median Price Per Square Foot

0.53%

Property Tax Rate

15 min

To Downtown New Orleans

54 Days

Average Days on Market

Why Marrero

Why People Move to Marrero

Bridge-close to NOLA, budget-friendly, and more diverse than you might expect.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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	Flat 3%		Varies 0–13%
Sales Tax	9.95%	~9.5%	~7.1%

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.

Education

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 & 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 a Home

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.

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FHA Loan

3.5% down, 580+ credit

$0 down, rural eligible

First-Time Buyer Programs

Grants, DPA & special programs

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.

Pros & Cons

Pros & Cons of Living in Marrero

An honest look at West Bank living.

✅ Pros

🟢 Affordable housing — well below New Orleans prices
🟢 15-minute bridge commute to downtown NOLA
🟢 Diverse, welcoming community
🟢 Jefferson Parish school options (magnet + charter)
🟢 Suburban lots with driveways and garages
🟢 Lower property taxes than Orleans Parish

❌ Cons

🔴 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

Explore Louisiana

Explore Other Louisiana Cities

Considering other locations? Check out these nearby relocation guides.

New Orleans → Metairie → All Louisiana →

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Marrero

Marrero is a solid choice for anyone who works in the New Orleans metro but wants more affordable housing. Located on the West Bank of Jefferson Parish, it offers a diverse community, direct bridge access to downtown NOLA, and median home prices around $190,000.

Marrero is approximately 10 miles from downtown New Orleans, connected by the Crescent City Connection bridge. The commute is typically 15-25 minutes depending on traffic.

The median home price in Marrero is approximately $190,000. Homes range from affordable starter properties around $120,000 to larger family homes in the $250,000-$350,000 range.

Marrero is served by the Jefferson Parish Public School System. John Ehret High School is the main high school. L.H. Marrero Middle School and Truman Middle School serve the area. The parish also offers magnet and charter school options.

Like many suburban areas in the New Orleans metro, safety varies by neighborhood. The Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement. Many residential subdivisions are quiet and family-friendly. Researching specific neighborhoods before buying is recommended.

Many properties in Marrero are in FEMA flood zones and will require flood insurance if you have a federally-backed mortgage. The cost varies by elevation and zone. Your lender can help determine requirements for a specific property.

Moving to Marrero?