Relocation Guide

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.

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Metairie Quick Stats

The numbers that matter most when you're evaluating a move to Metairie.

139,000
Population
$320,000
Median Home Price
7% Above
Cost of Living vs National Avg
0.53%
Property Tax Rate (vs 1.1% national)
$73,256
Median Household Income
7 miles
Distance to French Quarter

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.
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Major Employment Hub
Ochsner Health, East Jefferson General Hospital, Chevron, and ExxonMobil all have significant operations in Jefferson Parish, providing thousands of local jobs.
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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.
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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 in Metairie

How Metairie compares to the Louisiana average and the national average.

CategoryMetairieLouisiana AvgNational Avg
Median Home Price$320,000$253,100$368,581
Groceries97 index96 index100 index
Utilities80 index82 index100 index
Transportation99 index95 index100 index
Healthcare95 index93 index100 index
Property Tax0.53%0.53%1.1%

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 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.

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 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 Bayou Mortgage can help you understand exactly what to expect.

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Pros & Cons of Living in Metairie

Every city has tradeoffs. Here's an honest look at what to expect.

✅ Pros

  • 👍 Minutes from New Orleans without the city's higher crime and taxes
  • 👍 Strong school options including top-ranked magnet programs
  • 👍 Property taxes roughly half the national average
  • 👍 Major healthcare and energy employers nearby
  • 👍 Utilities 20%+ below national average
  • 👍 Diverse restaurant and shopping scene on Veterans Blvd

❌ Cons

  • 👎 Flood insurance is often required and can be expensive
  • 👎 Hurricane risk — Metairie was heavily impacted by Katrina in 2005
  • 👎 Summer heat and humidity (June–September) can be intense
  • 👎 Traffic on I-10, Causeway, and Veterans Blvd during rush hour
  • 👎 Limited public transit compared to New Orleans proper

Explore Other Louisiana Cities

Considering other areas? Check out these nearby relocation guides.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Metairie

Metairie is consistently ranked among the best places to live in Louisiana. With a population of nearly 139,000, it offers suburban convenience minutes from downtown New Orleans, strong schools in the Jefferson Parish system, and a median household income of $73,256. Utilities run about 20% below the national average, helping offset slightly higher housing costs.
The median home price in Metairie is approximately $320,000 as of 2025, up about 10% year-over-year. Prices range from the low $200s in older south Metairie neighborhoods to $500,000+ in areas like Old Metairie and Metairie Club Gardens.
Metairie shares a border with New Orleans and is essentially adjacent to the city. Downtown New Orleans is about 10-15 minutes by car via I-10, and the French Quarter is roughly 7 miles from central Metairie.
Metairie is served by Jefferson Parish Public Schools, one of the largest districts in Louisiana with 75 schools and over 50,000 students. Notable schools include Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies and Bonnabel Magnet Academy.
Top neighborhoods include Old Metairie (tree-lined streets, walkable, historic charm), Metairie Club Gardens (upscale, large lots), Bucktown (waterfront community near Lake Pontchartrain), and the Lakeside area near Lakeside Shopping Center.
Metairie homebuyers can access FHA loans (3.5% down, 580+ credit), VA loans ($0 down for veterans), Conventional loans (3-20% down), and first-time buyer programs with down payment assistance. USDA loans are not available in Metairie due to its urban classification.

Ready to Buy in Metairie?

Get a free, no-obligation quote from a Louisiana lender who knows Jefferson Parish inside and out.

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