Living in Metairie, Louisiana: The Hub of the New Orleans Metro
Metairie is the hub of the New Orleans metro area. It sits between New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain and is the largest community in Jefferson Parish, with established neighborhoods, great shopping and dining, and one of the easiest commutes around. Buyers love having city convenience without city prices, plus quick access to the airport and the Causeway to the Northshore.
Metairie at a glance
- Parish: Jefferson (unincorporated)
- Population: 143,507 (2020 Census); if it were a city, it would be Louisiana’s fourth largest
- Roots: settled by the French in the 1720s; “Métairie” is French for a small tenant farm
- Typical home prices: about $200K to more than $5 million
- Getting around: I-10, Veterans Boulevard and the south end of the Causeway
Why people love life in Metairie
Old Metairie
Old Metairie is the pinnacle of the area. Along Metairie Road, the region’s oldest road, tree-lined streets hold some of the most beautiful homes in the New Orleans area. Some are historic, and others are true works of architecture, with local shops and restaurants close by.
Shopping and dining
Veterans Boulevard is the region’s main commercial corridor, home to Lakeside Shopping Center, the area’s largest mall, plus amazing restaurants, boutiques and salons. Whatever you need, Metairie has it.
Bucktown and the lakefront
Bucktown, Metairie’s historic fishing village on Lake Pontchartrain, is known for its seafood, and the Bucktown lakefront is a favorite for biking, exercise and dog walking. Lafreniere Park covers 155 acres on the site of the old Jefferson Downs racetrack, with a lagoon and islands, a carousel, a two-mile walking track, a dog park, sports fields and a marsh boardwalk.
Getting around
You can usually reach downtown New Orleans in about 15 to 20 minutes, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is next door in Kenner, and the Causeway takes you straight to the Northshore.
Metairie neighborhoods
Explore our Metairie neighborhood guides:
Metairie schools
Metairie is served by the Jefferson Parish Public School System. East Jefferson High School is the zoned public high school in Metairie, and many addresses are zoned to Bonnabel or Riverdale High. Metairie is also home to well-known private schools, including Archbishop Rummel, Archbishop Chapelle, Metairie Park Country Day and St. Martin’s Episcopal. Always confirm a specific address with the district.
What to know before you buy
- Flood zones and elevation. Much of Metairie is low-lying, so ask about past flooding, elevation and flood insurance on any home.
- Unincorporated means parish services. Metairie has no city government, so Jefferson Parish handles services, permits and taxes.
- Housing variety: you’ll find condos, ranch homes, raised homes and large estates in Old Metairie, so pricing varies widely by street.
Why buy in Metairie with ALC Realty
“Metairie is a hub of the New Orleans metro area. Lakeside is our largest mall, the Bucktown lakefront is great for biking, exercising and dog walking, and Old Metairie is the pinnacle, with the most gorgeous homes. Metairie has tons of amazing restaurants, boutiques and salons. You name it, Metairie has it.”
— Alicia Lagarde Craig, ALC Realty
Metairie FAQs
Is Metairie a good place to live?
Many people think so. Metairie offers established neighborhoods, shopping, parks and a short drive to New Orleans and the airport.
How much do homes cost in Metairie?
From condos around $200K to Old Metairie estates of $5 million or more.
Is Metairie part of New Orleans?
No. Metairie is an unincorporated community in Jefferson Parish that borders New Orleans.
How far is Metairie from New Orleans?
Metairie borders the city, and downtown New Orleans is usually 15 to 20 minutes away.
What high school serves Metairie?
East Jefferson High School is Metairie’s zoned public high school, and many addresses are zoned to Bonnabel or Riverdale High. Always confirm a specific address with the school district.
Ready to find your home in Metairie?
Whether you are relocating to the area or moving across town, ALC Realty knows Metairie street by street.
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