Moving to Metairie, Louisiana: A Comprehensive Relocation Guide

Considering moving to Metairie, Louisiana? This vibrant New Orleans suburb offers excellent schools, diverse dining, and immediate city access. With approximately 139,000 residents in 2025, Metairie combines suburban amenities with New Orleans culture and Jefferson Parish’s largest community.

Demographic Profile to Consider If Moving to Metairie:

Metairie’s 2025 population is approximately 139,000 residents, making it Louisiana’s fifth-largest city (census-designated place in Jefferson Parish) immediately west of New Orleans. The median age is around 40 years, with families, professionals, retirees, and diverse residents. The population is approximately 71% White, 16% Black or African American, 8% Hispanic, 4% Asian. Metairie features diverse neighborhoods from middle-class to affluent, Veterans Boulevard commercial corridor, excellent schools, and serves as the New Orleans metro’s premier suburb. The city attracts families seeking excellent Jefferson Parish schools with New Orleans access, professionals, and those wanting suburban living with urban proximity. Metairie appeals to middle to upper-middle class residents prioritizing schools, safety, and New Orleans culture access. The community balances suburban character with New Orleans cultural influence and Louisiana character.

Cost of Living to Consider If Moving to Metairie:

Metairie offers competitive affordability for the New Orleans metro. Median home values range from $220,000 to $350,000 in 2025, varying by neighborhood from middle-class to very affluent areas like Old Metairie. The median household income is approximately $65,000. Rental properties average $1,100 to $1,700 monthly. Louisiana has no state income tax on military retirement pay; individual income tax is progressive 1.85%-4.25%. Property taxes are very low. Flood insurance is essential in many areas adding significant costs. Overall cost of living is competitive for Jefferson Parish schools and New Orleans access, making Metairie attractive for families prioritizing schools, professionals, and those seeking the metro’s best suburban value. The city provides quality with excellent schools and comprehensive amenities. Housing costs create options across income levels.

Economy and Job Market:

Metairie residents typically work throughout the New Orleans metro. Major local employers include Ochsner Medical Center – Jefferson Highway (major hospital), East Jefferson General Hospital, retail centers along Veterans Boulevard and Causeway Boulevard, and businesses throughout. Many commute to downtown New Orleans (15 minutes) or work throughout the metro. The broader New Orleans economy offers vast opportunities. Typical commute times within the metro are 15-30 minutes. The suburban location creates employment accessibility. Many residents work in healthcare, professional services, hospitality, and various sectors throughout the metro.

Education:

Jefferson Parish Public School System serves Metairie students with numerous highly-rated schools including East Jefferson High School, Riverdale High School, and many excellent elementary schools. School quality is consistently strong with Jefferson Parish schools ranking among Louisiana’s best. The exceptional schools attract families specifically for educational quality. The outstanding school system is the primary reason families relocate to Metairie, creating education-focused community.

Recreation and Lifestyle:

Metairie offers Lakeside Shopping Center, numerous restaurants representing diverse cuisines including excellent local Creole and Cajun options, City Park (New Orleans, immediately adjacent) providing world-class park access, and Fat City entertainment district. The city features extensive shopping along Veterans and Causeway, comedy clubs, music venues, and family recreation. Residents enjoy immediate New Orleans access (5-15 minutes) for all metro attractions including French Quarter, festivals, Saints and Pelicans games, and world-class culture while maintaining suburban safety and schools. The lifestyle emphasizes suburban family living, exceptional dining access (Metairie features outstanding restaurants), New Orleans culture proximity, and Jefferson Parish schools excellence. The humid subtropical climate features hot, humid summers and mild winters. The community values Jefferson Parish schools (tremendous pride), suburban safety, diverse dining options, and New Orleans access. Living in Metairie means accepting suburban character, significant neighborhood variation from middle-class to wealthy, flood risks in many areas requiring expensive insurance, and being New Orleans’ suburb rather than the city proper while enjoying Jefferson Parish schools excellence (Louisiana’s best public schools), outstanding restaurants everywhere (Metairie dining scene rivals New Orleans), immediate city access for culture without urban challenges, and comprehensive suburban amenities creating the New Orleans metro’s premier family destination where excellent schools meet exceptional dining and New Orleans culture access defines Louisiana’s finest suburban living.

Healthcare and Services:

Metairie residents access world-class healthcare through Ochsner Medical Center – Jefferson Highway, East Jefferson General Hospital, and immediate access to New Orleans’ extensive medical facilities including Ochsner main campus. The concentration of hospitals creates excellent healthcare access.

Transportation:

Metairie is accessed via Interstate 10, Veterans Boulevard, Causeway Boulevard, and various corridors. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is 10 minutes west. New Orleans RTA provides limited bus service. Most residents use personal vehicles. Some areas offer walkability. Typical commute times to downtown New Orleans are 15-25 minutes.

Conclusion:

Moving to Metairie in 2025 offers premier New Orleans suburb living with Jefferson Parish schools excellence, exceptional dining, and immediate city access. The city’s combination of Louisiana’s best public schools, outstanding restaurants, and New Orleans proximity makes it ideal for families, professionals, and those seeking the metro’s finest suburb where educational excellence meets culinary diversity and New Orleans culture access defines Louisiana’s premier family destination.