Metairie 85 Exceptional
Metairie Livability #1 ranked city in Louisiana#468 ranked city in the USARanks better than 98% of areas

Metairie, LA - The First Suburb

Metairie, LA, known as 'The First Suburb,' offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and modern urban amenities. Located in Jefferson Parish, Metairie is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like New Orleans (7 miles) and Kenner (5 miles) enhance its status as a central point in the region. Metairie's blend of scenic landscapes, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Metairie is home to several iconic landmarks, including the Lafreniere Park, the historic Lakeside Shopping Center, and the scenic Metairie Cemetery. The city offers a variety of attractions, from the beautiful Bucktown Harbor to the bustling Clearview Mall, known for its shopping and dining. Metairie's dining scene is diverse, offering everything from Creole cuisine to international dishes.

Annual events such as the Family Gras and the Jefferson Parish Seafood Festival highlight the city's vibrant cultural scene and provide unique entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors. These events celebrate Metairie's rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Prestigious institutions like Delgado Community College contribute to the city's academic and cultural vibrancy, fostering a thriving intellectual community.

The arts and culture scene in Metairie is dynamic and diverse, with numerous theaters, music venues, and art galleries. The Jefferson Performing Arts Center and the Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts are just a few of the cultural landmarks that showcase the city's commitment to the arts. Living in Metairie provides ample opportunities to engage with art, music, and history, making it an exciting place to call home.

Metairie’s community is welcoming and diverse, creating a friendly environment for newcomers. The city is home to professional sports teams like the New Orleans Saints (NFL) and the New Orleans Pelicans (NBA), providing plenty of excitement for sports fans. Major industries in Metairie include healthcare, education, and retail, with significant employers such as East Jefferson General Hospital and Jefferson Parish Public Schools driving economic growth. The city has extensive public transit options, including buses and bike-sharing programs, making transportation convenient and accessible for residents.

Pros and Cons of Living in Metairie

PROS
  • Amenities

    Within the vicinity, you'll find a wealth of amenities, from restaurants and coffee shops to grocery stores and local shops, all easily accessible on foot.

  • Commute

    High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.

  • Housing

    The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.

  • Schools

    A high score in the schools category could be the result of elements like top-notch test scores, high education levels and the convenient location of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Nothing Found

    This area did not exhibit any cons, as none of the categories were rated low enough.

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What's it like Living in Metairie?

Located in the state of Louisiana, Metairie is a moderately-sized city with a population of 138,511 people. With a population density of 5,955 people per square mile, Metairie is well above the nation's average density level. If we look at the most recent Census, Metairie is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Metairie is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 21 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Living in Metairie can be a fulfilling experience for anyone moving to the city. Having said that, in the state of Louisiana, there are many amazing places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. The best areas in Metairie and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, health & safety, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Louisiana and national averages.

Metairie has a livability score of 83 out of 100 and is ranked #1 in Louisiana and #590 in the USA. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Metairie could be a great choice! Another exciting tidbit, is that Metairie ranks better than 90% of all US cities! If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Metairie has higher than average grades for the following: amenities (A-), education (B+) and housing (B+).

The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Metairie, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Metairie undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location. A few of the enjoyable things to experience and sights to see are: Bliss Day Spa & Shop, Lovejoy Day Spa & Shop, and Jefferson Orleans North.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Metairie, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.44% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.

Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Metairie, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 69%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Metairie can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Metairie real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Metairie. The median home price for Metairie homes is $247,300, which is 66.8% higher than the Louisiana average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Metairie, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.1, which is 24.2% higher than the Louisiana average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Metairie

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Compare Metairie, LA Livability

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      Metairie transportation information

      Statistic Metairie Louisiana National
      Average one way commute21min25min26min
      Workers who drive to work79.6%82.6%76.4%
      Workers who carpool11.9%9.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.4%1.3%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.3%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.7%1.8%2.8%
      Working from home5.1%2.6%4.6%
      Source: The Metairie, LA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).