If you’re thinking about moving to the New Orleans area and seeking a charming, established community offering small-town character with city convenience, Old Metairie might be the perfect fit. Nestled just minutes from downtown, Old Metairie feels worlds apart with its quiet, tree-lined streets, stately homes, and tightly knit sense of place. As someone who has spent years living in and visiting the neighborhood, I’m excited to walk you through what it’s really like to call Old Metairie home.
Community Vibe: Charm with a Welcoming Spirit
Old Metairie oozes historic charm and character at every turn—think broad oak-canopied streets and a mix of architectural styles, from grand antebellum homes to cozy bungalows. But what truly makes the area special is the community spirit. Neighbors wave from their front porches, families gather in local parks, and there’s a strong sense of pride in keeping the neighborhood looking beautiful.
You’ll often find folks chatting over coffee at PJ’s Coffee or Coffee &—both local fixtures on Metairie Road. Sidewalk sales, farmers markets, and holiday parades foster a real sense of togetherness. Whether you’re raising a family or settling in for retirement, Old Metairie’s friendly, stable atmosphere makes it easy to connect.
Types of Housing: Elegant Estates, Quaint Cottages, and More
One of the joys of Old Metairie is its variety of homes. Some streets, like Metairie Road, feature grand older mansions with sprawling lawns and lush landscaping—a nod to the neighborhood’s roots as one of the area’s original “country” retreats for New Orleans families in the early 1900s.
Not all homes are multi-million-dollar estates, though. You’ll also find:
- Renovated post-war cottages on Beverly Garden Drive and Codifer Boulevard
- Quaint brick ranches on Ridgeway Drive and Bonnabel Place
- Newer construction blending harmoniously among the older homes
Yards tend to be well-kept, and many homes have beautiful gardens with flowering crepe myrtles or camellias. While prices are generally higher than other parts of Metairie, that’s offset by the quality of the homes, curb appeal, and sense of stability you get here.
Walkability: Enjoyable and Convenient
Walkability is a huge selling point for Old Metairie. Residents love being able to stroll or bike along Metairie Road, where you’ll find a mix of boutiques, salons, bakeries, and casual restaurants. The corridor between Severn Avenue and Labarre Road feels particularly lively, especially on sunny weekends.
Sidewalks are plentiful on main streets and most quiet side roads. It’s common to see neighbors out walking dogs, runners getting in a morning jog, or families biking to Pontiff Playground. The neighborhood’s scale and layout make daily errands easy—whether you’re picking up groceries at Langenstein’s, grabbing ice cream, or heading to church.
Schools and Family-Friendliness: Top Marks
Families are drawn to Old Metairie for its highly regarded schools. The neighborhood is served by several well-loved options:
- Metairie Academy for Advanced Studies (public magnet, PK-5th)
- St. Catherine of Siena (Catholic PK-7th, just off Bonnabel)
- Country Day School (private, PK-12th, in nearby Metairie Club Gardens)
- St. Francis Xavier and other excellent parochial schools
Parents rave about the sense of community at the schools, walkability to after-school activities, and the presence of crossing guards and crossing lights in high-traffic areas.
The overall atmosphere is very family-friendly. Halloween, Mardi Gras, and Christmas are celebrated with neighborhood decorations, festive events, and plenty of community participation.
Parks and Green Spaces: Plenty to Choose From
For a relatively small area, Old Metairie offers stellar access to green spaces:
- Pontiff Playground (formerly Metairie Playground): The crown jewel of community parks, it boasts walking tracks, ball fields, tennis courts, and a wonderful playground for kids.
- Metaire Country Club: While membership is required, locals love the golf course and its beautiful scenery spread along Metairie Road.
- Lafreniere Park: Just south of the neighborhood, this massive park offers a lagoon, jogging trails, and abundant wildlife.
Yards themselves are often spacious, with mature trees offering plenty of shade—ideal for backyard barbecues or setting up a swing for the kids.
Safety: Peace of Mind Is a Priority
Old Metairie is widely regarded as one of the safest neighborhoods in Jefferson Parish. Residents look out for each other, and neighborhood patrols (both private and by Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office) are commonplace.
The walkable streets, active neighborhood associations, and “eyes-on-the-street” atmosphere help ensure peace of mind. Like anywhere, petty theft can sometimes occur, but by and large, residents say they feel extremely safe walking or biking any time of day.
Proximity to Downtown and Major Employers
Location is enormous advantage here. Old Metairie is just a 10-15 minute drive to downtown New Orleans via I-10 or Airline Highway, making commutes to major employers like Ochsner Health System, Tulane, LSU, or the CBD quick and manageable.
You’re also minutes from Lakeside Shopping Center, Elmwood Business Park, and countless restaurants, services, and amenities. For frequent travelers, Louis Armstrong International Airport is only about a 20-minute drive away. If you need to get around without a car, public transportation options along Metairie Road are accessible.
What Residents Love Most
Ask longtime Old Metairie residents what keeps them here, and they’ll tell you it’s about more than just the pretty houses:
- Walkable streets and active outdoor lifestyle
- Tight-knit, neighborly community
- Excellent schools and family amenities
- Proximity to both city excitement and suburban peace
- Strong community traditions and pride of place
- Unique blend of small-town charm and upscale comfort
From morning coffee at Royal Blend Metairie to lazy afternoons at Ponitiff Playground, life in Old Metairie strikes a rare balance between quiet relaxation and vibrant, everyday activity. If you’re looking for a neighborhood that feels like home the moment you arrive, there’s truly no place quite like it.