Old Metairie is one of those rare neighborhoods where history weaves through every street, and a spirit of community forms the heart of daily life. Tucked just west of New Orleans in Jefferson Parish, Old Metairie effortlessly blends Southern grace with a rich historical tapestry, offering residents and visitors alike a glimpse into the past while celebrating the vibrancy of the present.
Origins of Old Metairie: From Native Lands to Modern Community
Before the elegant homes and leafy lanes, this land was inhabited by the Houma and Bayougoula peoples, indigenous tribes who thrived in the wetlands of what would become east Jefferson Parish. The name "Metairie" itself speaks to these early days; it springs from the French word "métairie," meaning a small tenant farm operated by sharecroppers. This agricultural heritage dates to the 18th century, when the area was parceled by French and later Spanish land grants.
By the early 1800s, this fertile swath known as Metairie Ridge—elevated well above nearby swamps—became a prized spot for farmers. For much of the nineteenth century, “Metairie Road”—the spine of the neighborhood—was a dirt path connecting farms and estates to New Orleans’ bustling markets.
How Metairie Got Its Name
In the classic Louisiana Creole tradition, Metairie’s very name signifies its roots as land worked by metayers, or tenant farmers. The term was commonly used during the colonial era, denoting rural agricultural holdings often cultivated by settlers and their descendants. Over time, as the plantation system gave way to smallholdings, “Metairie” came to reference both the land and the people tied intimately to its soil.
Key Historical Milestones
Old Metairie’s quiet transformation from sleepy farmland to sought-after suburb is marked by several defining moments:
- Metairie Cemetery and “Shell Road”: In 1872, Metairie Cemetery, now a celebrated landmark, was established at the site of the old Metairie Race Course. The road leading to this cemetery, still known as Metairie Road, became the first “shell road”—paved with crushed oyster shells—in the region, setting a trend for future infrastructure.
- The Arrival of the Streetcar: The extension of the New Orleans streetcar line down Metairie Road in the early 1900s brought new vitality, prompting the first wave of suburban development. People seeking refuge from city bustle gravitated toward Old Metairie’s natural beauty and elevated land, building the area’s earliest “garden suburb” homes.
- Post-War Boom: After World War II, the G.I. Bill and a nation hungry for suburban living brought rapid residential expansion. Many of the quaint cottages and stately homes that grace Beverly Garden Drive, Maryland Drive, and Labarre Road hail from this mid-century era.
Notable Landmarks and Institutions
Few neighborhoods in Jefferson Parish can match Old Metairie’s array of landmarks—each a treasure, each with a tale to tell.
- Metairie Park Country Day School: Established in 1929, this progressive pre-K through 12th-grade institution on Metairie Road sits on beautifully landscaped grounds and has educated generations of local families. It is among the oldest independent schools in the region.
- St. Catherine of Siena Church: Founded in 1926, this parish has long served as a spiritual and communal hub for residents. Its striking Spanish Revival architecture stands as a tribute to Metairie’s heritage.
- Metairie Country Club: Opened in 1922, the club’s Spanish-influenced clubhouse and lush golf course encapsulate Old Metairie’s tradition of understated elegance. The club, sited just north of Metairie Road, helped spark the neighborhood’s early residential allure.
- Metairie Ridge & Pontiff Playground: Metairie Ridge itself is a subtle but geological landmark—an ancient natural levee that allowed for higher, drier living. Today, Pontiff Playground (formerly Metairie Playground) off Metairie Road is a beloved green space for sports, outdoor fun, and neighborhood events.
- Old Metairie Village: This lively stretch along Metairie Road is lined with boutiques, bakeries, and restaurants, many housed in lovingly preserved early-20th-century buildings.
The Streets Tell the Story
One of the enduring charms of Old Metairie is its network of winding avenues, each with its own rhythm and personality. Streets like Jasmine, Focis, and Vincent reflect the neighborhood’s garden feel, shaded by centuries-old oaks and lined with sidewalk gardens.
- Metairie Road: The lifeline of the community, still bearing traces of its rural origins, now features a blend of historic homes, antique shops, locally owned restaurants like Chez Pierre, and New Orleans-inspired cafes.
- Bonnabel Boulevard: Another prominent roadway, Bonnabel has evolved from a rural byway into a bustling thoroughfare and gateway connecting the neighborhood to Lake Pontchartrain.
Evolution Through the Decades
Old Metairie’s visual landscape has shifted over time, but its foundations are still rooted in tradition:
- 1920s–1940s: Early suburban homes, often raised to avoid flooding, dotted the land once crisscrossed by horse-drawn carts.
- 1950s-1970s: Flourishing postwar prosperity brought garden-style ranch homes, manicured lawns, and a new influx of young families.
- 1980s–Present: As New Orleans’ population shifted, Old Metairie increasingly drew families drawn to its proximity to the city and its top-rated schools. Restorations and new custom homes appeared alongside original cottages, maintaining the neighborhood’s timeless appeal.
- Today: Old Metairie remains a blend of past and present, its careful growth guided by local preservationists and active neighborhood associations.
What Makes Old Metairie Special
Spend a Saturday morning strolling under the canopy of live oaks, stopping for coffee at the iconic PJ’s on Metairie Road, and you’ll quickly grasp Old Metairie’s enduring allure. Residents delight in storied traditions: Easter Egg hunts at Pontiff Playground, parades rolling down Metairie Road, the children’s laughter echoing from St. Catherine’s schoolyard.
What sets Old Metairie apart isn’t only its historic facades or leafy streets; it’s the warmth of neighbors who remember one another’s birthdays, shopkeepers who know your name, and a shared pride in a community built—and maintained—by generations.
Those privileged to call Old Metairie home treasure a neighborhood that remains lovingly tethered to its roots yet continues to welcome all who appreciate its storied past and vibrant present.