Metairie

Metairie is a suburb of New Orleans located in Jefferson Parish. The name derives from the French word “small farm” or “farm house.”

Located on the Southshore of Lake Pontchartrain, Metairie is west of downtown New Orleans, separated by the 17th street canal. Metairie was settled by the French in the late 18th century along a natural levee, formed by a bayou, known as Metairie Ridge. This became Metairie Road, along which the neighborhood known today as “Old Metairie” was first developed in the early 1900s. Most of the rest of Metairie was not developed until after World War II. Home to a multitude of neighborhoods offering traditional and contemporary homes, Metairie is one of the largest communities in the state of Louisiana.

Metairie is home to the world’s longest bridge, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. The Causeway connects Metairie to the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain and Metairie’s Central Business District is located along The Boulevard near the lake. Veterans Memorial Blvd is Metairie’s main, primary commercial boulevard that extends from New Orleans to the city of Kenner. Lakeside Shopping Center, the highest-grossing mall in the area, is located on Veterans Blvd. Aside from abundant shopping opportunities, this area also has various parks, including Lafreniere Park, a 155-acre park which features picturesque lagoons, a carousel, seasonal boating, a two-mile jogging path and two outdoor recreational/exercise centers. Metairie also hosts its own version of Mardi Gras season.