SperlingViews - Metairie, Louisiana

For Metairie, & New Orleans in general: Briefly, as a Geologist who has lived here for 30+ years, my view of the outlook for the New Orleans area is decidedly gloomy. The wetlands are still eroding, the land is subsiding, and sea levels are rising. Hurricanes will continue to be a threat. Although a Katrina-like event may or may not happen again in our lifetime, I have personally evacuated from my home four times since 2004. We are tired of evacuating: the next time we leave, we won't come back. Many people, who can leave, are leaving Southeast Louisiana--leaving behind the die-hards and those who cannot leave. I have recently (involuntarily) retired from my job, and we are looking for a place to move to... away from the Gulf Coast, the hurricanes, and the "can't do" attitude of so many people in this area.[read more...]

Metairie is not a city in the strictest terms. It’s a developed unincorporated area of Jefferson Parish that’s inextricably linked to the Metro New Orleans Area. Metaire (“Old” Metairie) is the home of to some of the areas wealthiest residents as well as a large, diverse and thriving middle class. It’s unfair and inaccurate (or to put in the local vernacular “BS”) to single out racism as a characteristic particular to Metairie. While it’s true that David Duke did have a few pockets of support in an election that happened almost 25 year ago and was eventually defeated, it’s more illustrative of Metairie and Jefferson Parish at large to point out that one of the parish’s most beloved heroes was and still is the late Sheriff Harry Lee who, in addition to being Chinese American, is widely credited for maintaining safety and quality of life in the Parish as it suffered and dropped to intolerable levels in neighboring Orleans Parish. He served as Jefferson Parish’s Sheriff from 1980 until succumbing to cancer in 2007. Jefferson Parish and Metairie in particular also elected Bobby Jindal, the first Indian American to serve in Congress and these area were key to his election to his current position of Governor. A large part of Jefferson Parish was responsible for sending Joseph Cao to congress. In addition to being supremely qualified and a great change from the entrenched corruption of “Dollar Bill’ Jefferson that filled that seat for the previous decade, he is the first Vietnamese American to serve in Congress. Yes it’s true that we don’t have much time or tolerance for the crime or the other problems that plague Orleans Parish and other major cities but no decent, considerate, hardworking person of any color has or will ever be unwelcome or disrespected in Metairie or Jefferson Parish. We have a good quality of life a halfway decent parish government and a robust police presence in the form of the JPSO – and we like it that way. No apologies. [read more...]

Climate is a little warm in the summer but the winters are mild. South of the lake is more moderate, both summer & winter, than north due to the wind across the water having a cooling effect in summer & warming in winter.[read more...]

I love the recreation in Metairie (outskirts of New Orleans). There is always something to do. The warm climate makes outdoor activities great. I moved to Metairie two years ago, and I don't think I am going to leave any time soon.[read more...]

I thought the city was brilliant, met a nice man but can not find him anyone none of his friends and family know were the man is if anyone can help me please can you advise what is the local newspaper so i can do advert for this missing man, the name is Bennie E Baxter Jnr, many thanks in advance.[read more...]

I lived in Metairie for 27 years and I feel that I can give an honest viewpoint of the city. Metairie is a diverse city, but it wasn't that way. It was predominantly white, but that's changing because many whites are moving to other areas like the North Shore since there has been a huge number of New Orleanians moving in due to the harsh economic conditions (very few skilled jobs available, high taxes, terrible schools and high crime) This was taking place Pre-Katrina. Post-Katrina, Metairie faired well where many homes and businesses survived and it's back to normal, but there are some concerns you will have if you relocate there. For instance, the city is having problems with an increase in crime and aweful traffic (but they are working on it). The crime in Metairie is increasing rapidly. Also, traffic is rediculous. Prepare to have reading material because you will sit and wait. In all honesty, in my 27 years as a homeowner in Metairie, I must say their exist a lot of classism and racism in Metairie. It's always been that way. This is a place where David Duke ran for governor and almost won. He lost to Edwin Edwards. Stats showed that Metairie was one of Duke's main supporters. Look it up! There has been some change, but very, very little on the issue of racism in that city. Be prepared for this if you decide to relocate and you are non-white. But don't let this discourage you. Some good things about Metairie is that there are many skilled jobs available and good public school system.[read more...]

My family & I moved here from out of state just a few weeks before Katrina. Metairie is thriving and the crime has stayed under control. Our neigboorhood is actually better now, perhaps as a result of higher rent. It is a nice city, and all the attractions of New Orleans to keep your family entertained is up and running. 3 months of summer are difficult, but the remaining 9 months are spectacular. Mardi Gras in Metairie is family friendly and the kids love it.[read more...]

Some places I would like to Live... Oregon Coast, Willamette valley, Austin TX, New Mexico. Definitly want to get away from the Gulf Coast (too hot & humid, too many hurricanes) Time frame: about 4 to 6 years (early retirment.)[read more...]

Katrina has caused all those that love the New Olreans area to re-think their future. Although the Metarie area experienced only minimum huricane damage, what may be ahead over the next 5-20 years is constantly on everyone's mind.[read more...]

It will take a very long time for the gulf coast to recover. This impact on Metairie come in the form of traffic jams, jammed living conditions and high housing costs. Enough that we are ready to move.[read more...]