Metairie

Metairie

General Information
Name	Metairie, Louisiana
Native Name
Other Names
Settlement Type	Census-designated place
Transliteration
Language 1
Type 1
Info 1
Location
Coordinates	29°59 52°N
Map	250px
Population
Total	138,481
Density	per km²
Area
Total	km²
Land	km²
Water	km²
Government
Type	Council-Manager
Leader	Ben Zahn
Time Zone
Standard	UTC-6
DST	UTC-5

Metairie is a census-designated place located in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States. It is a suburb of New Orleans and is situated on the southern shore of Lake Pontchartrain. With a population of 138,481 as of 2019, it is the largest community in Jefferson Parish.

History

Metairie was founded in 1817 and incorporated as a town in 1927. It was originally a small farming community, but experienced significant growth in the mid-20th century. The construction of the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in 1956, which is the longest continuous bridge over water in the world, connected Metairie to New Orleans and contributed to its development as a suburban area.

Geography

Metairie is located at

   
       29°59 
       52°N
   

. It has a total area of 24.52 square miles, of which 23.87 square miles is land and 0.65 square miles is water. The elevation of Metairie is approximately 3 feet above sea level.

Demographics

As of the 2019 census, Metairie had a population of 138,481 people. The population density was 5,797.6 people per square mile. The racial makeup of Metairie was 78.4% White, 11.7% African American, 0.3% Native American, 4.9% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.8% from other races, and 2.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.6% of the population.

Economy

Metairie has a diverse economy with a mix of industries including healthcare, retail, finance, and hospitality. The region is home to several major hospitals and medical centers, as well as numerous shopping centers and restaurants. The Lakeside Shopping Center, one of the largest malls in the New Orleans metropolitan area, is located in Metairie.

Education

Metairie is served by the Jefferson Parish Public School System, which operates several public schools in the area. There are also several private schools in Metairie, including Archbishop Rummel High School and Archbishop Chapelle High School.

Culture and Recreation

Metairie offers a variety of cultural and recreational activities for residents and visitors. The area is known for its vibrant music scene, with numerous live music venues featuring local and national acts. The annual Metairie Mardi Gras parade is a popular event, attracting thousands of spectators.

Metairie is also home to several parks and outdoor recreational areas. Lafreniere Park is the largest park in Metairie and offers a wide range of amenities including walking trails, picnic areas, and sports fields. The park also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year.

Notable People

Metairie has been home to several notable individuals, including:

• Peyton Manning - Former NFL quarterback
• Eli Manning - Former NFL quarterback
• Terry Bradshaw - Former NFL quarterback
• Ellen DeGeneres - Comedian and television host
• Harry Connick Jr. - Singer and actor