Metairie, Louisiana is actually a suburb of New Orleans and its residents have no mayor and no city taxes. Although it is larger than most cities in the entire state, Metairie is not legally a city. The original spelling, Metairie, means "tenant farm" in French. In the early 19th century, the main activity of this area was sharecropping, whereby the landlords were paid with a share of the produce.
Metairie is located in eastern Jefferson Parish and its boundaries include New Orleans to the east, Kenner to the west, Lake Pontchartrain to the north, and Airline Highway to the south.
Today, "Old Metairie" is composed of various shops, professional buildings, and shopping centers which have developed into one of the most picturesque areas of Metairie. One of Louisiana's oldest and largest shopping malls, Lakeside Shopping Center, is located on Causeway Boulevard in the heart of Metairie. Metairie's historical residential base has gradually shifted from a primarily suburban residential community, to various mixed commercial uses including retail malls, shopping centers, office buildings, night clubs and entertainment. Many of Metairie's night clubs are located in "Fat City", which was planned and developed as Metairie's commercial district. "Fat City" has a Mardi Gras similar to New Orleans but slightly more family friendly, and has become a huge attraction. The New Orleans Saints offices and practice fields are in Metairie. The New Orleans Zephyrs AAA baseball team maintains its stadium in Metairie. Cafe Du Monde has its headquarters in Metairie as well as Mercedes Benz and Lexus. Because it is so close to New Orleans, Metairie has become a popular destination for tourists visiting New Orleans and as a result, has been discovered for its own jewels, including great Cajun food, jazz and nightlife. Of course, New Orleans continues to attract thousands of visitors on its own because of its exciting history, ghost tours, jazz clubs and unique cuisine.
Lafreniere Park is located in Metairie, Louisiana, adjacent to New Orleans. It is situated in the middle of suburbia and nearby is a busy interstate highway. Formerly a horse racetrack known as Jefferson Downs this park offers something for everyone, from soccer fields and running tracks for the athletic to passive areas for viewing wildlife and water. It is a dedicated Bird Sanctuary. The Marsh area has an elevated walkway connecting several areas of the park with a gazebo along the way for quiet reflection. There is a beautiful carousel for the young and the young at heart.
It is a publicly owned park and citizens pay a monthly fee of $1.10 attached to their water bill for its upkeep. It was established in the mid 1970's and dedicated in the early 1980's.
Lafreniere Park is a 155-acre park with several amenities including a two-mile jogging trail, glass-enclosed room available for meetings and parties, eight picnic shelters, a 20-acre lagoon, two playgrounds, a carousel, multi-use sports fields, and an 18-hole disc golf course.
Housing Cost
Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $170,900
Demographics
The population was 146,136 at the 2000 census. Metairie covers 23.2 square miles. It sits at an elevation of 2 feet above sea level.
Weather
Metairie, LA climate is hot during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 80's and cool during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 50's.
The warmest month of the year is August with an average maximum temperature of 91.70 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 45.30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperature variations between night and day tend to be fairly limited during summer with a difference that can reach 17 degrees Fahrenheit, and fairly limited during winter with an average difference of 18 degrees Fahrenheit.
The annual average precipitation at Metairie is 60.42 Inches. Rainfall in is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is July with an average rainfall of 6.19 Inches.
Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com
