Is David Drive safe?
Metairie, Louisiana · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates David Drive as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on David Drive
“Go with care. The David Drive area is generally safe for daytime visits, casual dining, and errands at local international markets and restaurants. Standard urban-suburban caution is recommended after dark, particularly in large apartment complex parking areas and along poorly lit commercial strips.”
About the area
David Drive is a bustling, multicultural suburban corridor in Metairie situated between Kenner and central Jefferson Parish. It is characterized by single-family subdivisions, dense multi-family apartment communities, and numerous strip centers filled with diverse Latin American, Vietnamese, and Cajun businesses.
- Suburban Corridor
- Car-Dependent
- Strip Mall Dining
- Multicultural
Walking and biking in David Drive
Walk score: 52/100 · Bike score: 44/100
There are no public bike-share stations in Jefferson Parish and dedicated bike lanes are absent on David Drive, though the Lake Pontchartrain multi-use path is reachable a few miles to the north.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Vibrant international culinary scene featuring authentic Latin American and Cajun eateries.
- Proactive patrolling by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office keeps violent crime lower than regional urban averages.
- Convenient access to major regional thoroughfares including I-10, Veterans Memorial Boulevard, and Airline Drive.
Cons
- Elevated rates of opportunistic property crimes, including vehicle break-ins in commercial and apartment parking lots.
- High-speed traffic along the multi-lane corridor poses risks for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Pockets of aging multi-family housing with higher tenant turnover and localized disturbance calls.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is relatively low, with occasional individuals asking for assistance near major intersections along Veterans Memorial Boulevard or Airline Drive. Permanent encampments are uncommon in this corridor.
What David Drive is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Active and orderly with school traffic, commuters heading toward I-10, and patrons grabbing breakfast at local bakeries.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Busy commercial activity with steady vehicle traffic flowing through shopping strips and lunchtime restaurants.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Generally safe around dining establishments, though shoppers should stay aware of surroundings in strip mall parking lots.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet residential areas contrast with occasional loitering around 24-hour convenience stores and isolated apartment lots; walking is not recommended.
Transit, parking and getting around
Jefferson Transit (JeT) provides service via Route E1 (Veterans) and Route E3 (Kenner Local) along nearby cross streets, with connections into New Orleans RTA lines at the parish line; no passenger rail or BRT is available.
Parking is abundant and free throughout the area, primarily via open surface parking lots at strip centers and on-street parking in surrounding residential neighborhoods.
Things to do in David Drive
- Explore authentic Central American dining at neighborhood staple restaurants and bakeries.
- Pick up fresh boiled crawfish, shrimp, and classic Louisiana po-boys from local seafood markets.
- Take a short drive north to access the Lake Pontchartrain Lakefront Trail for scenic walking and jogging.
Local favorites
- Taqueria Chilangos · Mexican Restaurant · 4.4★ (1150)A bustling local favorite serving authentic tacos, tortas, and hearty Mexican platters.
- Seafood City · Seafood Market & Eatery · 4.3★ (460)Casual counter-service joint renowned for seasonal boiled crawfish, fried seafood platters, and po-boys.
- Restaurante La Cabaña · Honduran Restaurant · 4.2★ (320)Family-run eatery offering traditional Honduran baleadas, grilled meats, and Latin American comfort food.
Neighborhoods near David Drive
Common questions about David Drive
Is David Drive safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is David Drive a good place to live?
On safety, David Drive scores 71/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is David Drive?
Walk score 52/100 and bike score 44/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near David Drive are safer?
Airline Park (84), Sauve Road (84), Power Boulevard (81) score higher nearby.
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