Is Metairie Terrace safe?
Metairie, Louisiana · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Metairie Terrace as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Metairie Terrace
“Go. Metairie Terrace is a quiet, established residential neighborhood in Jefferson Parish that provides a secure, low-stress environment just outside New Orleans. Violent crime is rare, making it a safe choice for visitors seeking suburban peace while staying close to the city.”
About the area
Metairie Terrace is a mid-century suburban community characterized by modest ranch-style homes, quiet tree-lined residential streets, and stable working- and middle-class households. Bordered by major transportation arteries like Airline Drive and Causeway Boulevard, it serves primarily as a residential pocket rather than a commercial tourist district. Visitors can enjoy local neighborhood eateries and easy access to both downtown New Orleans and the broader Jefferson Parish amenities.
- Suburban / Quiet
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
- Residential Enclave
Walking and biking in Metairie Terrace
Walk score: 52/100 · Bike score: 48/100
There is no municipal bike-share system here and internal streets lack dedicated bike lanes, though local streets carry low vehicle traffic; serious cyclists head north to the Lake Pontchartrain Trail.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates compared to adjacent Orleans Parish neighborhoods.
- Responsive law enforcement coverage maintained by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office.
- Stable residential fabric with high homeownership and minimal property vacancy.
Cons
- Sporadic opportunistic property crime, primarily vehicle burglaries along perimeter roads.
- Inconsistent sidewalk infrastructure and street lighting on some interior residential blocks.
- Heavy car dependency with very few attractions directly reachable on foot.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is virtually absent within the interior residential blocks, though occasional panhandling occurs along major commercial highway junctions such as Airline Drive and Causeway Boulevard.
What Metairie Terrace is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe as residents commute to work and walk pets along quiet residential streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and family-oriented with light neighborhood traffic and good overall visibility.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and tranquil, suitable for evening walks, though side streets have variable lighting.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low foot traffic; generally safe, though standard suburban precautions regarding locked vehicles are advised.
Transit, parking and getting around
Jefferson Transit (JeT) serves the outer edges of the neighborhood along Airline Drive (Route E2) and Causeway Boulevard, providing bus connections into downtown New Orleans; there is no passenger rail or BRT system in the immediate area.
Parking is abundant and hassle-free, with free curbside parking throughout residential streets and dedicated lots at all local businesses.
Things to do in Metairie Terrace
- Sample authentic New Orleans po' boys and comfort food at nearby multi-generational diners.
- Take a short drive to Lafreniere Park for landscaped walking paths, disc golf, and wildlife viewing.
- Explore the boutique shopping and local dining scene along nearby Metairie Road.
Local favorites
- Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop · Cajun & Creole Restaurant · 4.7★ (2350)Acclaimed local restaurant famed for stuffed gumbo, po' boys, and hearty Louisiana comfort fare.
- Dorignac's Food Center · Supermarket & Specialty Foods · 4.7★ (3600)Beloved vintage grocery store known for its extensive bakery, prepared Cajun dishes, and liquor selection.
- Bear's Poboys at Gennaro's · Po' Boy Restaurant · 4.5★ (850)Historic bar and eatery dishing out famous gravy-dripping roast beef and fried seafood po' boys.
Neighborhoods near Metairie Terrace
Common questions about Metairie Terrace
Is Metairie Terrace safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Metairie Terrace a good place to live?
On safety, Metairie Terrace scores 80/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Metairie Terrace?
Walk score 52/100 and bike score 48/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Metairie Terrace are safer?
Metairie Club Gardens (93), Bridgedale (81), Houma Boulevard (81) score higher nearby.
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