The GI Bill of Rights, Ike’s interstate system, suburban development, and the growing affordability of cars allowed the suburbs to flourish throughout the mid-20th century. During this era, a new American Dream was established: one with single-family homes, white picket fences, and lush green lawns.
Today, however, the traditional suburb may no longer cater to what 79% of Americans want: walkability. Younger people are especially attracted to neighborhoods where stores, restaurants, and other amenities are a short walk away, according to a National Association of Realtors survey released in 2023. But a good location comes with a cost.
A Redfin analysis showed homes in 2019 in walkable areas sold for almost 25% more than homes without the same walkability, equivalent to nearly $78,000 more in the national average. Some suburbs offer the amenities of city life, whether through easy transit to big cities (such as Wilmette, Illinois, with easy proximity to Chicago), or college-town amenities such as those found in Claremont, California.
What individual families and people look for in a suburb will vary, of course, with some prioritizing quiet and extra space, even if that means driving more often.
Stacker used data from Niche to examine the best suburbs in New Orleans. Niche ranked suburbs across the U.S. based on several factors, including diversity, the cost of living, the share of the population with college degrees, and the quality of schools and housing.
Read on to see the highest-ranked suburbs in New Orleans.
#7. St. Rose, Louisiana
– Population: 7,469
– Median home value: $186,500
– Median rental price: $796
– Top schools nearby: Haynes Academy School for Advanced Studies (grade A+), Belle Chasse Academy (grade A+), Albert Cammon Middle School (grade A−)
– Top private schools nearby: Metairie Park Country Day School (grade A+), Mount Carmel Academy (grade A+), St. Martin’s Episcopal School (grade A)
– Overall Niche grade: A−
— Weather grade: B
— Cost of living grade: A−
— Outdoor activities grade: C+
#6. Harahan, Louisiana
– Population: 9,043
– Median home value: $284,900
– Median rental price: $1,033
– Top schools nearby: Haynes Academy School for Advanced Studies (grade A+), Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy (grade A+), Belle Chasse Academy (grade A+)
– Top private schools nearby: Metairie Park Country Day School (grade A+), Isidore Newman School (grade A+), Mount Carmel Academy (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: B
— Cost of living grade: B+
— Outdoor activities grade: B
#5. Madisonville, Louisiana
– Population: 981
– Median home value: $383,200
– Median rental price: $1,188
– Top schools nearby: Joseph B. Lancaster Elementary School (grade A−), Mandeville High School (grade A−), Madisonville Junior High School (grade A−)
– Top private schools nearby: St. Paul’s School (grade A), Christ Episcopal School (grade A−), Northlake Christian School (grade A−)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: B
— Cost of living grade: B
— Outdoor activities grade: B−
#4. River Ridge, Louisiana
– Population: 13,362
– Median home value: $300,000
– Median rental price: $981
– Top schools nearby: Haynes Academy School for Advanced Studies (grade A+), Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy (grade A+), Belle Chasse Academy (grade A+)
– Top private schools nearby: Metairie Park Country Day School (grade A+), Isidore Newman School (grade A+), Mount Carmel Academy (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: B
— Cost of living grade: B+
— Outdoor activities grade: B
#3. Mandeville, Louisiana
– Population: 13,194
– Median home value: $367,100
– Median rental price: $1,225
– Top schools nearby: Mandeville Junior High School (grade A), L.P. Monteleone Junior High School (grade A), Magnolia Trace Elementary School (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: St. Paul’s School (grade A), Christ Episcopal School (grade A−), Northlake Christian School (grade A−)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: B
— Cost of living grade: B−
— Outdoor activities grade: B+
#2. Abita Springs, Louisiana
– Population: 2,639
– Median home value: $236,700
– Median rental price: $1,119
– Top schools nearby: Abita Springs Elementary School (grade A−), Fontainebleau Junior High School (grade A−), Abita Springs Middle School (grade A−)
– Top private schools nearby: St. Paul’s School (grade A), Christ Episcopal School (grade A−), Northlake Christian School (grade A−)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: B
— Cost of living grade: B+
— Outdoor activities grade: B+
#1. Destrehan, Louisiana
– Population: 12,057
– Median home value: $297,500
– Median rental price: $1,165
– Top schools nearby: New Sarpy Elementary School (grade A), Harry M. Hurst Middle School (grade A), Ethel Schoeffner Elementary School (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: St. Martin’s Episcopal School (grade A), Crescent City Christian School (grade A−), Archbishop Chapelle High School (grade A−)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: B
— Cost of living grade: B+
— Outdoor activities grade: B−
This story features data reporting and writing by Emma Rubin and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 67 metros.
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