Jefferson Parish Real Estate: East Bank, West Bank, schools, flood zones and taxes

Jefferson Parish wraps around New Orleans on both sides of the Mississippi River. The East Bank includes Metairie, Kenner and Harahan; the West Bank includes Gretna, Harvey, Marrero and Westwego. This parish guide covers what applies across Jefferson: how the areas differ, who runs the schools, how flood zones and insurance discounts work here, property taxes, and who handles permits.

Jefferson Parish at a glance

Communities and city guides

Public schools in Jefferson Parish

Jefferson Parish Schools runs the public schools across the whole parish, along with some public charter and magnet schools that have their own admission rules. The zoned school depends on the exact address.

• Find the zoned school for an address with our School Zone tool, then confirm with Jefferson Parish Schools.
• See official performance data on the Louisiana School Finder. Louisiana changed its grading formula for 2026, so compare schools using the same year.
• Private and parochial schools are common on both banks.

Flood zones and flood insurance in Jefferson Parish

Most of Jefferson Parish sits inside the federal hurricane levee system, with parish pump stations moving rainwater out. Communities outside the levees, such as parts of Lafitte and Grand Isle, face higher risk. Check every address.

1. Look up the FEMA flood zone with our Flood Zone tool or the FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
2. Ask for the elevation certificate and any flood claim history.
3. Get flood, wind and homeowners quotes during your inspection period. See Flood Insurance Costs in Louisiana.
4. Check the CRS discount where the home is. Unincorporated Jefferson, Kenner, Gretna and Westwego each have their own Community Rating System class, and in 2025 the parish announced an improved rating for unincorporated areas. Not every city participates, so the discount depends on location.

Prepare with our Hurricane-Ready Home checklist.

Property taxes and the homestead exemption

Louisiana assesses homes at 10% of fair market value. Jefferson Parish millage varies by city and district, so two similar homes can have different bills.

• Homestead exemption. On your primary residence it removes the first $7,500 of assessed value, which is the first $75,000 of market value. Apply with the Jefferson Parish Assessor’s Office after you close.
• Other exemptions. Qualifying seniors and disabled veterans may be eligible for more. Ask the assessor.
• Estimate your payment with our payment calculator.

Learn more: Louisiana Homestead Exemption and Property Taxes.

Permits and building

Homes inside Kenner, Gretna, Westwego, Harahan, Jean Lafitte or Grand Isle get permits from that city or town. Homes in unincorporated areas, including Metairie, Harvey, Marrero and Terrytown, go through Jefferson Parish Government.

• Before you buy, ask whether additions, enclosures and major repairs were permitted.
• Before you build or raise a home, check elevation and drainage requirements with the permitting office.

Getting around

• I-10 connects Kenner and Metairie with New Orleans and the airport.
• The Causeway starts in Metairie and crosses Lake Pontchartrain to Mandeville. A toll applies on the Northshore end.
• The Crescent City Connection links the West Bank with downtown New Orleans, and the Huey P. Long Bridge connects Elmwood and Harahan with the West Bank.
• The West Bank Expressway runs through Gretna, Harvey, Marrero and Westwego.

Jefferson Parish market

Buying and selling in Jefferson Parish

1. Get pre-approved and price the full payment, including flood and wind insurance.
2. Compare areas using the guides above, then check flood zone and school zone for each address.
3. Write a Louisiana offer. The good-faith money is called a deposit. Your agent walks you through inspections, the Property Disclosure Document and the act of sale.
4. File your homestead exemption with the Jefferson Parish Assessor after closing.

Selling? Start with a free home estimate and the Seller Success Guide, or ask about Cash Options, if your property qualifies, alongside a traditional listing plan. Buyers can download the Buyer Success Guide.

Other parishes we serve

St. Tammany • Orleans • Plaquemines • St. Bernard • St. John the Baptist • Tangipahoa • Livingston • Ascension • Washington

Louisiana guides for buyers and sellers

Frequently asked questions