St. Bernard Parish Real Estate: Chalmette, Arabi, Meraux, schools and flood zones

St. Bernard Parish sits just east and downriver of New Orleans. It was the fastest-growing parish in Louisiana between 2010 and 2020, as families rebuilt and new buyers discovered homes close to the city. The parish has no incorporated cities, so St. Bernard Parish Government handles permits and services everywhere.

St. Bernard Parish at a glance

Communities and local guides

Public schools in St. Bernard Parish

St. Bernard Parish Public Schools runs the public schools across the parish. The zoned school depends on the exact address.

• Find the zoned school with our School Zone tool, then confirm with the district.
• See official performance data on the Louisiana School Finder. Louisiana changed its grading formula for 2026, so compare schools using the same year.

Levees, flood zones and flood insurance

Most of St. Bernard’s neighborhoods sit inside the federal hurricane risk reduction system rebuilt after 2005, which includes the Lake Borgne Surge Barrier. Communities outside the levees face higher risk. Flood zones and insurance costs vary by address and elevation.

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 the home’s rebuild and flood claim history.
3. Get flood, wind and homeowners quotes during your inspection period. See Flood Insurance Costs in Louisiana.
4. Plan for storm season with our Hurricane-Ready Home checklist.

Property taxes and the homestead exemption

Louisiana assesses homes at 10% of fair market value, then applies local millage. On your primary residence, the homestead exemption removes the first $7,500 of assessed value, which is the first $75,000 of market value. Apply with the St. Bernard Parish Assessor’s Office after you close. Qualifying seniors and disabled veterans may be eligible for more. Learn more in Louisiana Homestead Exemption and Property Taxes.

Permits and building

All permits in the parish go through St. Bernard Parish Government. Before you buy, ask whether past repairs, rebuilds and additions were permitted. Before you raise, build or add on, confirm elevation and drainage requirements with the parish.

Getting around

• St. Claude Avenue and Judge Perez Drive run through Arabi and Chalmette toward New Orleans.
• I-510 connects the parish with I-10 in New Orleans East.
• Downtown New Orleans is a short drive upriver, and the Chalmette–Lower Algiers ferry crosses the river to the West Bank.

St. Bernard Parish market

Buying and selling in St. Bernard Parish

1. Get pre-approved and price flood and wind insurance before you tour.
2. Check flood zone, elevation 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 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 • Jefferson • Plaquemines • St. John the Baptist • Tangipahoa • Livingston • Ascension • Washington

Louisiana guides for buyers and sellers

Frequently asked questions