Resilient community just downriver from New Orleans
Chalmette sits on the East Bank of the Mississippi River, less than a mile downriver from the New Orleans city line. At the turn of the millennium, the community was a thriving suburb with a population of roughly 32,000. Then Hurricane Katrina hit. Chalmette was among the hardest hit areas. Much of the community was destroyed, and many residents lost everything. After 2005, the population cratered as residents fled the destruction. But those who stayed showed incredible resilience, building back from next to nothing. “It was pure devastation. There were places further downriver where houses floated off their foundations and rested on the levees,” says Realtor Mikey Bowler, who is originally from the area. “After Katrina, the parish had ownership of a ton of empty lots. There was a year or two where the parish had the most new construction in America.” Today, the 22,000 residents remember the disaster but continue to move forward as the area regrows, thanks in large part to its good schools and proximity to the Crescent City.
Enjoy the serenity that Chalmette has to offer.
New home construction is an option in Chalmette.
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Chalmette's comparatively affordable housing
The median home price in Chalmette is $220,000, significantly lower than the national median as well as the median in neighboring New Orleans. Homebuyers can get more space for their money, with an average price per square foot of $149 in Chalmette compared to $246 in New Orleans. “Chalmette is very much a locals area,” Bowler says. “There are a lot of locals that stay in Chalmette and never leave.” One-story brick homes are most common throughout the community, while more traditional shotgun-style homes are scattered closer to the Mississippi. Newer builds often feature farmhouse stylings, including large windows and front-facing gables.
You can find homes in Chalmette made from a variety of material.
Brick ranch style homes are common throughout Chalmette.
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Highly rated St. Bernard Parish schools
Chalmette is served by St. Bernard Parish Public Schools, which receives a B-plus grade from Niche while being ranked the third-best district in the New Orleans area. The district’s one high school, Chalmette High School, offers its students seven Advanced Placement courses and a dual-enrollment partnership with Nunez Community College. Highly regarded colleges like Tulane University and Loyola University are in New Orleans, a 10-mile drive away.
Chalmette High School has 2,317 students in grades 9-12.
Nunez Community College in Chalmette first opened its doors in 1992.
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Commutes into New Orleans or to area refineries
While many residents commute to New Orleans, Chalmette offers plenty of job opportunities at petrochemical plants and manufacturing along the Mississippi River. The St. Bernard Urban Rapid Transit system operates a bus route through the parish, which stops in Chalmette. The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority runs a ferry for cars and pedestrians, with commuters from the West Bank often taking the trip across the river to Chalmette employers.
Chalmette sits on the East Bank of the Mississippi River just minutes from New Orleans.
The New Orleans RTA operates a ferry for easy access to cross the Mississippi River.
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The setting of the War of 1812's final battle
The Battle of New Orleans became famous for its short duration — just 30 minutes. “It was a real turning point,” Bowler says. “It’s where Andrew Jackson turned away the British in the War of 1812. We’d all be speaking English" — the British version — "if it wasn’t for Andrew Jackson.” The battlefield, located in Chalmette, is part of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, next to the Chalmette National Cemetery.
Recently renovated Sidney D. Torres Memorial Park includes a skatepark, a fitness trail and a handful of playgrounds set around a pond. The Val Riess Recreation Complex has eight baseball and softball fields for local sports and travel tournaments. Residents also often enjoy fishing in the various bayous and lakes near the community.
The Chalmette Battlefield is a part of the National Park Service.
The Val Riess Recreation Complex can host local sports and travel tournaments.
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Shopping centers and restaurants on Judge Perez Drive and Paris Road
West Judge Perez Drive is the main commercial corridor through Chalmette, where big-box stores sit alongside shopping centers and standalone fast-food restaurants. Paris Road intersects with Judge Perez Drive in the center of Chalmette and serves as another commercial strip for the community. Bars and local eateries can be found along Highway 46.
The Coffee House near Chalmette is a quite spot to focus on work.
Chalmette Plaza offers several retail options for local shoppers.
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Community events in Chalmette
Like its New Orleans neighbor, Chalmette never misses a chance to celebrate. During the weekslong Carnival season, residents often head into the Big Easy for celebrations, especially Mardi Gras. The Knights of Nemesis put on the only parade in St. Bernard Parish, a route beginning and ending at the Civic Center in Chalmette. The annual Tomato Festival put on by Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church is another big event in the area, featuring food, music and a pageant.
Crime data and flood risk
The St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office has jurisdiction over Chalmette. While data specific to Chalmette is unavailable, FBI data shows the violent crime rate for the parish has been rising over the past five years while staying in line with national and state figures. The parish’s property crime rate has been steady, also similar to national and state rates.
After Hurricane Katrina, the Hurricane Storm Damage Risk Reduction System was built for $14.5 billion. The system of levees, floodwalls and floodgates is meant to help reduce storm surges. Nevertheless, parts of Chalmette are still in FEMA-designated flood zones, with certain property owners required to purchase flood insurance.
Written By
Brendan Doyle
Photography Contributed By
Andrew Williams
Video By
Sara Warthen
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jiarra Rayford,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Chalmette, LA sell after 136 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Chalmette, LA over the last 12 months is $290,000, down 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Cute as a button, 3 bed, 1 bath home for sale located in Chalmette, LA. Features an open concept, bar area in living room, tile floors throughout, NO CARPET! Roof and gutters replaced in 2022. Features a detached shed, covered patio in the rear, on a fenced lot. Would make as a great starter home, downsize option, or investment rental property.
Calling all Investors!!! 6-Plex located in Central Chalmette! Total: 8 Bedrooms, 7 Baths (One unit is 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, second unit is 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms and the other four units are 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom.) 4 of the 6 units are leased totaling $3,100. Great investment opportunity!
Welcome to this cozy 2-bedroom, 1-bath home that offers both comfort and functionality. Featuring a separate living room and den, plus an open-concept kitchen and dining area—ideal for everyday living or entertaining. The spacious bedrooms are complemented by easy-to-maintain laminate and tile flooring throughout—no carpet! Located within walking distance of Chalmette High School, and in Flood
Cute as a button, 3 bed, 1 bath home for sale located in Chalmette, LA. Features an open concept, bar area in living room, tile floors throughout, NO CARPET! Roof and gutters replaced in 2022. Features a detached shed, covered patio in the rear, on a fenced lot. Would make as a great starter home, downsize option, or investment rental property.
Calling all Investors!!! 6-Plex located in Central Chalmette! Total: 8 Bedrooms, 7 Baths (One unit is 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, second unit is 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms and the other four units are 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom.) 4 of the 6 units are leased totaling $3,100. Great investment opportunity!
Welcome to this cozy 2-bedroom, 1-bath home that offers both comfort and functionality. Featuring a separate living room and den, plus an open-concept kitchen and dining area—ideal for everyday living or entertaining. The spacious bedrooms are complemented by easy-to-maintain laminate and tile flooring throughout—no carpet! Located within walking distance of Chalmette High School, and in Flood
Welcome to 2300 Delille St. — a recently renovated 3-bedroom, 2 full-bath single-family home situated on a double, corner lot in Central Chalmette. Property features new laminate and tile flooring throughout, no carpet. Includes stainless steel appliances, including a Refrigerator, dishwasher, range/oven, microwave, and also has a combo washer/dryer! Exterior features covered parking with a 2
Pristine, new construction 3 bed 2 bath home for lease in Chalmette. Home has a beautiful open floor plan with wood-like tile throughout. Commercial 6 burner gas range, as well as your other stainless steel kitchen appliances included! Tons of closet space in each bedroom with custom built shelving. Spacious primary suite with walk-in closets and luxurious bathroom complete with a deep soaking
Property Id: 655692great location unbelievable house ....Beautiful Brand new renovated HOUSE2 bedrooms/ 1 1/2 BATH . Very spacious - 850 square feet.all appliances includesto move in $1200 rent +$1200deposit =$2400and $45 Application fee for each adultFor more information call Jonathan
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
