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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Photography Contributed By
Andrew Nelson
