Low buy-in for immediate city and healthcare access
Most of the buyers who end up in Jefferson choose it for its affordability relative to its location. Bounded by the terminus for Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Boulevard, the Mississippi River, the commercial bastion of Elmwood and the Orleans Parish line, residents find great comfort in their residential pocket. "I find it very quaint; it's got some premier streets," says Realtor and owner of the Witry Collective Joshua Walther. That's because many locals do not have to travel far to go to work at Oschner Medical Center's main campus. What's more, even if working in the city, Jefferson offers easy commutes in and out without a cost of living as high as communities just a few blocks east. "Jefferson has become very commercial," says Realtor Ken Hamrick of Keller Williams Realty New Orleans. "The hospital here has been buying up a lot along Jefferson Highway, and that's really what it's come down to."
Algiers Point is located right over the Mississippi River easily accessible by ferry.
Bonnabel Place sits on the edge of Jefferson and Orleans Parishes.
1/2
Affordable for city access, but smaller homes
Compared to other communities throughout Jefferson Parish, the size of lots tend to be a skosh larger yet typically contain smaller floorplans than communities like Bonnabel Place. "Jefferson has similar architecture to some places uptown, but it also has a lot more bungalows, like two-bedroom, one-bath," Walther says, Despite a shared border with Orleans Parish, homes in Jefferson cost considerably less than just a few blocks east, with most selling for between $150,000 to $500,000. However, a few newer, multi-story homes do fetch higher prices, typically between $500,000 to $750,000, while a small handful of newer townhomes offer a more affordable range of $175,000 to $325,000.
Large two-story homes fall into the higher price range for Jefferson.
Charming Bungalows grace the quaint streets of Jefferson.
1/2
King Cakes, knick-knacks and Supercenters
Oschner Medical Center is a crucial factor in the day-to-day of Jefferson. "It's enormous and keeps growing, and growing," Walther says. "It's the driving factor for employment." But there's other commercial and employment factors that attract buyers too, such as a shared border with Elmwood, which is home to dozens of office parks, big box stores, restaurants and hotels. There's even a Walmart Supercenter in Elmwood if locals can't find what they're looking for at the local Shopper's Value. Along Jefferson Highway, residents can find a few places to keep them in the community, such as the long-running Haydel's Bakery, whose King Cake is a staple at local Mardi Gras parties. Or they head the other direction to Dots Diner for a retro-themed bayou breakfast like eggs and grilled biscuits smothered in Crawfish Julie Sauce. Down by the river, thrifty locals in search of knick-knacks can go to peruse quirky wares at the River Road Flea Market.
Shopper’s Value is a grocery store in Jefferson, LA.
Elmwood Shopping Center features a variety of big box stores and popular national chains for all your retail needs.
1/2
Traffic jams on Jefferson Highway
Most residents rely on a car to get around, considering Jefferson is passed through by multiple high-volume roadways. But traffic can slow down around peak commuting hours, especially on Jefferson Highway. For those who don't own a car, several bus routes service Jefferson with trips northward or east-west.
Indoor basketball and outdoor laps at Jefferson park
Jefferson Park is the main recreation area for the community. Its main feature is an indoor facility containing a gym, basketball court and performing arts stage. But plenty of locals can be spotted outside too. Kids climbing on the playground that sits beneath a canopy of white oaks, joggers pouring out sweat on the running track or Little League games on one of the four ball diamonds are some of the most routine activities to be spotted while driving past on River Road. On the other side of Jefferson, the Rio Vista Dog Park offers a quieter place to get one's pets socialized while flipping through a book taken out of the free little library located in the grassy, tree-rimmed triangle.
Jefferson Playground sits near the Mississippi River with various amenities, like a gym.
Rio Vista Park is a dog park in Jefferson.
1/2
Senior clubs and local bands
For a night out with friends, family and neighbors, locals can head down to the levees and swing into Rivershack Tavern for frequent live music performed by local acts. Jefferson's community of retirees often gather at Jefferson Park before the Little Leaguers arrive for practice. That's because Jefferson Park has a location for the Golden Age Club, a Jefferson Parish parks and recreation program that organizes biweekly activities such as group lunches, shopping outings, Mardi Gras Balls and more.
A top-10 high school for diversity in Louisiana
Young students in Jefferson begin their education at Jefferson Elementary, a K-8 school with a C-plus Niche score that offers prekindergarten care. After that, students age up to Riverdale High School for their last few years. Earning a B-plus Niche score, Riverdale offers an International Baccalaureate program, and is distinguished for being the 7th-most diverse public high school in the state, as well as the 3rd-most overall standout public high school in the New Orleans area.
Jefferson Elementary School serves families in and around Jefferson, LA.
Riverdale High School serves families in and around Jefferson, LA.
1/2
Things to consider
Although major roads like Jefferson Highway and the Earhart Expressway produce noise for residents, most of Jefferson's residential areas are quiet. High water can be another factor to consider, even after a small rainstorm. Most of the community is not in a flood zone, although homes furthest away from the river do have marginally higher risk.
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.
