Ready to experience all the charm of the Big Easy without the hefty price tag? If you’re starting your home search near New Orleans, you won’t want to skip over the River Parishes. Nestled along this Mississippi River, this cluster of communities offers endless opportunities for buyers, especially for those looking for a lifestyle of convenience and excitement. We have all the details on the River Parishes’ top-rated communities, and one visit is all it takes to find your niche.
St. Charles Parish
Home to towns like Hahnville, Destrahan, and Luling, St. Charles is the largest community in the River Parishes area and was originally settled by 21 German immigrants in the early 1700s. Today, it has blossomed into a rich suburb that features unbelievable landmarks, affordable homes, and rapidly growing job market.
Wondering what locals love about St. Charles Parish? Just head to Destrahan Plantation to experience a slice of the area’s history or take a stroll through Downtown Hahnville. There’s always something exciting to do, and you’re only a half hour away from the center of New Orleans.
Many buyers choose St. Charles for its highly-rated school system, which is ranked as the #1 district in the area by Niche.com. The area also enjoys a positive economic outlook—in fact, unemployment has decreased by almost 2% in less than five years.
St. James Parish
Originally settled by Acadians in the 1700s, St. James Parish has grown into a popular community that embraces history and modern convenience. Visitors marvel at the parish’s one-of-a-kind collection of plantation houses, and you’ll often find locals spending time at family-owned restaurants and businesses.
St. James is home to a variety of small towns, including Gramercy and Lutcher. Buyers looking to invest in these communities often get more bang for their buck—here, properties often go for 200% less than ones in Metairie.
As if there’s not enough to love, St. James is also known for its packed calendar of events. Bonfires on the Levee is the most enchanting festival of them all, and it’s the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season. On December 24th, locals build bonfires along the Mississippi for “Papa Noel” and light them at nightfall—it’s truly a sight to behold!
St. John the Baptist Parish
On the hunt for the perfect suburb that’s anything but boring? St. John the Baptist Parish might be the right spot for you. This community is collectively known as the “Heart of the River Parishes,” and it’s easy to see why.
Home to towns like LaPlace and Edgard, this parish offers endless opportunities for buyers looking to snag a deal. Here, the average home price is a mere $148,900, which is a fraction of what you’d pay in neighboring communities.
Perhaps the most interesting thing about St. John the Baptist Parish is its passion for cuisine. Believe it or not, LaPlace is the official the andouille sausage capital of the world. The town has an entire festival dedicated to everything andouille each fall—it’s a local event you won’t want to miss!
Ready to Explore the River Parishes?
The River Parishes have so much to offer, especially if you’re in the market for a new home. Looking for some local advice? We’re here to help! Contact the Nugent Freeland Team today for a personalized real estate experience. We have all the resources you need to find the home of your dreams, and we’re only a phone call away.