whats the deal with Metairie?

Question

and more generally, Jefferson parish.

from a brief look at a map, Metairie and jefferson parish look just as large and densly populated as New orelans proper.

Would visiting Metairie and Jefferson Parish help broaden my perspective of the area? or should I stick to New orleans proper?

Answer 1

Before Katrina, Jefferson Parish came across as basically a dumpy old suburb. Since the hurricane it's one of the main focuses of economic activity in the New Orleans area--much more fully recovered than the Crescent City itself. There's really not much of touristic interest in Jefferson Parish, though. You find homes, shopping strips, and office parks, the same stuff you'd see in the suburbs of any American city.

Answer 2

Jefferson Parish & Metairie are the same as any less-than-upscale suburban drek you can find anywhere in the nation. It exists for reasons beyond what can be explained here, but I assure you that the character, history, culture etc. of New Orleans can only be found in the city proper.

The whole area needs visitors right now as hurricane recovery is a slow and painful process. Come on down and have a good time!

Answer 3

There is a lot of commerce and consumer shopping areas, restaurants and all that in Metarie and JP. But the reason why tourists generally don't need to go there is because there aren't that many attractions at all. there's plenty to do out there, but it's the same stuff you'd be doing at home.

The sights to see are deffinitely in New Orleans.

Answer 4

Yes, it would. Since the rabble came back to New Orleans it's become very dangerous. Metairie is safe.

Answer 5

In the wake of Katrina ... is is requested and respectful that you remain in or near the French Quarter since so much of the city and surrounding parishes have not recovered from the damage.