The advantages of living, working, and doing business in Jefferson Parish are numerous. It continues to be a leading Louisiana parish in terms of population and economic viability!
Jefferson Parish sits at the heart of the largest Intermodal Transportation System in the South. Proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi River, major highways and numerous rail lines gives Jefferson Parish a strategic advantage in terms of accessibility into the parish, to the rest of the nation and beyond our borders.
Distance
5 Miles to New Orleans
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
13 Million passengers in 2018
16 airlines
55 destinations, 8 international
One of the fastest growing airports in the United States, the New Orleans International Airport is an economic driver for Jefferson Parish and the region. In recent years, the airport has added new nonstop flights and international airlines, like British Airways, Condor, Air Canada and Copa Airlines, to its roster. On November 6, 2019, the new world-class terminal at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport officially opened to the public. The brand-new, state-of-the-art terminal features 35 gates, thousands of new parking spaces, and world-renowned food and concession brands.
Roadways
6 Major Roadways
US 90, US 61, Interstate 10, LA 18, LA 45, LA 23
8 Major Motor Freight Carriers SAIA, FedEx, UPS, Roadway, Cross Road Centers, Southeastern Motor Lines, DHS, Triple G Express
Rail
6 Class 1 Railways
2 Short Line Railways
Waterways
13,511
Feet of berthing space available at six dedicated breakbulk terminals
We have a strong, educated workforce with a variety of valued skill sets desired by our businesses. Workforce is such a crucial component to any successful business community. For that reason, we’re focused on making our workforce even better. With programs like FastStart, the number one workforce training program in the country, and Delgado Community College’s River City Campus, which focuses on advanced manufacturing and maritime-related skills, we continue to be a leader in workforce development opportunities.
University of New Orleans
Tulane University
Loyola University
Southern University at New Orleans
Xavier University of Louisiana
Dillard University
University of Holy Cross
Herzing University
Southeastern Louisiana University
Delgado Community College
Nunez Community College
WorkNOLA
LA Works
LA Job Connection
Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LASBDC)
Our residents enjoy quality education for their children, affordable housing, excellent roads and water systems, and responsive public departments.
Life
219 sunny days in Jefferson Parish
36 parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities in Jefferson Parish
4 major shopping centers
Infrastructure
3,100miles of roads and 220 bridges maintained every day
1,469 miles of drainage lines
69 pump stations with 181 total pumps
1,300 miles of sewerage lines monitored and maintained every day
58 million gallons of fresh, clean water pumped into homes, businesses and schools every day
Education
The Jefferson Parish School System has experienced a renaissance in recent years. The largest school system in the state provides top-notch education to our community’s future leaders.
24 A & B schools in Jefferson Parish
74.6% students graduate in four years with a diploma
4 Jefferson Parish schools recognized nationally by US News & World Report
4 schools rank in the Top 5 Schools in Louisiana
The region’s cultural offerings are vast and unparalleled. Jefferson Parish offers something for everyone: delicious restaurants, beautiful swamps and nature preserves, a variety of festivals and events, and a state-of-the-art race track. Whether you’re seeking a quiet day of bird-watching or a music festival on the river, Jefferson Parish has you covered.
Gretna Heritage Festival
Family Gras
Tarpon Rodeo
Zurich Classic of New Orleans
Mardi Gras
Bayou Segnette
Barataria Preserve/Jean Lafitte National Park
NOLA Motorsports Park
These companies choose Jefferson Parish because of its pro-business climate. Elected officials understand the importance of supporting their economic drivers. That’s why they cultivate relationships with business leaders and organizations, like JEDCO, to ensure they have everything they need to grow and find success in Jefferson Parish.
*These numbers represent data provided by companies on a case-by-case basis in 2020. Companies are not required to answer every question.
Whether they’re homegrown success stories, like Zatarain’s or new to the community, like US Foods, they contribute to the overall economic success of the community.
The Greater New Orleans region, which includes Jefferson Parish, has experienced a resurgence of epic proportions in recent years.
Located on the West Bank of the Mississippi River at the foot of the newly-expanded Huey P. Long Bridge, Fairfield is envisioned to be a vibrant economic force building on the existing land use mix and proximity to Jefferson Parish’s natural resources to attract residents, tourists, and businesses. Often touted as the final frontier for development in Jefferson Parish, Fairfield offers thousands of acres of land on which to build institutional, recreational, commercial, residential and mixed-use properties that embrace smart growth principles and meet the needs of today’s diverse residential and employment base. The area already has an impressive foundation of developments including the premier NOLA Motorsports Park, the TPC Louisiana championship golf course, and the Churchill Technology & Business Park. A newly-adopted master plan is in place to guide development of the 9,000-acre area. Learn more about Fairfield here.
Metairie makes up the vast majority of the land on the East Bank of Jefferson Parish. Located between the City of Kenner to the west and the city of New Orleans to the east, Metairie is home to some of the largest retailers and restaurants in the area and some of the state’s most trusted hospitals, making it a vital hub of activity and commerce. An immense assortment of available housing within a variety of price ranges make Metairie a popular destination for any family looking to live and work in the Greater New Orleans region.
The southern-most town among Jefferson’s many diverse population centers is Grand Isle. Famous for its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and Louisiana beaches, this area provides water-related activities for the entire Gulf Coast and southern region. The residents of Grand Isle are friendly and always eager to provide visitors with guidance or a brief history of this culture-rich gem. The waterside community is home to many camps and summer homes for weekend visits and fishing excursions.
Known locally as “Historic Gretna,” this small city earned its nickname because of its long and storied existence on the West Bank of the Mississippi River. Gretna is home to the Jefferson Parish government and the 24th Judicial Court District. As a separate municipality, it has its own mayor and government officials. This close-knit community has a quaint, small town feel, but it is just a short drive across the Crescent City Connection bridge to end up in the heart of New Orleans. A mix of historic homes and new residences co-exist in this unique, walkable community.
Located on the east bank of the Mississippi River, Kenner is the 6th largest city in Louisiana. The city presents residents with opportunities to live, work and play without ever leaving the city limits. The community has a strong workforce, vast housing opportunities and plenty of recreational options. Residents can choose between a trip to The Esplanade Mall, a night out at the Treasure Chest Casino or a stroll through Kenner’s new cultural district, Rivertown. Thirteen parks and playgrounds pepper the community, appealing to young families and the young at heart.
Tucked away in between the swamps and bayous of the Mississippi Delta, Jean Lafitte is the perfect get-away and only minutes from downtown New Orleans. Part of the Barataria-Terrebonne Estuary, Jean Lafitte is one of the most biologically productive estuaries in the world. These wetlands and bays are a mecca for commercial and recreational fisherman and offer Louisiana and the nation not only food, but a unique natural treasure. Come explore the mysterious terrain of the swamps and wetlands.
Destination GNO
Apartment Association of Greater New Orleans
Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans
Jefferson Parish Office of Community Development
JEDCO
700 Churchill Parkway
Avondale, Louisiana 70094
P 504.875.3908
F 504.875.3923
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