Is Metairie, Louisiana Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Metairie, Louisiana, begin by researching Jefferson Parish regulations, which require short-term rental operators to obtain a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) from the parish planning department and register with the Louisiana Department of Revenue for tax collection. Contact Jefferson Parish at (504) 736-6320 to understand zoning restrictions, as many residential areas have limitations on short-term rentals, and obtain necessary permits including a business license and occupancy permit. Find a suitable property by analyzing neighborhoods like Old Metairie or Bucktown for tourist appeal, considering proximity to New Orleans (15 minutes away), and ensuring the property meets safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and adequate egress. Furnish the space with quality basics including comfortable beds, linens, kitchen essentials, WiFi, and local guidebooks, budgeting approximately $3,000-$8,000 depending on property size. Create compelling listings on Airbnb, VRBO, and other platforms with professional photos highlighting proximity to French Quarter, local attractions like Laketown, and unique Louisiana features. Implement management systems including automated messaging, professional cleaning services (typically $75-$150 per turnover in Metairie), key exchange solutions, and maintain compliance with Jefferson Parish's 10% occupancy tax plus Louisiana's 4.45% state sales tax, while monitoring local noise ordinances and parking requirements that vary by neighborhood within Metairie's municipal boundaries.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Metairie, Louisiana, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of New Orleans' French Quarter, near major attractions like Lakeside Shopping Center, or close to the airport for business travelers. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1980 with modern amenities, parking, and outdoor spaces, as these perform well with families and groups visiting New Orleans who prefer quieter suburban stays. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties where potential STR revenue exceeds long-term rental income by 40-60%, typically finding sweet spots in the $200,000-$400,000 purchase range near Metairie Road, Veterans Boulevard, or Lakeside areas. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 2-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or pricing, and noting that successful properties often charge $120-$200 per night depending on size and location. Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets calculators, and local MLS data through Realtor.com, while consulting with Metairie-based property managers like RedAwning or local companies familiar with Jefferson Parish STR regulations, and consider properties near Lakeside Hospital or business districts that attract medical professionals and corporate travelers year-round.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Metairie, Louisiana, you must apply through Jefferson Parish since Metairie is an unincorporated area within the parish. Start by contacting the Jefferson Parish Planning Department at 200 Derbigny Street, Gretna, LA 70053, or visit their website to download the Short-Term Rental application form. Required documents typically include a completed application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, certificate of occupancy, fire safety inspection certificate, liability insurance policy (minimum $500,000), floor plan of the property, and a $150-200 application fee. You'll also need to obtain a Jefferson Parish business license ($50-75 annually) and register for local sales tax collection. The property must comply with zoning requirements (check if STRs are permitted in your specific zone), maintain off-street parking for guests, provide trash collection arrangements, and include emergency contact information posted inside the property. The approval timeline is typically 30-60 days after submitting a complete application, though inspections may extend this period. Once approved, you'll receive a permit that must be renewed annually for approximately $100-150, and you must display the permit number in all online listings and maintain occupancy limits as specified by the parish (usually 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests).

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Metairie, Louisiana are legal but subject to specific regulations under Jefferson Parish ordinances implemented around 2019-2020. The parish requires STR operators to obtain a conditional use permit and business license, with properties limited to no more than two rental units per structure in most residential zones. STRs are prohibited in certain residential districts, particularly R-1 single-family zones, and must maintain minimum distances from schools, churches, and other STRs. Operators must comply with occupancy limits (typically 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional), provide adequate parking, maintain noise standards, and have a local contact person available 24/7. Recent changes have included stricter enforcement mechanisms and increased penalties for violations, with Jefferson Parish conducting regular inspections and requiring annual permit renewals. The regulations also mandate that STRs cannot be operated in properties with homestead exemptions, and there are specific insurance and safety requirements including smoke detectors and emergency egress plans.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Metairie, Louisiana include Old Metairie near the lakefront along Lake Pontchartrain, which attracts tourists seeking waterfront experiences and proximity to New Orleans while offering a quieter suburban setting. The Metairie Road corridor, particularly around the Lakeside Shopping Center area, provides excellent access to retail, dining, and entertainment venues while being convenient for business travelers visiting nearby corporate offices and medical facilities. The Fat City district offers nightlife and entertainment appeal, drawing visitors interested in the local bar and restaurant scene. Areas near the Jefferson Parish government complex and East Jefferson General Hospital attract medical professionals, visiting families, and business travelers. The neighborhoods around Metairie Cemetery and near the Orleans Parish border are highly desirable due to their historic charm and easy access to French Quarter attractions via a short drive or streetcar connection, making them ideal for tourists who want New Orleans proximity without downtown hotel prices. Properties near Veterans Memorial Boulevard benefit from excellent transportation links, shopping centers, and restaurant clusters, appealing to both leisure and business travelers seeking modern amenities and convenience.

Airbnb properties in Metairie, Louisiana are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the Louisiana state sales tax of 4.45%, Jefferson Parish sales tax of 5%, and a Jefferson Parish occupancy tax of 3% on short-term rentals under 30 days. The City of Metairie does not impose additional occupancy taxes beyond the parish level. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking for most properties, with Airbnb remitting the state sales tax and parish occupancy tax to the Louisiana Department of Revenue and Jefferson Parish respectively on a monthly basis. Property owners may need to register with the Louisiana Department of Revenue and Jefferson Parish for tax collection purposes if Airbnb is not collecting on their behalf. Exemptions generally apply to stays of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than short-term vacation rentals, and certain government or non-profit organization bookings may qualify for exemptions with proper documentation.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Metairie, Louisiana is approximately $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase costs around $220,000-$250,000 based on median home prices in the area. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property requires $15,000-$25,000 for quality furniture, appliances, linens, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, cleaning supplies, and welcome amenities total $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees in Jefferson Parish include short-term rental permits ($200-$500), business licenses ($100-$300), and potential HOA approvals. Insurance for short-term rentals costs $2,500-$4,000 annually, significantly higher than standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable run $500-$800. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($1,200), cleaning services ($3,600), property management software ($300), maintenance reserves ($2,000), marketing ($500), and miscellaneous expenses ($1,400) total approximately $9,000. Additional considerations include potential renovation costs if the property needs updates to meet rental standards, which could add $10,000-$30,000 to the initial investment depending on the property's condition.

Airbnb properties in Metairie, Louisiana typically generate annual revenues between $25,000-$45,000 for well-positioned properties, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$150 depending on proximity to New Orleans and property amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($150-300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,500 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Properties within 15 minutes of the French Quarter command premium rates, with successful hosts like those operating renovated Creole cottages near Lakeside Shopping Center reporting net profit margins of 25-35% after all expenses. Key success factors include strategic location selection near major attractions, professional photography, consistent 4.8+ star ratings, and offering unique local experiences such as proximity to Commander's Palace or easy streetcar access to downtown New Orleans. Properties that struggled typically suffered from poor location choices in residential areas without tourist appeal, inconsistent hosting practices, or failure to account for Louisiana's high humidity maintenance requirements, resulting in profit margins below 15% or operating at losses during slower summer months when tourism traditionally dips in the region.

Based on Metairie, Louisiana market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-15% depending on property type and location within the market. Properties near Lake Pontchartrain or close to New Orleans attractions tend to achieve higher returns, with average daily rates of $85-140 and occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. Initial profitability usually occurs within 8-14 months after launch, factoring in startup costs, furnishing, and marketing expenses. The market benefits from consistent demand from New Orleans overflow visitors, business travelers to Jefferson Parish, and tourists seeking more affordable alternatives to French Quarter accommodations, with companies like Evolve and RedAwning reporting strong performance metrics for local hosts since 2019-2023.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors, including in Metairie, Louisiana. Local real estate agents like Keller Williams Realty New Orleans, Coldwell Banker TEC, and RE/MAX New Orleans serve the Metairie market with expertise in investment properties suitable for Airbnb conversions. National services include Mashvisor, which provides Airbnb analytics and property search tools, BiggerPockets for investor networking and deal sourcing, and Awning for short-term rental investment guidance. Local companies such as Gulf Coast Real Estate Group and Latter & Blum specialize in investment properties in the Greater New Orleans area including Metairie. Additional services include AirDNA for market analysis, Rabbu for Airbnb-specific property search, and local property management companies like RedAwning and AvantStay that also help identify investment opportunities. Regional firms such as Stirling Properties and local investment groups like New Orleans Real Estate Investors Association provide market insights and deal flow for Metairie Airbnb investments.