Moving to Harahan, LA: Here is what you need to know
Harahan is a small city in Jefferson Parish that sits close enough to New Orleans that dinner plans can be spontaneous, but far enough away that your street can still feel like a neighborhood instead of a tourist route. It is the kind of place people choose when they want access to the metro area without living in the middle of it, and it tends to attract residents who value routine, convenience, and having a driveway that does not require a strategy meeting.
If you are considering a move, the smartest approach is to look at the numbers first, then decide if the lifestyle fits. Harahan is not trying to be trendy, and that is exactly the appeal for a lot of people.
Before we get started, if you need help with storing your belongings, no matter where you reside, check out our helpful guides on storing wood furniture without climate control, how to properly storage furniture in a storage unit, and how to store a washing machine the right way.
Cost of living in Harahan
Harahan lands near the national average on cost of living, which is useful when you are trying to budget without relying on guesswork. City Data lists a December 2026 cost of living index of 95.9 for Harahan, with 100 representing the United States average.
Taxes deserve a quick reality check, because they show up in daily life whether you are excited about them or not. Avalara lists the combined sales tax rate for Harahan at 9.75 percent for 2026, made up of a 5.0 percent Louisiana rate and a 4.75 percent Jefferson Parish rate.
Housing costs and what to expect
Housing is usually the biggest line item in a moving budget, and Harahan is not immune to the broader market. Realtor.com reports a median home price of $325,000 for Harahan in the October 2025 reporting period.
Renters should plan for pricing that can feel closer to suburban New Orleans than to smaller Louisiana towns. Realtor.com lists a median rent of $1,650 per month in that same October 2025 reporting period.
If you want a second perspective on owner occupied value, Census Reporter lists the median value of owner occupied housing units in Harahan at $309,400. That number can differ from listing prices, but it helps frame what residents have typically paid and what the local baseline looks like.
Population, income, and the feel of the city
Harahan is small enough that it tends to feel stable, and the population numbers reflect that. Data USA lists Harahan at 8,939 residents.
Income levels are one reason some people see Harahan as a practical place to land in the metro area. Data USA reports a median household income of $78,222. This matters because it gives context for housing costs and it explains why the city often feels more owner heavy than renter heavy.
Commuting and getting around
Harahan is a driving town for most residents, and the numbers back that up. Census Reporter shows a mean travel time to work of 22 minutes.
If you want quick access to New Orleans, Harahan is close enough that the trip is not a whole event. Travelmath lists the driving distance from Harahan to New Orleans as 11 miles. That kind of distance is why people often describe Harahan as convenient, because errands and commutes stay manageable without requiring you to rebuild your entire schedule.
Schools and family considerations
If schools are on your list, you will likely be looking at Jefferson Parish options plus nearby choices in the broader metro area. GreatSchools maintains a Harahan page that organizes local school options and community reviews in one place.
For a more data forward snapshot, SchoolDigger lists Harahan School as a local public option and notes it is part of Jefferson Parish Schools. If you have specific grade needs or you are deciding between neighborhoods, it is worth comparing the school assignment boundaries before you sign a lease, because moving is stressful enough without a surprise enrollment scramble.
Weather, storm planning, and flood awareness
Living in south Louisiana means learning to respect water and heat in equal measure. You do not need to be an amateur meteorologist, but you do need a plan for hurricane season and a habit of checking forecasts when storms line up in the Gulf.
Flood risk is also part of responsible planning, especially when you are choosing a home and reviewing insurance. FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center reminds homeowners that standard homeowners insurance typically does not cover flood damage and encourages people to check their flood risk. When you are house hunting, it is smart to check the property on the FEMA map and ask specific questions about past flooding and mitigation.
What it typically costs to move
Moving costs vary wildly, but you can still build a realistic range so you are not shocked later. Moving.com estimates the average cost of a local move at $1,250 and the average cost of a long distance move at $4,890 for a typical two to three bedroom household, noting that details like weight and distance matter.
If you want a Louisiana specific estimate, one recent Louisiana moving cost guide reports that movers often charge around $135 per hour and that typical moves in the state range from roughly $530 to $4,520 depending on the home size and services. Use these as planning numbers, then get quotes early because availability and timing can shift the final total fast.
A practical first month plan
Start by locking down the essentials that affect your daily rhythm: commute, grocery access, and school logistics if they apply. Once those are solved, you can focus on the quality of life details like parks, restaurants, and how quickly you can get to the places you actually go on a normal Tuesday.
Next, budget for the boring setup costs that people forget. Utility deposits, basic home maintenance supplies, and a little buffer for furniture that suddenly feels necessary are the difference between a smooth landing and a month of mild financial panic.
Finally, decide how you will handle storm season from day one. That means updating your emergency kit, keeping important documents organized, and having a plan for your car and your home if a major weather event is on the way. It is not dramatic, it is just competent, and competence is very relaxing once you have it.
If you go into the move with clear expectations about housing costs, sales tax, and storm planning, Harahan can be a straightforward place to settle. And before you make your move, consider storage in Harahan at Key Storage. We’re experts in moving and storage and can help you make sure you have everything you need for a successful move or storage experience.