Bienvenue to the Best New Orleans Neighborhoods
Louisiana
Lots of folks experience the Crescent City on a visit and are drawn in by the magic that is New Orleans — whether it’s seeing a Second Line Parade for the first time; enjoying authentic beignets and café au lait; hearing live, local jazz; or strolling through the Botanical Garden at the City Park — there’s always something fun to do in New Orleans.
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NOLA is home to well-regarded schools like Tulane University and Loyola University New Orleans, and the job market is why young professionals and graduating students stay in the city. It’s a great place to get a job in one of the city’s many growing industries, like biosciences, health services, hospitality, logistics, or film production.
If you think this southern city could be your new home, the next step is to choose a New Orleans neighborhood that checks all the boxes.
| Q: What are neighborhoods in New Orleans called? A: New Orleans has 73 neighborhoods divided into 17 wards. |
New Orleans at a Glance
- The population of New Orleans is 364,136.
- The city is mostly made up of working professionals, students, and families.
- The average home value is around $236,500, compared to the Louisiana state average value of around $201,500 and the national average of around $359,100.
- New Orleans has an average rent (one-bedroom) of around $1,375, while the state of Louisiana has an average rent of around $1,225, compared to the U.S. average of around $1,750.
- New Orleans is great for Creole and cajun cuisine, live music, festivals like Mardi Gras, friendly people, history, and much more!
12 Best New Orleans Neighborhoods
If you look at a map of New Orleans neighborhoods, you’ll find our list includes areas throughout the city. Whether you’re a student or young professional who wants to be close to the party in the French Quarter, or you want to raise a family in a safe area like Lakeview, these are the best neighborhoods in New Orleans.
The Bywater neighborhood is located right along the Mississippi River and is home to professionals, artists, and families alike.
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1. Bywater
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,325
- Average home value: $351,900
- Great for: Professionals, families, nightlife, arts and culture
The Bywater neighborhood is located right along the Mississippi River and is home to professionals, artists, and families alike. Residents enjoy relaxing in the popular Crescent Park, which offers stunning views of river traffic and is a great area to walk or bike. You can also catch the sunset over the NOLA skyline!
Residents of this neighborhood have plenty of restaurant options within walking distance, including breakfast favorites at Elizabeth’s or burgers at the Sneaky Pickle. If you’re looking for upscale cocktails, you can always sit outside and relax at the The Country Club (and take a dip in their pool!) or try new flavors that rotate with the seasons at the Parleaux Beer Lab.
And not only will you find folk art all around this neighborhood, but you’ll find galleries and studios, as well. Studio Be is a converted warehouse that now showcases local artists in a variety of mediums, and you can always find more art, music, and dance at the Marigny Opera House.
| Q: What is the toughest neighborhood in New Orleans? A: Treme Lafitte is considered one of the more unsafe areas of New Orleans. |
2. Central Business District
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,025
- Average home value: $486,900
- Great for: Young professionals, students, nightlife, live music
If you want to live near the hustle and bustle of New Orleans’ arts and culture hub, then you’ll want to find a place in the Central Business District. Full of trendy restaurants with award-winning chefs — including Cafe Porche & Snowbar and Cafe Roma — you’ll never face a lack of dining options. This artsy neighborhood is also home to restored theaters and museums like the National WWII Museum and the Southern Food & Beverage Museum.
Residents of this central neighborhood have access to A.L. Davis Park and the Van McMurray Playground, perfect for when you want to spend some time relaxing outdoors. And walking the tree-lined streets of this lovely New Orleans neighborhood, you’ll find Italianate 19th-century mansions, such as the Seven Sisters, the Buckner Mansion, and the Carroll-Crawford House.
The historic French Quarter deftly mixes the old with the new to create a fun and welcoming neighborhood.
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3. French Quarter
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,950
- Average home value: $433,800
- Great for: Young professionals, students, nightlife, history, architecture
One of the oldest neighborhoods in New Orleans is the historic French Quarter, but it deftly mixes the old with the new to create a fun and welcoming neighborhood. This area is the bustling heart of NOLA, playing home to the world-famous Bourbon Street and all of its restaurants, bars, and live music. All this liveliness is balanced, however, by the historical houses and balconies that still drape Spanish moss and jasmine, as well as the majestic 18th-century St. Louis Cathedral.
Jackson Park is located directly across from the cathedral, and it’s where you’ll find artists sketching and painting or selling their crafts, and residents enjoy walking here or at the nearby Saint Peter Street at the River Park. The French Quarter is also home to famous restaurants like Cafe du Monde, Antoine’s (New Orleans’ oldest restaurant!), and the 18th-century Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar.
| Q: Where is the nicest neighborhood in New Orleans? A: The Garden District is considered one of the nicest neighborhoods in New Orleans. |
4. Garden District
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,875
- Average home value: $602,800
- Great for: Professionals, artists, historic homes
One of the prettiest neighborhoods in New Orleans is the Garden District, full of charm, history, and beautiful homes. This famous neighborhood is located near the Irish Channel and the Central Business District, and it’s easy to find things to do. Tour the historic Sully Mansion or the Elms Mansion and see how the wealthy members of society lived in the 19th century. Jackson Avenue and Magazine Street are also full of local restaurants like Cajun at Parasol’s or classic laid-back Creole at Joey K’s Restaurant.
Closer to the river, you’ll find space for outdoor activities at the Lyons Playground and Rec Center or at Coliseum Square Park, which features the Lafon Fountain.
Irish Channel is home to colorful shotgun houses, street art, and plenty of places to try a new dish.
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5. Irish Channel
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,900
- Average home value: $438,100
- Great for: Young professionals, families, nightlife, breweries
One of the nicest neighborhoods in New Orleans, Irish Channel can’t be missed. Named after the Irish immigrants who lived here in the 1830s, this neighborhood has stayed largely residential, making it great for professionals working in the city as well as families. Here, you’ll find colorful shotgun houses (narrow homes with rooms arranged one behind the other), street art, and plenty of places to try a new dish. Locals love stopping by Molly’s Rise and Shine for the Grand Slam McMuffins; grabbing a melty sandwich at Turkey and the Wolf; and enjoying cocktails and mini beignets at the Vintage.
You’ll also find art galleries, walking tours, and shopping areas, making it a convenient spot to put down roots. You can always stay active by checking out nearby Boettner Park or the Exchange Pickleball + Bar. Antiques on Jackson is another Irish Channel staple filled with interesting antiques and local art.
6. Gentilly Terrace
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,325
- Average home value: $217,100
- Great for: Professionals, families, retirees, historic neighborhood
Gentilly Terrace is a quiet, affordable area not far from the Inner Harbor Canal and Lake Pontchartrain, making it ideal for folks looking for easy access to water activities. The streets are filled with bungalows and Tudor- and Spanish-style homes, as well as one of the largest concentrations of Craftsman houses in the city. It’s a short commute to the University of New Orleans along the coast of the lake, as well as Lake Oaks Park and London Park, where you can enjoy getting some exercise outdoors.
Fillmore Avenue is home to a variety of restaurants within walking distance, including southern classics at Fiorella’s Cafe or authentic Jamaican at Afrodisiac.
Lakeview is filled with ranch and cottage-style homes, many of which come with access to Lake Pontchartrain.
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7. Lakeview
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,700
- Average home value: $495,200
- Great for: Families, outdoor activities, access to the lake
Lakeview is considered one of the safest areas of New Orleans. This casual neighborhood is filled with ranch and cottage-style homes, many of which come with access to Lake Pontchartrain. It’s perfect for staying near the hustle and bustle of New Orleans without all the noise of Bourbon Street, too. And in addition to boating and other lake activities, residents have easy access to the New Orleans City Park, with its expansive trails, picnic areas, fishing pier, and golf courses. Living in this neighborhood, you can also easily stroll through the Botanical Garden or visit the New Orleans Museum of Art.
Families especially love taking the kids to the Louisiana Children’s Museum or spending the day among storybook characters at Storyland. And Harrison Ave. is where you’ll find the Harrison Avenue Marketplace, along with local shops and plenty of must-try restaurants, like Junior’s on Harrison and El Gato Negro, that feature fresh-caught seafood.
| Q: What is the safest district in New Orleans? A: Gentilly Terrace and Lakeview are some of the safest neighborhoods in New Orleans. |
8. Old Aurora
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $975
- Average home value: $208,600
- Great for: Families, retirees, river access
One of the best neighborhoods in New Orleans — especially for families or retirees — is scenic Old Aurora. Full of tree-lined streets, this quiet neighborhood is close to the Algiers Plaza for all your shopping needs, as well as outdoor recreation spots like the Algiers Country Club at Aurora and the Lakewood Golf Club. Residents also like spending time at Brechtel Park, which features trails and picnic areas, as well as scenic woodland vistas like Bachelor’s Grove.
Living in Old Aurora also means you’re close to educational opportunities at the University of Holy Cross, exploration opportunities on the Intercoastal Waterway, and the nearby bustling parts of NOLA. Not to mention this New Orleans neighborhood is home to a fantastic pizza spot, Olive Branch Cafe.
Mid-City is an unpretentious neighborhood with laid-back vibes.
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9. Mid-City
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,600
- Average home value: $317,200
- Great for: Professionals, families, nightlife, easy commute
An unpretentious neighborhood with laid-back vibes and bungalow homes, Mid-City would be a great place to call home. Located between the French Quarter and City Park, it’s close to all kinds of interesting shops like Tubby & Coo’s Traveling Book Shop at HI-BALLZ. And Interstate 10 cuts right through the neighborhood, so if you have a commute to work or you want to get out of the city for a day, you can easily do just that.
The famous Greenwood and Metairie cemeteries are nearby, with plenty of monuments and memorials to help you learn more about the neighborhood’s history. And in addition to all the trails and fun to be had at City Park, folks who live in Mid-City can also take advantage of the Lafitte Greenway and its 2.6 miles of trails that pass by playgrounds, picnic areas, and restaurants serving up favorites like po’boys (we’re looking at you Midcity Chicken and Po’boy). In fact, Mid-City locals have lots of places to fill up at, including Neyow’s Creole Cafe, Mandina’s seafood, and pub grub at The Bulldog.
10. Uptown
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,025
- Average home value: $597,200
- Great for: Professionals, students, families, restaurants, historic homes
If you’re a student or a young professional looking to live in a lively, fun neighborhood, then you can’t go wrong with Uptown. This New Orleans neighborhood is home to Tulane University, so you’ll find lots of students calling this charming place home. But it’s not all just dive bars and cafes. Uptown has some of the most beautiful historic mansions in the city, and residents like to view them from the St. Charles Streetcar. You can also visit the Audubon Park and Zoo here, which is also a great place to golf, bike, walk, or take in the views of the Mississippi River.
In Uptown, you can enjoy a classic movie at the Prytania Theatre, or listen to live jazz at Tipitina's. And when you’re done, be sure to stop by the Commander’s Palace for upscale Creole and white table cloths, or grab hand-crafted cocktails at Cure.
Bayou St. John is home to the world-famous New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
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11. Bayou St. John
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,600
- Average home value: $374,000
- Great for: Families, festivals, outdoor activities
Located next to the neighborhood of Mid-City is Bayou St. John, which is home to festivals like the world-famous New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. It also offers waterfront access, which residents use to get out on the canal in kayaks or paddle boards to take in the view of the neighborhood from the water.
As one of the older New Orleans neighborhoods, you’ll find historic sites like the Bayou Road, which is New Orleans’ oldest road. You can also check out Lafayette Cemetery No. 3 or the 18th-century Pitot House Museum. This house was originally the home of the first mayor of New Orleans, and you can tour the house as well as the nearby Free People of Color Museum.
When you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll find locals hanging out at unassuming spots in this neighborhood like Pal’s for bar food or 1000 Figs for Mediterranean specialties. And Esplanade Avenue is full of fun shops, cafes, and bars that keep residents coming back for more.
12. Marigny
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,325
- Average home value: $401,600
- Great for: Young professionals, artists, nightlife, jazz
In the artsy sector of New Orleans that borders Bywater and the French Quarter is the vibrant neighborhood of Marigny. Here, you’ll always hear jazz playing, whether it’s in one of the many bars or cabarets or just on the street corner. This neighborhood is full of shotgun houses and has the casual, come-as-you-are vibe that folks love about New Orleans.
Frenchman Street is the cultural hub of the neighborhood where you’ll find not only outdoor musicians, but also Art Bazaar, which is full of local creative vendors. And there’s nightly live jazz music at spots like The Maison.
Across Royal Street, you’ll find Washington Square — a beautiful green space that offers places to relax, walk the dog, or let the kids play. And after visiting Crescent Park along the river, locals like to enjoy Italian at Paladar 511 or head over to Brieux Carre for pints and small plates.
Move to One of the Best New Orleans Neighborhoods With PODS
If you want to live in one of the best neighborhoods in New Orleans, consider any of the options on this list. And when you’re ready to go, PODS can help you get there with less stress. They’ll deliver a portable storage container to your home so you can pack up for NOLA on your own schedule. Then when it’s time to move, a PODS professional will pick up the container and safely take it to your New Orleans home. They can deliver it to your driveway, or you can store it in a secure PODS Storage Center until you’re ready to unpack. The best part? One month of storage is included with every move!
Editor’s note: Average rent prices were obtained from RentCafe and average home values were obtained from Zillow. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.
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