Everyone knows New Orleans does not play around regarding the Big Easy lifestyle. Its rich musical heritage, world-renowned Creole cuisine, and stunning French and Spanish-inspired architecture are all hallmark features.
However, the city also has its challenges. The job market can feel as elusive as a parking spot during Mardi Gras, the low wages don’t always keep up with the cost of living, and the city’s crime rates occasionally make headlines.
Eventually, it sort of makes choosing the right neighborhood really important for you to get the most out of what New Orleans has to offer.
Here are eight of the best neighborhoods in New Orleans and why they stand out.
Quick Overview
- Garden District — Best Neighborhood for an Upscale Lifestyle
- French Quarter — Best Nightlife
- Marigny — Most Artsy Neighborhood
- Bywater — Most Diverse New Orleans Neighborhood
- Uptown — Best Suburban Neighborhood
- Mid-City — Best Neighborhood for Young Professionals
- Algiers Point — Most Laid-back Neighborhood
- Lakeview — Most Family-friendly Neighborhood
- Garden District
If you love historic charm and a slower-paced, upscale lifestyle, you will be making the right choice with Garden District.
Along its streets, you can see stately antebellum mansions and well-preserved 19th-century architecture. This neighborhood is a slice of old-world elegance right in the heart of New Orleans.
Exuding a refined, luxurious atmosphere while maintaining a peaceful, residential charm without the constant noise of tourism, like many other aesthetically pleasing areas in New Orleans.
The iconic St. Charles Avenue streetcar conveniently connects the Garden District. Also providing easy access to downtown and other key areas of the city while being moderately walkable.
Considered one of the safest neighborhoods in New Orleans, Garden District has a lower crime rate than other parts of the city.
- Population: 1,486
- Median Household Income: $157,999
- Average House Rent: $1,831
- Median Home Value: $349,900
- Best Known For: Historic mansions, lush gardens, and Magazine Street’s shopping and dining scene.
- French Quarter
Most parts of New Orleans contribute to upholding the city’s cultural and musical heritage. But the French Quarter is the heart of New Orleans’ culture and nightlife.
However, this alone is not what makes it one of the best neighborhoods in New Orleans. The place’s atmosphere is steeped in history, yet it’s colorful and full of energy.
While it’s a tourist hotspot, the movers in New Orleans have helped relocate many who add to the strong community of residents that embrace the area’s vibrant character.
Also, due to its heavy tourist presence, the French Quarter has a strong police presence. However, pickpocketing and occasional crime can be an issue, especially late at night.
- Population: 1,101
- Median Household Income: $73,340
- Average House Rent: $1,838
- Median Home Value: 335,000
- Best Known For: Bourbon Street, jazz clubs, and historic landmarks.
- Marigny
Located just east of the French Quarter, Marigny benefits from its spill of energy. This bohemian enclave has an artsy vibe with a music scene that attracts creatives, musicians, and young professionals.
Marigny embraces a mix of old Creole cottages and modern renovations. While less touristy than the French Quarter, it’s still lively and engaging.
Frenchmen Street is the highlight of Marigny. It offers some of the best live music venues in the city and is highly walkable and bike-friendly.
While this neighborhood is safer than many other parts of the city, occasional petty crime can occur, especially after dark.
- Population: 2,569
- Median Household Income: $84,968
- Average House Rent: $2,129
- Median Home Value: $485,000
- Best Known For: Frenchmen Street’s live music scene.
- Bywater
A close neighbor to Marigny, Bywater is an artistic and laid-back community that has gained popularity among young professionals and creatives.
With its colorful Creole cottages and strong local culture, Bywater is one of the most unique places to live in New Orleans.
The neighborhood’s amenities, such as the fantastic selection of indie art galleries, lend to the narrative that Bywater is one of the most diverse and best neighborhoods in New Orleans. Then, there’s the beautiful Crescent Park, providing stunning views of the Mississippi River.
While not as centrally located as other neighborhoods, Bywater is still accessible by bike, bus, and car.
- Population: 3,601
- Median Household Income: $69,261
- Average House Rent: $1,702
- Median Home Value: $460,000
- Best Known For: Vibrant street art and relaxed, artsy vibe.
- Uptown
A community-oriented atmosphere is what marks the area vibe of Uptown.
Along with its tree-lined streets, the historic homes and residential feel make it a perfect suburb. It’s ideal for both families and professionals who can count on the excellent schools and amenities for a balanced life.
Tulane and Loyola Universities, Audubon Park, and a range of top-tier restaurants and boutiques make Uptown a highly desirable area and, frankly, one of the best neighborhoods in New Orleans.
The neighborhood is also well-connected by the St. Charles streetcar and major thoroughfares, making it easy to commute downtown.
- Population: 5,587
- Median Household Income: $104,918
- Average House Rent: $2,050
- Median Home Value: $632,500
- Best Known For: Historic homes and family-friendly atmosphere.
- Mid-City
If you need diversity, a central location, and many job opportunities in a neighborhood, Mid-City is your best bet.
Mid-City has a relaxed atmosphere and is close to some of New Orleans’ best attractions. Its mix of historic homes and modern developments makes it appealing to families and young professionals alike.
Generally, Mid-City has a down-to-earth vibe!
While this neighborhood is less touristy than others, it still offers plenty of activity. City Park, the New Orleans Museum of Art, and the popular Bayou St. John are some of the must-visit spots.
- Population: 12,619
- Median Household Income: $73,896
- Average House Rent: $1,636
- Median Home Value: $265,000
- Best Known For: City Park and casual, community-driven atmosphere.
- Algiers Point
Perhaps one of New Orleans’ best-kept secrets, Algiers Point offers stunning riverfront views and easy access to downtown.
Its village-like atmosphere feels a world away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
This is great because there’s plenty to see and do here: beautifully preserved 19th-century homes, quiet streets, cozy cafés, historic bars like the Old Point Bar, and the Algiers Ferry — all providing a scenic commute to the French Quarter.
Most residents enjoy walking and biking along the levee for spectacular sunset views. While Algiers Point is across the river from downtown, the ferry service makes it highly accessible.
- Population: 2,237
- Median Household Income: $78,619
- Average House Rent: $1,650
- Median Home Value: $465,000
- Best Known For: Historic homes, riverfront views, and ferry access to the French Quarter.
- Lakeview
When it comes to New Orleans neighborhoods, families can’t choose better than Lakeview. Its proximity to Lake Pontchartrain grants a waterfront view that screams luxury.
Yet, Lakeview is relatively affordable and provides a quiet, desirable area for those who wish to stay within city limits. Wide streets, well-maintained lawns, and a strong neighborhood association contribute to its charm.
Harrison Avenue, for instance, serves as the neighborhood’s main commercial hub. It offers a variety of restaurants, boutiques, and local businesses.
Lakeview is well-connected to the rest of the city via I-610 and several major roadways. While public transit is available, having a car is beneficial for residents.
The neighborhood’s layout makes it easy to bike or walk to local shops and parks.
- Population: 9,309
- Median Household Income: $132,585
- Average House Rent: $1,950
- Median Home Value: $523,000
- Best Known For: Family-friendly atmosphere, proximity to Lake Pontchartrain, and City Park.
Conclusion — A Taste of The Big Easy
New Orleans is historic yet modern, lively yet laid-back, and rich in culture. Your choice of neighborhood will shape your experience here.
From the elegant mansions of the Garden District to the nonstop energy of the French Quarter, the artsy vibes of Marigny and Bywater, and the historic charm of Algiers Point, these neighborhoods rank high among the best in New Orleans.
Whatever your lifestyle, New Orleans has a neighborhood that feels like home and the unmistakable spirit of the Big Easy.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.