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New Orleans,LA Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Map

Discover the Charm of the Best Neighborhoods in New Orleans

New Orleans is a city bursting with soul, culture, and history, and its neighborhoods each offer a unique slice of that vibrant life. From the lively streets of the French Quarter to the historic homes in the Garden District, the best neighborhoods in New Orleans provide a diverse range of experiences for residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re looking for the perfect place to live or just want to explore the city’s rich tapestry, understanding the character of each neighborhood is a great place to start. A New Orleans neighborhoods map can be your handy guide as you navigate this fascinating city.

Housing, Affordability & Market Conditions

When it comes to housing, New Orleans offers something for everyone, but prices and market conditions can vary widely by neighborhood. Areas like the Bywater and Marigny have become popular for their affordable, artsy vibes with charming shotgun houses and renovated cottages attracting young professionals and creatives. Meanwhile, the Garden District is known for its grand mansions and historic homes, which come with a higher price tag but unmatched Southern charm. Neighborhoods such as Lakeview and Mid-City offer a more suburban feel with mid-range pricing and plenty of family-friendly options. Overall, the city’s real estate market continues to grow steadily, making now a great time to explore the best neighborhoods in New Orleans for your budget and lifestyle.

Food & Social Scene

The food and social scenes are some of the biggest draws in New Orleans neighborhoods. The French Quarter remains the hotspot for classic Creole cuisine, with legendary spots like Café du Monde serving beignets and chicory coffee. Over in the Warehouse District, you’ll find trendy eateries and bars like Cochon Butcher and Cure, perfect for foodies looking for a modern twist. For a more laid-back vibe, the Bywater is a favorite with locals, featuring eclectic cafes and bars such as The Franklin and Bacchanal Wine. Whether you're craving gumbo, po’boys, or craft cocktails, the city’s neighborhoods are brimming with delicious options and lively hangouts.

Things to Do

Each New Orleans neighborhood offers plenty of attractions and activities. The French Quarter is famous for Bourbon Street’s nightlife and the historic Jackson Square. Meanwhile, the Garden District invites leisurely strolls past antebellum mansions and Southern live oaks. Music lovers will enjoy Frenchmen Street in the Marigny, known for its live jazz venues like The Spotted Cat Music Club. For outdoor enthusiasts, City Park in Mid-City offers beautiful green space, botanical gardens, and the New Orleans Museum of Art. Whether it’s festivals, museums, or simply soaking in the unique atmosphere, the city’s diverse neighborhoods make it easy to find something fun to do every day.

Colleges & Universities

New Orleans is home to several notable colleges and universities, many of which are nestled within distinct neighborhoods. Tulane University and Loyola University are both located in Uptown, a gorgeous area known for its oak-lined streets and historic architecture. These campuses bring a youthful energy to the neighborhood, along with cultural events and sporting activities. Delgado Community College’s City Park Campus is situated near Mid-City, adding to the vibrancy of that neighborhood. The presence of these institutions contributes to the dynamic and diverse character of New Orleans neighborhoods, making them hubs of education and innovation.

Hidden Gems & Neighborhood Secrets

While many know about the iconic French Quarter, some of the best neighborhoods in New Orleans harbor hidden gems that might surprise you. For instance, the Treme neighborhood is one of the oldest African American neighborhoods in the country and a vital birthplace of jazz, yet it remains less touristy and full of rich cultural history. The Lower Garden District offers a quieter alternative to the bustling Garden District, with cool cafes like District Donuts Sliders Brew and an emerging arts scene. Also, the Bywater’s colorful street art and quirky shops make it a favorite among those seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures. Exploring a New Orleans neighborhoods map can reveal these lesser-known treasures and deepen your appreciation of the city's unique charm.

New Orleans Demographics

Population 380,408
Density (People/sqml.) 2,244
Median Age 37.9
Married Couples
32%
32% of the population of New Orleans aged 16 years and older are married.
Have Kids
18%
18% of the population aged 16 years or older have children.

Best Neighborhoods

Hood  Med. Age  Have Kids  Home Price  Med. Income  Affordability 
Village De L'Est 42.8 23.2% $203,500 $61,351 3.3
Old Aurora 42.5 16% $202,544 $59,655 3.4
Tall Timbers-Brechtel 39.7 21.7% $240,606 $68,260 3.4
Behrman 43.5 14.5% $157,331 $44,893 3.8
New Aurora-English Turn 41.2 24% $241,933 $60,829 3.8
Read Blvd. East 41.9 19.3% $219,994 $59,231 4.0
McDonogh 44.9 10.8% $258,378 $77,977 4.2
Whitney 42.4 12.6% $225,060 $52,928 4.3
Lake Shore-Lake Vista 44.9 29% $592,844 $139,182 4.4
US Naval Base 44.5 13.2% $204,417 $50,598 4.5

New Orleans neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in New Orleans—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in New Orleans, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.

Crime in New Orleans

Violent Crime 100% Lower than Nat. Avg.
Property Crime 100% Lower than Nat. Avg.
Total Crime 100% Lower than Nat. Avg.
Crime
 
Reported
 
New Orleans
/100k
LA
/100k
National
/100k
Murder     10.8 5.0
Rape     33.7 37.5
Robbery     39.4 60.6
Assault     436.0 256.1
Total Violent Crime     520 359
Burglary     405.4 229.2
Theft     1,636.2 1,272.1
Vehicle Theft     254.8 258.8
Total Property Crime     2,296 1,760
TOTAL CRIME 0 0 2,816 2,119

Historical Crime Data

Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.