As with most large cities, New Orleans, LA, is a patchwork of unique areas that appeal to a broad range of occupations, personalities, and lifestyles. No matter what your preferences are, you will likely be able to find a cool place that fits you. Each New Orleans neighborhood offers a vast selection of restaurants, bars, and shops to provide its residents with many reasons to stick close to home. If you are looking to relocate to the area or are considering changing neighborhoods, this list can give you a quick snapshot of the various areas and help narrow your focus.
The French Quarter
This New Orleans neighborhood is arguably one of the most renowned in the world. You would be hard-pressed to find people who have never heard of this amazing gem. Believe it or not, people DO actually live here! Once you venture away from the hustle of Bourbon Street or Jackson Square, most of the Quarter is residential housing. Parking might be a challenge at times and you will have no shortage of people wandering the streets admiring your house. It takes a certain personality to live in this bustling area, but it’s unlike any other neighborhood around!
Faubourg Marigny/Bywater
Directly downriver from the French Quarter, you will find Faubourg Marigny. This amazing New Orleans neighborhood is a perfect solution for the folks who want to live within walking distance of the Quarter as well as Frenchmen Street, but don’t necessarily want all the foot traffic it entails. Next to Marigny is the gentrifying area known as Bywater. The homes are generally smaller, but more affordable than the two previously mentioned areas. Art and culture are seeping into this neighborhood, creating a bohemian feel for the residents.
Mid-City/Treme
If you head away from the river on Canal Street, you will find yourself in the heart of Mid-City. In this New Orleans neighborhood, you will tend to find much larger homes and wider streets with lots of trees. There are plenty of stores nearby to make this area much more convenient. Treme is an area adjacent to the French Quarter toward the lake. It’s another area that is seeing a large amount of gentrification. Many homes are being remodeled, giving this neighborhood a fresh look. You may even recognize Treme from the HBO show of the same name.
The Garden District
This is another New Orleans neighborhood that most people are likely to know. Located upriver from the central business district, it is known for having some of the most breathtaking homes in the city. These huge plantation-style mansions sit on generous lots with meticulously landscaped greenery. Most people must have deep pockets to live here, but the view is unbeatable!
Irish Channel
Sandwiched between the Garden District and the Mississippi River, you will find the cute area known as Irish Channel. It’s an extremely diverse area with houses of all sizes and people from all walks of life. You will find lots of trees and available street parking. If you want to cut loose, be sure to stop by to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in true New Orleans fashion — costumes and all!
Uptown/Carrollton
While there are many smaller “sub-neighborhoods” that make up this area, the popular name is Uptown. It’s a sprawling neighborhood that encompasses some well-known destinations like Audubon Park as well as Loyola University and Tulane University. The homes are decidedly more modern in some pockets, as this area was developed much later than others. Uptown has a little bit of everything, including bragging rights for being the starting point for most of the Mardi Gras parades!
At the end of St. Charles Avenue, you will find Carrollton Avenue and the start of the Carrollton neighborhood, which I once called home. It’s hard to know where Uptown ends and Carrollton begins. There are very few major differences in these areas and many times you will hear it referred to as “Uptown/Carrollton.” I enjoyed Carrollton because it was quiet, yet close to the highway, and had easy access to the French Quarter and CBD via bus or streetcar. All in all, it was a great place to live!
There are so many neighborhoods I didn’t get to mention like Freret, Broadmoor, Bayou St. John, St. Bernard, Lakeview, and Gentilly. Each area has its own unique charm and allure. Anyone looking to live in New Orleans is sure to find something that suits their lifestyle and personal style. No matter where you end up, you will find a place to call home!
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