Where Are the Best Places to Live in New Orleans?

Thinking about buying one of the New Orleans houses for sale? One of the first things you should do is figure out which area of the city you want to live in. People move here to enjoy the music, incredible food, natural beauty, for work, or a combination of all of the above, but the best neighborhood for some can be the worst for others. 

Doing some investigating will help you choose the best spot according to your own preferences, starting with the knowledge of the communities that are considered the top spots to live in New Orleans.

Marigny

Just outside of the French Quarter district, Marigny is home to Frenchmen Street, a popular strip with local shops, restaurants, bars, music clubs, and tattoo parlors. It has a vibrant art scene with galleries showcasing local artisans and art markets, while the food scene includes a fabulous mix of locally founded, casual joints and trendy spots. Crescent Park on the riverfront is fun to explore, with much of the community’s charm and entertainment generally in the form of small, intimate gatherings that include hipsters, audiophiles, and a few in-the-know tourists. Due to its proximity to one of the hottest neighborhoods in New Orleans, it’s one of the more expensive places to buy a home at 29 percent above average for the city overall. 

Mid-City

The appeal of the Mid-City, as the name belies, is that it’s the middle of New Orleans, putting you close to everything. Bound by Orleans, Broad, and City Park avenues, St. Louis Street, and the interstate, it’s one of the best for those who enjoy the outdoors as it’s near 1,300-acre City Park, which hosts lakes, running trails, and a huge dog run. Joggers, cyclists, and dog owners also enjoy Bayou St. John and Lafitte Greenway, a bike path running from the neighborhood to the French Quarter. It’s a working-class community where you won’t have to battle through tourist crowds,’ and home prices run the gamut from more affordable to high-priced abodes.

Lower Garden District

If you’re looking for tranquility without being far from the action, the Lower Garden District is a great choice. While grand mansions define the proper Garden District, they’re balanced with more affordable, smaller homes with young people and wealthy families coexisting here. While there’s plenty of action, taking a stroll down a sidestreet is often quite peaceful. For those who enjoy a good brew, this is the hub of the burgeoning craft beer scene, with local breweries that include Urban South, along with some fantastic bars and coffee shops. As the Mardis Gras and St. Patrick’s Day parades pass through the streets here, you can easily enjoy a front-row seat to the fun while coming back to a quiet setting at home.

Riverbend

Ideal for families, students, and outdoor enthusiasts, Riverbend is close to the city limits along a bend in the Mississippi River. It will put you near the water and Audubon Park while enjoying plenty of things to do. On the eight-block stretch of Oak Street, you’ll find lots of eateries, shops, and music venues, while those who like to cycle can enjoy the Mississippi River Trail, a lengthy paved bike path along the river. It also has a great sense of community where neighbors get to know each other and lend a helping hand. 

Carlos Wagner