Jazz, St. Louis Cathedral, Mardi Gras, jambalaya, gumbo, crawdad pie, blues, beignets and cemeteries are all words you might associate with the Big Easy.
If you’re not sure how to find the best neighborhoods in New Orleans, you’ve come to the right place. We’re all about helping you find that sweet spot — whether that means living next door to the best pralines or cozying up on your own balcony for the best jazz in town.
Here are 15 New Orleans neighborhoods that will give you the best that The Big Easy has to offer. Which one will you call home?
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,537
- Median 2-BR rent: $2,032
- Walk Score: 72/100
A quiet suburban neighborhood on the west bank of the Mississippi River is the perfect spot for folks looking for great views of the skyline and loads of history. Algiers Point is just that neighborhood, complete with attractive Creole cottages, local bars, ornate architecture, art studios (like the Rosetree Blown Glass Studio and Gallery) and live-music joints. Don’t forget to enjoy the local fare, loads of seafood and tasty local booze.
- Median 1-BR rent: N/A
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,500
- Walk Score: 82/100
No matter your housing needs, Bayou St. John can accommodate and meet the needs of practically any kind of renter. Besides the abundant offerings of activities and advantages you’ll get by living right next to the bayou, there are plenty of ways this neighborhood is an excellent place for children. You can find many parks, museums and high-ranking schools.
This district doesn’t forget that adults also need to have the stuff to do for fun. This area is known for its live music along with a wide variety of local shops and restaurants. In addition, you can easily find vegan-friendly food or any number of more traditional foods offered in Spanish or Louisiana style.
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,195
- Median 2-BR rent: $2,195
- Walk Score: 86/100
Bywater is another super walkable part of town. The vibrant food offering, live music venues and Bohemian vibe don’t hurt the neighborhood, either!
Here you’ll find even more late-night dive bars, artsy joints with unique moods and full-scale production companies. The art studios and music venues are just a part of the happening hood that is Bywater. It’s also one of the more affordable neighborhoods in the city for one-bedroom apartments.
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,537
- Median 2-BR rent: $2,032
- Walk Score: 72/100
For renters looking for an up-and-coming area that offers great qualities, Central City is the place for you. The neighborhood is constantly growing and that shows in the steady stream of newly available dining establishments, bars and entertainment venues. You’ll find that Central City is on the lakeside of St. Charles Avenue and has some importance to the city’s brass band history and Mardi Gras Indian traditions.
- Median 1-BR rent: N/A
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,600
- Walk Score: 76/100
East Carrollton has a reputation for being a great neighborhood for families because the area is only 15 minutes to the east of Downtown, so it has convenient walking access to many great locations.
In addition, it’s right by many parks, festivals and other community events. Besides entertainment, this location provides easy access to education of any level. This neighborhood also has a plethora of bars, restaurants and shops, so you can find everything you might need in a convenient space.
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,537
- Median 2-BR rent: $2,032
- Walk Score: 72/100
Fillmore may meet your needs for those looking to rent in an area that’s both affordable and safe. You won’t have to worry about older properties because this neighborhood is up and coming and has plenty of recently constructed homes that guarantee you’ll have a home with everything you and your family might need.
This area’s reputation is of a smaller neighborhood that still boasts many parks, shops and family-friendly restaurants. Another great thing about this neighborhood is easy access to several high schools known for their quality.
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,750
- Median 2-BR rent: $3,157
- Walk Score: 94/100
Of all the best neighborhoods in New Orleans, none are probably more well known than the French Quarter. Most tourists wouldn’t dream that living here is possible, but locals know the area is one of the liveliest and most interesting spots in the whole city, though it’s probably the noisiest — thanks to those tourists.
While the tourists run to Bourbon Street, locals enjoy the architecture, historic spots, antiques, boutiques, live music and views of the Mississippi off the beaten paths elsewhere in the neighborhood. The museums and family-friendly vibes don’t hurt, either, but the walkability score is one of the top-rated reasons to live here, too — everything is accessible by foot.
Moving into the French Quarter means having incredible eats, amazing bars, Mardi Gras access, art galleries, fine jewelry, street performers and, of course, those amazing beignets right there any time you want, day or night.
- Median 1-BR rent: $2,009
- Median 2-BR rent: $2,411
- Walk Score: 92/100
The Garden District is a great place to consider settling into, thanks to its many upscale boutiques, an abundance of beautiful greenery and great local restaurants.
The Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is perfect for walking with its expanse of lush vines, Spanish moss and creepy tales to relish as you make your way through. Overall, the neighborhood has a young vibe with plenty of affordable dining and delicious fare.
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,500
- Median 2-BR rent: $2,600
- Walk Score: 89/100
Irish Channel is another walkable part of town near the French Quarter. The borders on this neighborhood sometimes overlap with the Lower Garden District — depending on who’s drawing the map — with architecture distinctly different from the rest of town.
A number of 19th-century mansions and cottages fill Magazine Street, St. Charles Avenue and others, with a window shopper’s paradise to explore. Live here, dine here, shop here, enjoy life here. And, of course, don’t forget to belly up to the bar in some of the best Irish pubs in town.
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,537
- Median 2-BR rent: $2,032
- Walk Score: 72/100
Lakeview, as the name indicates, is on the lakefront in New Orleans. The neighborhood is home to amazing marinas and seafood restaurants, tucked in beside City Park. If you love walking and the outdoors, this neighborhood is a fantastic choice for you.
Wander the paths of the Besthoff Sculpture Garden (part of the New Orleans Museum of Art), visit the Storyland amusement park with the kids, shop in style, grab burritos with friends or nosh on burgers with homemade ice cream. Overall, the neighborhood gives off a casual, fun, free-spirited vibe.
Source: Rent.com/Royal St.
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,100
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,550
- Walk Score: 96/100
Marigny is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in the country, ranking at 96 out of 100 from folks who live and move here. In Marigny, you’ll find the best of the best New Orleans has to offer in all aspects. The housing is cozy and quaint in the best ways, while you’re right on the edge of the French Quarter, so everything’s uber convenient.
Marigny is best known for the busy Frenchmen Street, a local hot spot for bars, tattoo parlors, music clubs, restaurants and more. Snag drinks with friends for cheap at the local bars or catch the local live music at any of the many clubs. Then, tuck in for the night in your affordable apartment.
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,501
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,990
- Walk Score: 80/100
Mid City is only a little way away from the French Quarter and all the entertainment that has made it famous. A prominent feature of Mid City is having easy access to public transportation, such as taxis, rideshare services or the streetcar. For those who love to walk where they’re going, a paved path leads directly to the French Quarter.
If you want to explore Mid City, then you’ll find plenty to do. There are annual festivals, famous landmarks and a commercial district that has plenty to offer.
- Median 1-BR rent: N/A
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,200
- Walk Score: 65/100
History, food and art your thing? Then, St. Roch might just be the neighborhood for you. The neighborhood is moderately walkable and loaded with intriguing options for dining — like local seafood and oysters, Mexican fare and award-winning cocktail bars — and local independent art galleries.
It’s the perfect spot for low-key life for folks looking for a moderately active neighborhood where you can still find some peace and quiet in the off hours.
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,537
- Median 2-BR rent: $2,032
- Walk Score: 72/100
It seems like every city has a neighborhood called Uptown. But New Orleans’ Uptown is pretty unique with the St. Charles Avenue streetcars running, the beautiful historic mansions, Tulane and Loyola Universities and the stunning Audubon Park and Zoo, along with tons of local shops and restaurants you won’t find anywhere else.
This neighborhood is perfect for Mardi Gras fans — with exceptional views and easy access to the carnival. Off-season, it’s perfect for shoppers and diners, with lovely locally-owned boutiques and small cafés, po-boy shops and seafood spots. Plus, you’ll have plenty of gorgeous walking paths and amazing brews all along the way.
- Median 1-BR rent: $2,500
- Median 2-BR rent: $2,900
- Walk Score: 72/100
The Warehouse District in New Orleans is a fabulous neighborhood with more art, culture and dining than you could hope for. The old warehouses were transformed from smelly old pits to amazing restaurants, bars, seafood joints, boutique shops, museums and more. It’s the perfect place to settle in for the trendiest lifestyle in the city and the best Creole cuisine along with seafood from the local waters.
In the neighborhood, you’ll find the Ogden Museum of South Art, the National WWII Museum, loads of galleries on Julia Street, local art events and some of the best gumbo in the city.
Find the best New Orleans neighborhood for you
From the French Quarter to Mid City, you know that New Orleans has intriguing, distinct neighborhoods. Now, to find the best apartments for rent in New Orleans! Check the listings we’ve got for you — you’ll be amazed at what you find.
The rent information included in this article is based on a median calculation of multifamily rental property inventory on Apartment Guide and Rent.com as of November 2021 and is for illustrative purposes only. This information does not constitute a pricing guarantee or financial advice related to the rental market.
Source: rent.com