If you’re thinking about moving to New Orleans, you’re guaranteed to thrive here whether you’re moving from a small town or a sprawling metro area. The unique thing about this larger-than-life city is that no matter where you settle down, you still seem to be in the middle of all the action in a way that’s never bothersome. Certain areas have become pricier over time, but there are plenty of affordable rentals in New Orleans suited for young professionals. Use our neighborhood guide to find your perfect match in The Big Easy, complete with community foodie guides!
Our picks for the best New Orleans neighborhoods
Check out summaries of each neighborhood below.
1. Audubon
Shaded by centuries-old oak trees that tower over the streets, Audubon is a subdistrict of the Uptown/Carrollton neighborhood. This lively and vibrant area is lined with bike and jogging trails, and the St. Charles streetcar line stops right in front of Audubon Park. If you’re looking for a calm and quiet residential bubble just steps from buzzing nightlife, you’ll find yourself right at home. There’s an 18-hole golf course in Audubon Park, which is also an idyllic playground for your furry companions and a hotspot for afternoon picnics in this sunny city.
Where to eat in Audubon:
Max Well New Orleans — Grab a cold-pressed juice and vegan power bowl after a class at Live Oak Yoga, which is right next door.
Clancy’s — Serves classic New Orleans seafood dishes so you don’t have to travel all the way down to the Garden District for fried shrimp—and you’ll be able to walk instead of driving!
Saba — Amazing Mediterranean cuisine to round out your palate after so many rich, Creole dishes.
2. Garden District
Immerse yourself in the beauty of historic mansions, lush gardens, and charming antique shops lining the Garden District. Here you’ll find the biggest celebrations pre-Fat Tuesday during the Krewe d’Etat, Femme Fatale, and Muses parades. The Garden District also has an active bar scene with many hotspots for 24-hour partying.
Where to eat in the Garden District:
Commander’s Palace — This is one of the best upscale dining spots in the neighborhood, serving Creole fare and hosting weekly jazz brunches.
The Rum House — Caribbean tacos and craft margaritas are the perfect way to unwind after work!
District Donuts Sliders Brew — Gourmet sliders, specialty donuts, and micro-roasted coffee will keep you coming back after your daily walks on Magazine Street.
3. Bayou St. John
For the outdoorsy types, Bayou St. John is the perfect hideaway to work and play hard. From beer gardens to waterfront jogs in the early morning, you’ll never want to leave your little slice of heaven in the heart of NOLA. You can also float along the neighborhood’s namesake during the Bayou Boogaloo festival every March.
Where to eat in the Bayou St. John:
Parkway Bakery and Tavern — Get a bite of the best po-boy in the city, at a family-owned and operated restaurant that’s been around since 1911.
Wrong Iron on the Greenway — This iconic New Orleans-style beer garden is parked along the Lafitte Greenway and also offers cocktails, bar food, and a dog menu.
Cafe Dégas — A romantic French bistro perfect for a weekday lunch date.
4. Irish Channel
Flanked by the Mississippi River, this subdistrict of Central City and the Garden District is dotted with bold and vibrant shotgun homes that complete this tight-knit community. The kind of place where you chat with your neighbors over a drink while on the front lawn, the Irish Channel is a melting pot boasting a wide variety of coffeehouses, street tacos, and plenty of shopping.
Where to eat in Irish Channel:
Turkey and the Wolf — A playful and popular lunch spot serving inventive sandwiches with ample outdoor seating.
NOLA Pizza Co — One of the few spots in the area that offers huge, NY-style slices.
Atchafalaya — Enjoy an extra-spicy and savory Bloody Mary seated below Victorian high ceilings as you enjoy authentic Creole fare.
5. Mid-City
City Park is the pride and joy of Mid-City, boasting one of the oldest parks in the United States. It’s also home to the New Orleans Botanical Garden, the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Louisiana Children’s Museum, and Couturie Forest and Arboretum. The Mid-City neighborhood is just north of the noise in the French Quarter and is an ideal location to settle in that provides easy access to the rest of the city.
Where to eat in Mid-City:
Vessel NOLA — A church-turned-restaurant serving fresh, seasonal ingredients complete with a dining experience you’ll find nowhere else.
Brown Butter Restaurant — A comfortable setting offering upscale Southern cooking with contemporary touches.
Katie’s Restaurant — Dine like a true New Orleanian at this old-school, New Orleans neighborhood joint serving classics like crawfish beignets, chicken and andouille gumbo, seafood platters, and other local favorites.
6. Central Business District
If you’re not hopping onto the remote work trend, you can reach your office in downtown NOLA after a short walk from the luxury apartment buildings in the CBD. Living in New Orleans’ Central Business District will grant access to top dining locations and easy access to the Saints football games. You can get the high-rise feel without dealing with the New York or Chicago price point, all while enjoying the tastiest food in the country.
Where to eat in the Central Business District:
Copper Vine — A laid-back wine bar that also offers beer on tap, American fare, and a leafy outdoor patio.
Johnny Sanchez — New Orleans-Mexican fusion serving street tacos and craft cocktails, featuring locally sourced ingredients.
True Food Kitchen — Flavorful whole foods featured in seasonally offered menu items across brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert.
7. French Quarter
Feeling brave enough to plant roots in the French Quarter? Affectionately known as “The Quarter,’ this historic neighborhood bears both French and Spanish architecture features and beautifully manicured courtyards. Though there’s no getting around the fact that you’ll share space with wide-eyed tourists and parking will be a challenge, you’ll be more than happy to satisfy your desire to be in the center of the excitement. In the French Quarter, there’s always something new to see and endless amounts of food, coffee, and frozen cocktails.
Where to eat in the French Quarter:
Wow! Where do we start? The French Quarter, also known as the Vieux Carré, receives 15 million visitors each year and has more than enough mouthwatering food to go around for everyone. We’ve compiled a longer list of French Quarter favorites for a long weekend of brunching and boozing in New Orleans:
Brennan’s — Raise a glass to your fabulous life in The Quarter at this Creole fine-dining landmark. Brennan’s is a part of a large restaurant group backed by four generations of culinary excellence crafted by the Brennan family.
Cane & Table — Since its 2013 debut, Cane & Table has garnered plenty of attention from the French Quarter crowd. Take your pick of their rum-focused cocktails and Caribbean fare.
Galatoire’s — A longtime local favorite, Galatoire’s is perched near Bourbon and Iberville streets and tends to draw a crowd. Business casual attire is mandatory, and so is a taste for upscale French food.
Discover your perfect neighborhood and perfect bite in one of the most vibrant cities in the United States. We’ll help you start your adventure in New Orleans by sharing the most desirable listings in the city.
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