Moving to NOLA? Here Are the Best 8 New Orleans Neighborhoods to Consider

With its diverse culture, natural scenery, rich heritage, and iconic entertainment, it’s no surprise you’re thinking about moving to New Orleans. 

But where should you put down roots? NOLA is home to many desirable and unique neighborhoods (73, to be exact!) You can find just about everything here, from thrilling urban corridors to sprawling suburban communities. But out of all these New Orleans neighborhoods, which is the right choice for you? Let’s explore the best New Orleans neighborhoods that should be at the top of your list when making this leap into life in the Big Easy.

How We Chose the Best Neighborhoods in New Orleans

To come up with our list of the best neighborhoods in New Orleans, we used a list of thorough criteria to narrow down our picks. Each part of town has its own distinct vibe to offer, but here are the selling points we looked at to curate our top eight New Orleans neighborhoods:

• Family-oriented amenities

• Walkable convenience

• Average cost of living

• Cultural attractions

• Historical character

• Commute to downtown

• Overall safety ratings

• Median house and rental prices

• Entertainment and nightlife

• Proximity to nature

8 Best New Orleans Neighborhoods

Before we jump into the best New Orleans neighborhoods, let’s briefly check in with the state of NOLA’s housing and rental market. On average, homes in New Orleans sell for about $244,690, while one-bedroom apartments rent for nearly $1,400 per month. To learn more about life in NOLA, be sure to check out our guide to living in New Orleans.

As of 2025, housing costs are 3.4 percent lower than they were in 2024—but of course, it’s also worth noting, home and rental prices can fluctuate based on the part of town you choose. For instance, living in the Central Business District will be considerably more expensive than a more historic and suburban area like Old Aurora, further from the downtown core. 

On that note, here are the top eight New Orleans neighborhoods to keep on your radar:

1. Lakeview: Best for raising a family

• Median home sale price: $549,000

• Average rent: $1,650

• Commute to the Central Business District: 15-minute drive

• Don’t miss: City Park, Harrison Avenue, New Orleans Museum of Art

As one of the best neighborhoods in New Orleans for families, Lakeview offers a welcoming community feel and numerous housing options—from mid-century bungalows with preserved historic charm to spacious new constructions with scenic views of Lake Pontchartrain. This neighborhood is also known for its excellent public schools, low crime rates, and access to thrilling outdoor recreation and waterfront activities.

Given this family-centric atmosphere, Lakeview boasts unique local attractions for all ages to enjoy. Outdoor enthusiasts will love City Park, featuring picnic areas, tennis courts, nature trails, boat launches, seasonal open-air festivals, an amusement park, and an immersive enchanted playground. Culture seekers will enjoy the New Orleans Museum of Art with multimedia exhibits and a 12-acre sculpture garden. Or for a walkable family outing, peruse the eclectic boutiques, coffee shops, eateries, and artisan markets on Harrison Avenue.

2. Garden District: Best for upscale amenities

• Median home sale price: $642,000

• Average rent: $1,830

• Commute to the Central Business District: 10-minute drive

• Don’t miss: Commander’s Palace, The Rink, Garden District Ghost Tour 

What is the richest part of New Orleans? This distinction belongs to the Garden District, an affluent enclave with manicured tree-lined streets, ornate mansions, and 1840s-era landmarks that have earned it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Most of the homes in this area reflect a blend of sophistication and charm. Think: Italianate, Greek Revival, Queen Anne, and Victorian estates, along with multicolored Creole-style cottages.

Since it’s one of the richest neighborhoods in New Orleans, the Garden District comes with a steeper cost of living than some other parts of town. But the luxurious amenities and top-notch attractions make it worth your consideration. Check out the boutiques, indie bookstore, florist shop, and cozy bars and bistros over at The Rink. Or snag a table at the seven-time James Beard Award winning Commander’s Palace for authentic Creole cuisine with a haute modern twist. Finally, explore this neighborhood’s eerie past with a Garden District Ghost Tour through the famous Lafayette Cemetery and other haunted locales.

5. Mid-City: Best for young professionals

• Median home sale price: $335,000

• Average rent: $1,710

• Commute to the Central Business District: 5-minute drive

• Don’t miss: Parkway Bakery & Tavern, Bayou St. John, Lafitte Greenway

Thanks to its prime location about three miles from the downtown core, Mid-City is one of the best neighborhoods in New Orleans for young professionals. With a bike score of 94 and a walk score of 81, Mid-City offers a seamless commute into the Central Business District and nearby commercial hubs. 

In terms of housing, you’ll find sleek apartments, industrial lofts, converted townhomes or duplexes, and classic shotgun houses, perfect for renters and first-time buyers. This accessibility and convenience make it easy to advance career ambitions.

Professionals looking for a mix of both work and play will also be drawn to this area’s dynamic entertainment scene and lively outdoor recreation. Grab a transitional po’boy sandwich and a pint of craft beer at Parkway Bakery & Tavern, a NOLA institution for almost 115 years. Unwind after a hectic day on the job with a canoe or paddleboard excursion along Bayou St. John. Or enjoy the fitness parks, art installations, coffee shops, restaurants, multi-use trails, live music performers, and farmers market at Lafitte Greenway.

6. Central Business District: Best for urban convenience

• Median home sale price: $615,250

• Average rent: $2,130

• Commute to the Central Business District: no commute

• Don’t miss: Caesars Superdome, Contemporary Arts Center, Lafayette Square 

If you want an energetic urban vibe, look no further than the Central Business District (CBD), which fuses together historic character and cultural depth with a bustling cosmopolitan lifestyle. CBD was first established in the 19th century, and over two centuries later, this neighborhood has become the modern pulse of New Orleans commerce, booming with walkable streets, trendy nightlife hotspots, and economic innovation. Whether you prefer a chic high-rise condo with skyline views or a cool mixed-use development that combines both residential and retail spaces, there’s a variety of housing to choose from as well.

The local attractions emphasize this New Orleans neighborhood’s versatile spirit — you’ll find something for just about everyone. Sports fans flock to Caesars Superdome, home of the 2010 Superbowl-winning New Orleans Saints, while culture buffs can immerse themselves in the Contemporary Arts Center’s bold exhibitions, live performances, and community activations. Foodies will love the farm-to-table menu and converted warehouse ambiance at Restaurant August. And music connoisseurs will enjoy the free open-air concerts at Lafayette Square, a lush, tranquil green space in the heart of this buzzing urban district.

7. Old Aurora: Best for historic, affordable charm

• Median home sale price: $203,000

• Average rent: $1,060

• Commute to the Central Business District: 15-minute drive

• Don’t miss: Woodlands Trail, Algiers Point, English Turn Golf Club

 For a sought-after balance of timeless history and irresistible affordability, Old Aurora has you covered. This quaint, small-town charmer nestled on the Mississippi River’s West Bank offers a peaceful suburban—almost village-esque—feel, while still being just a short ferry or car ride away from all the excitement of downtown NOLA. 

Old Aurora also boasts cost-effective housing options to suit any budget, from cute ranch-style bungalows built in the 1950s–’60s, to modern single-family homes in newer planned communities.   

When it comes to entertainment, this tranquil New Orleans neighborhood is the sweet spot for both nature and history aficionados. Hike through coastal marshes and forests in the Woodlands Trail network, or birdwatch at the Woodlands Observatory. Hit the fairway at English Turn Golf Club, an 18-hole champion level course, flanked by a pool, restaurant, tennis courts, and other amenities. Or spend the afternoon at nearby Algiers Point, a scenic riverfront district with coffee shops, wine bars, homestyle eateries, vintage and antique stores, artisan markets, and one of the South’s largest collections of hand-blown glass pieces.

6. West End: Best for safe waterfront living

• Median home sale price: $425,000

• Average rent: $1,650

• Commute to the Central Business District: 10-minute drive

• Don’t miss: West End Park & Marina, The Blue Crab, New Canal Lighthouse

Known for a close-knit atmosphere and below average crime rates, West End is one of the safest neighborhoods in New Orleans. This picturesque lakeside retreat will appeal to families, retirees, professionals, and anyone else who desires a comfortable, secure lifestyle without sacrificing urban proximity. 

There’s no shortage of homes around here in various architectural styles, ideal for all incomes and preferences, too. We’re talking mid-rise apartments, Creole cottages, townhomes, and Greek Revival mansions right on the water.

Due to its location on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, West End is teeming with outdoor recreation. Stroll along the serene oak-lined paths of West End Park, or launch a sailboat and fish off a pier at the adjacent marina. While you’re there, meander to the New Canal Lighthouse, which has been operational since 1890, for a tour of New Orleans’ diverse aquatic ecology and robust maritime heritage. Of course, you can’t live here and not take advantage of the fresh seafood—savor a cocktail, shrimp gumbo, and live music at The Blue Crab.

7. Bywater: Best for artistic, bohemian vibes

• Median home sale price: $544,500

• Average rent: $2,380

• Commute to the Central Business District: 15-minute drive

• Don’t miss: Music Box Village, Frenchmen Art Market, StudioBE Gallery

Creative whimsy, racial diversity, and colorful personality flourish in the off-beat enclave of Bywater. Once a 19th-century industrial hub, this inclusive, hospitable community has since transformed into a haven for bohemians, full of renovated artist lofts, quirky shotgun houses, and vibrant pitched-roof Creole cottages. The vibes here are funky, the local businesses and attractions are eclectic, and the spirit is contagious.  

Bywater’s reputation as a thriving cultural hotspot is reinforced by its numerous theaters, music venues, art galleries, and spaces like Bywater Wonderland, which combine all of the above. No matter what creative medium inspires you, this neighborhood features curiosities around every corner. 

Interact with the sonic sculpture garden at Music Box Village (or attend an onsite welding workshop and learn how to build your own sculpture!). Peruse unique, locally made creations at the Frenchmen Art Market. Or head over to StudioBE, a warehouse gallery that showcases murals, artwork, and performances through an activism lens.     

8. French Quarter: Best for culture and entertainment

• Median home sale price: $350,000

• Average rent: $2,600

• Commute to the Central Business District: 5-minute drive

• Don’t miss: Jackson Square, Café du Monde, Preservation Hall Jazz Club

What is the nicest neighborhood in New Orleans? You can’t go wrong with the iconic French Quarter. Often called the “Crown Jewel of New Orleans,” the French Quarter has been around since 1718, making it the oldest part of town—not to mention, the most famous. But this urban corridor is more than a fun tourist destination. It’s also an outstanding place to call home, where residents can have their pick of centuries-old townhomes, complete with arched entries, elegant brick facades, cozy front porches, and wrought-iron balconies. 

The French Quarter is NOLA’s heart and soul, from the unmatched nightlife scene on Bourbon Street, to the annual Mardi Gras Celebrations, which attracted nearly one million revelers in 2025 alone. 

But that only scratches the surface of all the beloved attractions this neighborhood has to offer. Indulge your sweet tooth with some traditional beignets from Café du Monde, then watch the sidewalk artists and street performers in Jackson Square. And of course, you’re not a true French Quarter local until you’ve experienced an intimate acoustic show at Preservation Hall, one of the most historic jazz clubs in New Orleans.   

Settle into Your Dream New Orleans Neighborhood with Colonial

Whether your sights are set on the family-centric Lakeview, affluent Garden District, safe and picturesque West End, or urban and iconic French Quarter, Colonial Van Lines is here to help. 

With over 50 years of experience in long-distance moving, our expert team can handle all the logistics, from start to finish, for a seamless transition to your new home in the vibrant Big Easy. Contact us for a free moving quote today!