More About New Orleans LA
New Orleans feels more like a Caribbean City than a southern city as the culture and way of life in NOLA have much more in common with places like Havana and San Juan, PR than Jackson, Mississippi. Go downtown and you will hear live music of just about every type of genre made in this country pouring out of any place that can house a band. Though the round-the-clock nightlife is a reality downtown, it’s easy to find sleepier, quieter parts of the city, especially west of the Central Business District.
Real estate in New Orleans is within a 20-minute drive from everywhere, and the city is very bikeable with hardly any hills to worry about. The only skyscrapers in sight are kept clustered in the central business district; the rest of the city is very residential, with lots of neighborhood grocery stores and similar amenities within walking distance. Bored while waiting in line at the bank? You can strike up a conversation with just about anyone, it’s that level of friendliness in New Orleans.
New Orleans LA Real Estate Market
The New Orleans real estate market is split almost perfectly down the middle between owners and renters. The majority of real estate for sale in New Orleans are closely spaced single-family homes, with two or three bedrooms on average. The median listing price of homes for sale in New Orleans is $350k, just a little under the U.S. average. You can find single-family homes for sale within and near downtown New Orleans for as low as $250K. Trust us, this is a city where you want to live closer to the heart.
Fortunately, you're never far from the heart no matter where you buy real estate in New Orleans. You can find affordable and luxury homes in the same neighborhood just about anywhere in the city, all within 20 minutes of the downtown action. Real estate in New Orleans is generally smaller than what you might be used to in other U.S. cities, and older too. Well over a third of real estate in New Orleans was built before 1939, and if you ignore the power lines and the cars many of the city streets look virtually the same as they did in the 19th century.
Distances to Other Cities
- 314 Miles to Shreveport, LA
- 135 miles to Lafayette, LA
- 144 miles to Mobile, AL
- 188 miles to Jackson, MS
- 348 miles to Houston, TX
Neighborhoods In New Orleans LA
Let’s take a quick look at a few favorite New Orleans neighborhoods and nearby communities you might want to check out as well:
Garden District
The Garden District competes with the French Quarter as the most photogenic neighborhood in Nola. Here the homes for sale are large and stately, and typically list for between $500K and $1.5M. These are some of the most valuable homes in New Orleans real estate, both due to their architectural grandeur and their close proximity to downtown Nola. Local schools include James M. Singleton Charter School, Trinity Episcopal School, and St. Alphonsus School.
Bywater/Marigny
If you’re single and young and trying to find affordable New Orleans real estate as close to the action as possible, check out the neighborhoods of Bywater/Marigny. They’re side by one another, just east of the French Quarter, and are right along the Mississippi River. Homes in Bywater/Marigny lists for between $250K and $500K and mostly consists of 2-to-3-bedroom one-story homes with easy street parking.
East Carrollton
East Carrollton is located towards the west end of the city. New Orleans real estate in East Carrollton consists mainly of newer or renovated one and two-story homes listing between $300K and $600K. Many of these homes have small lawns perfect for dogs and the local schools are outstanding both in their quality and variety. Neighborhood schools include University Montessori School (PK), Lusher Charter School (Elementary), and Noble Minds Institute for Whole Child Learning (Elementary).
Communities Near New Orleans
Destrehan
Destrehan real estate is still very close to New Orleans, only a 30-minute drive from downtown. Here you’ll have a bit more space to yourself and can find plenty of suburban homes for sale between $150K and $400K.
Mandeville
You’re a 40-minute drive from New Orleans in Mandeville real estate, and much of that drive is over the scenic Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. Mandeville homes for sale are generally large, four-bedroom affairs listing between $200K and $500K.
FAQ About New Orleans LA
What is the zip code for New Orleans, Louisiana?
Zip codes in New Orleans include:
70112 | 70113 | 70114 | 70115 | 70116 | 70117 | 70118 | 70119 | 70121 | 70122
Where is the nearest commercial airport to New Orleans, Louisiana?
The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is about 15 miles or 21 minutes from most New Orleans real estate.
What Parish is New Orleans, Louisiana in?
New Orleans is in Orleans Parish.
How far is Baton Rouge from New Orleans, Louisiana?
Baton Rouge is about 81 miles or about an hour and 20 minutes from New Orleans.
How far is Lafayette from New Orleans, Louisiana?
Lafayette is about 135 miles or roughly two hours and 30 minutes from New Orleans.
How far is Mobile, AL from New Orleans, Louisiana?
Mobile, AL is about 145 miles or about two hours and 20 minutes from New Orleans.
What is New Orleans, Louisiana usually known for?
New Orleans is world-famous for its excessive and flashy Mardi Gras celebration, 18th-century architecture, and jazz clubs. Mardi Gras lasts two weeks and during that time boisterous music can be heard as well as eccentric costumes and extravagant float parades in the streets can be seen.
Why is New Orleans, Louisiana so special?
What makes New Orleans so special is its Creole cooking, distinct accents and jargon, soulful music, vibrant nightlife, Mardi Gras, and French & Spanish Creole architectural features like in the French Quarter.
Things To Do In New Orleans LA
New Orleans’ atmosphere is unlike any other and whether you're a visitor or a resident, you’re sure to never get bored. Here are just a few of the top things to do in New Orleans:
- Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
Ranked as one of USA Today’s top five aquariums in the country, here visitors get to explore parts of the world such as the Caribbean, the Amazon Rainforest, the Mississippi River, and the Gulf of Mexico, but from an underwater perspective. The aquarium has over 3,600 animals spanning 250 species, some even rare or endangered! - Jackson Square
Located right in the heart of the French Quarter, the 2.5-acre park is a National Historic Landmark that welcomes millions of visitors every year. People are attracted to Jackson Square, not only because of its beautiful scenery, but to experience the artistic atmosphere of artists who’ve set up their studios in different spots around the park. - National WWII Museum
Recognized by Congress as America’s WWII Museum, here you’ll learn the story of America and how the Second World War shaped the country we have today. Visitors learn what America fought for, how the war was won, and how the victory is still evident today.
Restaurants In New Orleans
- Café Du Monde
Established as the original French Market coffee stand since 1862, Café Du Monde is known for its coffee and Chicory (served either black or Au Lait, half and half with hot milk) and beignets, which is a square French doughnut heavily laced in powdered sugar. The café has grown so much in popularity that people can now enjoy fresh coffee and pastries from several locations across the city! - Cochon Restaurant
Known for its traditional Cajun Southern dishes, Cochon prides itself in using locally sourced pork and fresh seafood and produce combined using traditional methods that serve original Cajun cuisines. - Commander’s Palace
Located in the Garden District of New Orleans, the Commander’s Palace has been a culinary legend since 1893! Its list of awards and recognitions is as long as it is old, and for good reason. Commander’s menu is a mixture of traditional Creole Louisiana tradition and modern New Orleans flair. Here you’ll find anything from Commander’s Creole Gumbo to Pecan Crusted Fish to Louisiana Watermelon Salad and so much more! - GW Fins
The award-winning restaurant, GW Fins is one of NOLA’s most popular restaurants with seafood cuisines people can’t seem to stop talking about. The menu varies based on what was freshly caught out of the Gulf of Mexico and is paired with an award-winning wine list. - Irene’s
As a Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice, Irene is an instant favorite of anyone who visits. This Italian restaurant oozes with French and Oldworld vibes and smells that transport you to Italy. The menu is simple, but the dishes are delectable. Here you’ll find cuisines of oysters, muscles, crabmeat, duck, lamb, and more!
Living in New Orleans LA
Cost Of Living In New Orleans
The overall cost of living in New Orleans is about 9.4% more than the Louisiana state average but is still less than the national average by 3.7%. New Orleans’ residents will typically pay more for groceries, real estate, and transportation compared to the rest of the state, but likely pay less for healthcare and utilities. The median household income in New Orleans is about $43,258.
Medical Access In New Orleans
New Orleans’ residents have easy access to medical care as there are several hospitals in and around the city. Hospitals with an emergency room include:
- New Orleans East Hospital
- Children’s Hospital New Orleans LCMC Health
- Tulane Medical Center
- University Medical Center New Orleans
- Ochsner Baptist Medical Center
- Touro LCMC Health Center
Weather In New Orleans
New Orleans is located in a humid subtropical climate. Winters are short and mild, while summers are generally hot and humid. The average temperature dips down to 46° in January and rises to an average high of 91° in July and August. New Orleans experiences about 62.5 inches of rainfall each year, with the wettest season being in the summer months.
Hurricanes are common in New Orleans, with hurricane season being from June 1 to November 30th. You’ll want to be weather aware and have a plan in place in the event of severe weather.
Jobs In New Orleans LA
The tourism industry is the largest employment sector in New Orleans, which employs about 80,000 people and makes up 40% of the city’s tax revenue. There are several industries that thrive in New Orleans, making the opportunity to earn a living in this city obtainable. Due to New Orleans’ location along the Gulf Coast, the city boasts one of the world’s largest ports, which aids in other industries such as petroleum and natural gas production and bulk shipping commerce. Like most metropolitan areas, New Orleans has also grown into a technology hub, with several major companies like AT&T, IBM, and Navtech officing out of the city. The Folgers coffee company also owns the world’s largest roasting plant, which is located in New Orleans East.
There are also several federal and military agencies that operate out of New Orleans including the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, United States Department of Agriculture, branches of NASA and the Navy, and many more.
Many companies with household names operate to some capacity in New Orleans. Some top companies in New Orleans include:
- AT&T
- IBM
- Navtech
- Exxon
- Chevron
- BP
- Texaco
Transportation In New Orleans LA
There are several ways residents move about New Orleans, with options to fit every lifestyle. Let’s explore the different means of New Orleans transportation.
Roads:
Most New Orleans real estate is close to several accessible roadways. I-10 is the main thoroughfare and runs parallel to Lake Pontchartrain, going east and west. I-310 comes up southwest of the city and connects to I-10 to the west of New Orleans proper. Two other main routes include route 61, just south of I-10 and entering from the west, and route 90 enters from the southwest, crosses the Mississippi River, and heads northeast through New Orleans.
Taxi Services:
Though ride-sharing services have risen in popularity, the taxi industry in New Orleans still remains strong. United Cab has been serving the citizens of New Orleans since 1938 and is the city’s largest taxi service, with a fleet of 350 cars.
Bicycling & Pedestrian:
Due to New Orleans’ flat topography and straightforward grid layout, the city is ideal for bicycle and pedestrian travel. In fact, New Orleans was ranked eighth in the nation for being bicycling and pedestrian friendly. New Orleans is also ranked sixth in the U.S. for bicycling commuters, with over 37 miles of bicycle trails throughout the city.
Streetcars:
There are four operating streetcar lines in New Orleans.
- St. Charles Streetcar Line - The oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the nation, with each car marked as a historic landmark that’s been running since 1835.
- Riverfront Streetcar - Runs through the French Quarter.
- Canal Streetcar - Runs near City Park.
- Rampart - St. Claude Streetcar - Runs along Loyola Avenue.
Buses:
Managed by the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority, which has routes connecting the city to the outer suburban areas in the Greater New Orleans area.
Ferries:
Operating since 1827, the ferry transportation plays an important role in New Orleans’ transportation. Today there are three ferry routes that service those traveling by bicycles, pedestrians, and vehicles.
