13 Safest Neighborhoods in New Orleans
- West End
- Old Aurora
- Lake Shore-Lake Vista
- Audubon
- Gentilly Woods
- Algiers Point
- French Quarter
- Central Business District
- Lafitte
- Gentilly Terrace
- St. Roch
- Lakeview
- Central City
1. West End
The safest neighborhood in New Orleans is the West End. This area offers a great mix of suburban living, safety, and affordability. West End offers plenty of outdoor activities, including fishing at Lake Pontchartrain, where many residents choose to live along the waterfront in boathouses. West End is 94% safer than other New Orleans neighborhoods, making it a great place to live. Home prices are also reasonable in the West End. With a median home price of $181,000, West End is affordable.
2. Old Aurora
Old Aurora is another one of the safest places to live in New Orleans. This neighborhood is located across the Mississippi River from the French Quarter and is perfect for families and retirees. Aurora has a great view of the downtown skyline while being within driving distance of most of the city’s major attractions. Old Aurora is 77% safer than other neighborhoods in New Orleans and has a low violent crime rate. It is home to many golf courses and open parks, as well as a variety of dining options.
3. Lake Shore-Lake Vista
Another one of the safest neighborhoods in New Orleans is Lake Shore, which is a subdistrict of Lakeview. With a population of just over 2,200, Lake Shore’s total crime rate is 1,191 per 100,000, making it 66% safer than the Louisiana average. Lake Shore has great beach access within walking distance of the neighborhood. Lake Shore offers nearby parks, biking paths, and access to nearby Lake Pontchartrain. The median home price in Lake Shore is $440,800.
4. Audubon
Audubon is another one of the safest neighborhoods in New Orleans. Centered around the massive Audubon Park in the Uptown section of New Orleans, Audubon is a peaceful, family-friendly neighborhood full of historic homes and tree-lined streets. It's also home to several top universities, including Tulane and Loyola. Audubon is a very desirable place to live, which makes it one of the most expensive neighborhoods in New Orleans.
Audubon is a very safe neighborhood with a total crime rate that is 72% lower than the rest of New Orleans. The violent crime rate is 31% lower than the national average, and the property crime rate is 27% lower. The community is safer than 91% of cities in Louisiana, and your chances of being the victim of a crime in Audubon are 1 in 60.
5. Gentilly Woods
Another one of the safest neighborhoods in New Orleans is Gentilly Woods. Gentilly Woods has a crime rate that is 64% lower than the New Orleans average. It’s a family-friendly area with good schools and relatively affordable housing options. Gentilly Woods is a great place to live as it offers a safe, peaceful living environment while still being relatively close to the vibrant city center.
6. Algiers Point
Algiers Point is another safe New Orleans neighborhood. Located on the lower Mississippi River, Algiers Point is one of New Orleans' oldest neighborhoods and home to around 2,500 residents, many of whom have lived there for generations. It's home to many authentic restaurants, neighborhood bars, art galleries, public libraries, and walking and biking paths around the levee. Algiers Point is also very safe, with a crime rate that's 62% lower than that of the rest of New Orleans. It's safer than 84% of cities in Louisiana, and your chances of being the victim of a crime in Algiers Point are 1 in 46.
7. French Quarter
Easily the city’s most recognizable neighborhood, the French Quarter is famous for its vibrant nightlife and the iconic Bourbon Street. With a population of 3,286, the French Quarter has a relatively low crime rate compared to other parts of New Orleans. It’s actually safer than the US average. The entire neighborhood is designated as a National Historic Landmark and serves as a major tourist destination during Mardi Gras.
8. Central Business District
Central Business District offers a mixture of high rises, stylish hotels, and a wide variety of dining options that stay true to New Orleans cuisine. The Central Business District is home to the Orpheum and Saegner theatres, which play concerts and musicals. Central Business District is a subdistrict of the French Quarter and serves as the downtown of New Orleans. If you’re looking for a great location and convenience, then look no further!
9. Lafitte
Lafitte is a safe New Orleans neighborhood that is known for its abundance of jazz clubs, soul food, and strong Creole heritage. Lafitte is known for being a small neighborhood with lots of character, with many buildings that were built during the city’s colonial era. Lafitte is also home to some of the oldest graveyards and associated voodoo traditions in New Orleans, some dating back centuries.
10. Gentilly Terrace
Gentilly Woods is a quiet suburban part of New Orleans with many new homes. Gentilly Terrace offers many dining options, from traditional Cajun food to Italian, and is considered to be a very walkable area. Gentilly Terrace has undergone a revitalization in past years, with many families moving into the area. The median home price in Gentilly Terrace is $168,785.
11. St. Roch
St. Roch is one of New Orleans’ safest and most historic neighborhoods. It was initially constructed in the early 1700s, and is the perfect example of French, Spanish, and Creole cultures blending together. St. Roch is named after the historic graveyard located within the neighborhood that dates back centuries. St. Roch offers a wide variety of dining options and has its own market with historical ties to the neighborhood.
12. Lakeview
Lakeview is also one of the safest neighborhoods in New Orleans. This area is bordered by the massive New Orleans City Park and has a reputation for being an active, friendly, and safe place to live. Lakeview offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and outdoor parks while having a quiet residential feel. The 1-610 connects Lakeview to the rest of New Orleans, which makes getting around easy. The Marconi Fishing Pier is a favorite local spot, while there are several local theatres. The median home price stands at $356,393.
13. Central City
Central City is a revitalized working-class area known for its Mardi Gras parades and Cajun Cuisine. Central City is home to many local art exhibits, including film screenings at the Ashe Cultural Arts Center. With a population of 13,500, Central City has a crime rate that is slightly above the national average, but at much of the neighborhood gentrifies, the crime rate continues to go down.