Looking to live in New Orleans, LA? Thanks to its thriving nightlife scene, famous Mardi Gras festival, and hot job market, the Big Easy is one of the best cities in the U.S. for singles to call home. If you’re thinking of moving to NOLA, consider living in one of these five best neighborhoods in New Orleans for singles and young professionals!
| Neighborhood | Bywater | Central Business District | Lower Garden District | Mid-City | Uptown |
| Safer than % of City | 0% | 68% | 44% | 25% | 82% |
| Median Home Price | $328,362 | $453,250 | $492,475 | $307,875 | $473,300 |
| Median Rent Price | $1,109 | $1,076 | $1,375 | $1,277 | $1,356 |
| Median Household Income | $54,952 | $60,982 | $83,093 | $55,538 | $100,032 |
Bywater
Known for its colorful shotgun houses and vibrant arts scene, the neighborhood of Bywater is one of New Orleans’ best areas for singles and young professionals. Often paired with the neighboring Marigny and just ten minutes from downtown, Bywater is well-known for being one of the coolest places to live in NOLA. From the music clubs and neon lights lining the area’s beloved Frenchmen Street to the eclectic restaurants and beyond—this hip New Orleans neighborhood has plenty of things to do. As for jobs, young professionals moving to the Big Easy will find plenty of opportunities in Bywater, particularly in service industries like retail and food. More corporate jobs can be found just a short 15-minute commute away in the Central Business District.
Things to Do in Bywater
Immerse yourself in colorful mixed-media exhibits and other large-scale art at JAMNOLA. Host an event or watch a performance from the Marigny Opera Ballet at the Marigny Opera House. Play your way through a collection of real musical instruments-turned-art pieces, or sign up for a Welding Workshop at Music Box Village. Admire views of the New Orleans skyline, walk along the Mississippi River, or have a picnic at Crescent Park. Get a variety of cuisine all in one spot—from Crispy Korean Brussel Sprouts to a Biscuit & Gravy at Elizabeth’s Restaurant. Try elevated dishes like Pork Belly with Corn Crema or Roasted Pompano at Bywater American Bistro (also known as BABs). Try finger-licking BBQ dishes like Pork Ribs or Sausage Plate at The Joint. Or order the Reuben Sandwich, Pickle Plate, or Tomato Toast from Sneaky Pickle and Bar Brine.
Central Business District
With towering high-rise apartments, office buildings, and a plethora of shops and restaurants lining its busy streets, the Central Business District (CBD) is one of the best places to live in New Orleans for singles and young professionals. The CBD is part of Downtown NOLA, located directly southwest of the famous French Quarter, with the winding Mississippi River to the east. Among the neighborhood’s sleek industrial skyline are major local employers like University Medical Center, the LCMC Health Center, and Hibernia Bank—and even more jobs await in the Warehouse District to the south. CBD’s convenient location makes for short commutes—neither jobs nor things to do are ever far when you’re living in this popular New Orleans neighborhood. Not to mention—Central Business District is also teeming with historic sites, art galleries, nightlife, and more for residents to enjoy!
Things to Do in Central Business District
Don a black and gold gold jersey and cheer on the Saints (NFL) during a home game at Caesars Superdome. Enjoy free live music from local acts during Wednesdays at the Square at Lafayette Square, the second-oldest public park in New Orleans. Learn about WWII with exhibits like The Arsenal of Democracy, Road to Tokyo, and more at The National WWII Museum. Cruise down the Mississippi while enjoying a meal, jazz music, and historic tours on the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen. Indulge in classic comfort foods with an elevated twist like Pimento Grilled Cheese or Oyster BTLA at the award-winning NOLA favorite, Willa Jean. Have a date night to enjoy high-quality surf and turf, including Grilled Strip Steak and Jumbo Shrimp, at the elegant Peche Seafood Grille. Grab a table with friends to enjoy Southern-Asian fusion dishes such as BBQ Octopus, Pecan Sticky Pork Belly, or Short Rib Debris paired with Collard Greens from Maypop. Or try the Smoked Sweet Potato Taco, Coconut Shrimp Taco, or Beef Brisket Carnitas Taco from Mister Oso New Orleans.
Lower Garden District
The picturesque Lower Garden District (LGD), with its neoclassical homes and vivid public art, is one of the best places to live in New Orleans for those seeking more natural surroundings in their everyday life. While many areas of New Orleans—especially those with hot job markets—are dotted with office buildings, the Lower Garden District has a very different aesthetic. The public parks and green spaces throughout the neighborhood offer a welcome contrast from the hustle and bustle of city life, but residents are still close enough to the heart of NOLA to enjoy its urban amenities. Downtown is just seven minutes away, but residents of the Lower Garden District won’t need to commute out of the neighborhood to find jobs. Employers in the area include various law offices, retailers, and even the St. Charles Surgical Center.
Things to Do in Lower Garden District
Take a round-trip through other NOLA neighborhoods—including the French Quarter—on the St. Charles Streetcar, which makes several fascinating stops along its path. Enjoy the fresh air as you go jogging, have a picnic, or sit by the fountain at Coliseum Square Park. Tour the warehouse where Mardi Gras floats are created at Mardi Gras World. Align your mind, body, and soul with a yoga class, eat at The Well Cafe, or relieve aches and pains with Red Light Therapy at Spyre New Orleans. Get a Reuben or Rachel Sandwich for lunch, along with a craft beer, at Stein’s Market & Deli. Stop by for happy hour in New Orleans with friends to enjoy Disco Fries with a Classic Margarita or Gris-Gris Old Fashioned from Gris-Gris. Slurp down a bowl of Original Tori Ramen made with in-house roasted pork and their own chicken-based broth at Union Ramen. Or treat yourself to New Orleans brunch with Banana’s Foster French Toast, a Boudin Breakfast Biscuit, and freshly squeezed orange juice from Surrey’s Cafe & Juice Bar.
Mid-City
Quirky, affordable, and located near both Downtown NOLA and the French Quarter, Mid-City is a fantastic place to live for young professionals and singles moving to New Orleans. You’ll find plenty of interesting things to do on NOLA’s famous Canal Street, which runs through Mid-City. Homes mainly consist of shotgun houses and bungalows with large front porches, where residents can sit and admire the vast green spaces and historical architecture. Mid-City combines old-school Southern charm with the cultural influences of residents from all over the world. For instance, foodies love the neighborhood’s many cuisines, from Italian to Cajun and beyond. Mid-City is also a great place for jobs in New Orleans—with close proximity to the Central Business District and convenient access to I-10 making it a prime location for commuting young professionals.
Things to Do in Mid-City
Go sightseeing on a Canal Streetcar ride, which includes great stops throughout the city. Go mini-golfing at City Putt, or walk through the botanical garden at New Orleans City Park. Reserve tickets to see stunning rotating exhibits like Buddha and Shiva, Lotus and Dragon, or browse permanent collections of sculptures, paintings, and more at the New Orleans Museum of Art. Rent the VIP section of the Bayou Beer Garden to sip cocktails or wine served on tap among lush greenery. Eat your way through Vietnamese fusion food like Vietnamese BBQ Catfish and Red Curry Shrimp Pasta at Cafe Minh. Order the Eggplant Casserole, Chicken Parmesan With Pasta & Red Gravy, or Fried Green Tomato Po’Boy from the original Liuzza’s. Enjoy Irish favorites like the Fish and Chips, Corned Beef and Sauerkraut, or The Burger paired with a bottle of Smithwick’s from Finn McCool’s Irish Pub. Or find delicious meals like the BBQ Blue Crab Claws, Mid-City Burger, or Shrimp Platter at Monday Restaurant and Bar.
Uptown
Located along the east bank of the Mississippi River, the Uptown neighborhood in New Orleans is perfect for young adults wanting to step back from the hustle and bustle to enjoy a calm, laid-back lifestyle. Here, you can find apartments or houses in Classic Revival and Italianate styles, all set along streets lined with mature oak trees. Young professionals can find a career in healthcare at Ochsner Medical Center, located just outside the neighborhood, while those looking to work in academia or earn their degree are close to nearby NOLA colleges like Tulane University and Loyola University New Orleans. This New Orleans neighborhood is also home to Audubon Park, Magazine Street, and the famous Freret St, offering young adults plenty of things to do—from diverse dining and shopping options to popular New Orleans events like the Freret Street Festival.
Things to Do in Uptown
Sign up for lessons or play a game of golf once you become a member at Audubon Park Golf Course. Listen to live music performances and dance the night away with friends at Tipitina’s—a New Orleans music venue that’s been hosting unforgettable performances since 1977. Spend the night bowling, listening to live music, and more at Rock ‘N’ Bowl. See African painted dogs, Komodo dragons, and Louisiana black bears at the Audubon Zoo. Enjoy a classic diner breakfast with a Ham Omelette or a stack of Chocolate Chip Pancakes with Apple Juice from The Camellia Grill. Choose your own toppings and create the perfect hotdog, including vegan options, at Dat Dog. Sink your teeth into a Lamb Burger or other sandwiches like a Grilled Cheese at The Company Burger. Or devour the Double Boot Burger, a slice of Cheese Pizza, or Bacon Waffle Cheese Fries from The Boot.
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The Extra Space Storage team is committed to helping people find the perfect place to call home no matter what stage of life they’re at. Our “Best Places to Live” picks are designed to make moving easier by providing accurate and comprehensive information on various metro areas across the country. We consider factors like cost of living, job opportunities, local attractions, education, and more to help those looking to move make an informed decision. Discover more about our methodology today.
Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
