The New Orleans metro area is home to some of the country’s most unique and dynamic neighborhoods. After a long period of post-Hurricane Katrina blight and decay, the city is once again one of the fastest-growing areas in the south. Between 2010 and 2017, the city’s population grew by almost 20%. This is excellent news for those who love New Orleans and want to make it their home. But with so many different neighborhoods to choose from, it can be tricky to find the right one for you. If you’re considering moving to New Orleans or just exploring your options, below are some great suburbs that are well worth considering.
1. Mid-City
New Orleans’ Mid-City neighborhood has recently seen an influx of new homebuyers, with median home sale prices rising by 80 percent between 2014 and 2017. This is mainly because of the neighborhood’s easy access to public transportation, many restaurants and bars, and proximity to the Central Business District. Mid-City is also a walker-friendly neighborhood, with a walkability score of 72 (out of 100), making it a beautiful place to live for those who prefer to walk or bike to work. Mid-City also has excellent school districts close to several major universities, including Tulane and Loyola. Many of New Orleans’ top employers, including Ochsner Health System and Jefferson-Parish Hospital, are located in Mid-City, making it a great place for professionals to call home.
2. Hollygrove
Hollygrove is located in Central City and is only a short drive to Downtown New Orleans. The Hollygrove neighborhood is currently in the process of gentrification, with new residential developments popping up all over the area. Hollygrove’s median home sale price is currently $164,000, making it an affordable place to buy a home in New Orleans. Hollygrove is a walker-friendly neighborhood with a walkability score of 66 (out of 100), making it a great place to live if you prefer not to drive. It’s also conveniently located near many major highways and interstates, making it ideal for commuters. Hollygrove’s strong connection to the arts makes it a great place for creatives to live.
3. Bywater
The Bywater’s proximity to Downtown New Orleans makes it a convenient location for commuters. The Bywater neighborhood has also seen an increase in popularity with younger homebuyers, with its median home sale price rising by 28 percent between 2014 and 2017. The Bywater neighborhood is home to the New Orleans Musicians’ Village, a community development project providing musicians affordable housing.
4. Metairie
Metairie is a New Orleans suburb home to many significant medical centers and pharmaceutical companies. Almost half of the city’s employers are healthcare-related. If you’re a health care professional, Metairie New Orleans could be an excellent place for you to live. The town also boasts a low cost of living, which is low enough that residents can still enjoy the benefits of city living. Metairie’s median home sale price is currently $275,000, slightly below the citywide median of $300,000. The city’s overall median home sale price has risen by 31 percent between 2014 and 2017, making it one of the most popular places to buy a home in New Orleans.
5. Faubourg Marigny
Faubourg Marigny is a historic New Orleans neighborhood currently seeing massive gentrification. The city’s Faubourg Marigny Neighborhood Improvement District is revitalizing the area, making it a top community to move to in New Orleans. The community is close to the French Quarter, making it a convenient place to live for those who work in the city’s tourist district. New Orleans’ Faubourg Marigny neighborhood has a median home sale price of $285,000, making it one of the city’s most expensive places to buy a home. The citywide median home sale price has risen by 47 percent between 2014 and 2017.
6. Bayou Saint John
Bayou Saint John is another historic New Orleans neighborhood undergoing gentrification. Bayou Saint John has a median home sale price of $225,000, making it an even more affordable neighborhood than Faubourg Marigny. The citywide median home sale price has risen by 47 percent between 2014 and 2017. Despite the overall increase in home sale prices, Bayou Saint John’s median home sale price has remained relatively steady at $225,000 since 2014.
Conclusion
New Orleans is a city that’s constantly evolving and growing. It’s also a great place to live, reflecting its real estate market. From Mid City to Bayou Saint John, many up-and-coming neighborhoods in New Orleans are perfect for young creatives and professionals. These include Hollygrove, Bywater and Faubourg Marigny.
