New Orleans 81 Exceptional
New Orleans Livability #3 ranked city in Louisiana#1,398 ranked city in the USARanks better than 95% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in New Orleans

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Commute Commute

    An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.

CONS
  • Ratings Ratings

    AreaVibes collected feedback from local residents in the area through surveys and polls, and the results did not show a favorable view of things like local amenities and the safety of the area.

What's it like Living in New Orleans?

New Orleans, Louisiana is a big city with a population of 406,893 inhabitants. Individuals of White (33%) and Black or African American (59%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of the city. New Orleans is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 36% married, this city falls well below the national average. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in New Orleans, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 24 minutes.

If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in New Orleans, Louisiana. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Finding the best places to live in New Orleans and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, commute, housing and other important metrics.

New Orleans has a livability score of 75/100 and is ranked #16 in Louisiana and #3,861 in the USA. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in New Orleans could be a great choice! There are nine total categories that create the livability score. New Orleans scores well for cost of living (B-), education (C+) and housing (B-) There are some categories that New Orleans ranks poorly for, including: crime (F) and employment (D). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.

If you're considering living in New Orleans, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, New Orleans provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in New Orleans are: The National WWII Museum, St. Charles Streetcar, and Jackson Square.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their New Orleans apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Assuming that New Orleans meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in New Orleans. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in New Orleans are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in New Orleans come in at $442,857, which is 65.2% higher than the Louisiana average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In New Orleans, the home price to income ratio is 6.9, which is 72.5% higher than the Louisiana average.

Best Places to Live in and Around New Orleans

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How Do You Rate The Livability In New Orleans?

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      New Orleans transportation information

      Statistic New Orleans Louisiana National
      Average one way commute24min25min26min
      Workers who drive to work66.5%82.6%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.8%9.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit5.7%1.3%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle2.8%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk5.4%1.8%2.8%
      Working from home7.7%2.6%4.6%
      Source: The New Orleans, LA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.