There’s something special about New Orleans.
New Orleans has more historical districts than any other city in the United States.
It was also the first city in the nation to host opera, and the list goes on.
While there’s a lot of history embedded in New Orleans, it is also infamous for having one of the highest homicide cases in the country.
The violent crime rate is 71 per 100,000 residents.
The property crime rate in NOLA is 3874.22 per 100,000 residents.
Currently, New Orleans has more than 1 million people living in the city.
To help you avoid dangerous areas, this guide will inform you of the top 10 safest neighborhoods in New Orleans.
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10 Safest Neighborhoods in New Orleans
1. West End
The safest neighborhood in all of New Orleans is West End.
West End offers residents both affordable living and safety.
The population of West End is 3,300.
There are plenty of outdoor activities for residents and visitors to enjoy.
For example, if you love to fish, you can head on over to Lake Pontchartrain.
Overall, West End is nearly 95% safer than the rest of the neighborhoods in New Orleans.
It’s no wonder residents prefer to live here.
The average cost of a home in the West End is $181,000.
2. Lake Shore-Lake Vista
Lake Shore-Lake Vista is yet another safe neighborhood in New Orleans.
The population of Lake Shore-Lake Vista is 2,200.
The overall crime rate is 1,191 per 100,000 residents.
This means that Lake Shore-Lake Vista is 66% safer than the state’s average.
Residents can enjoy easy access to the beaches in the area, in addition to parks and bike paths.
If you love water, you’ll love the fact that Lake Pontchartrain is within walking distance as well.
The average cost of a home here is $440,880.
3. Old Aurora
Also making the list of the safest neighborhoods in New Orleans is Old Aurora.
It’s 77% safer than other neighborhoods in the city.
The violent crime rate is extremely low here.
Old Aurora has many parks and golf courses for residents to enjoy.
There are also plenty of restaurants within proximity.
It’s ideal for both retirees and families.
Old Aurora has a population of 13,398.
Living in Old Aurora provides residents with an amazing view of the skyline in downtown New Orleans.
4. Central Business District
Central Business District is ideal for those looking for somewhere safe and convenient to live in New Orleans.
The neighborhood has a population of 2,060.
Central Business District has various hotels, high-rise buildings, and several restaurants for residents to enjoy.
Both the Saegner Theater and the Orpheum are located in the Central Business District.
Here, you can enjoy musicals and concerts. Crime rates in the Central Business District are 14% below the national average, making it an ideal location for families.
5. French Quarter
French Quarter also made the list of the top safest neighborhoods in New Orleans.
The population of the French Quarter is 3,286.
The crime rate in the French Quarter is much lower than the national average.
It’s well known for Bourbon Street and has a lively nightlife.
Many tourists flock here during Mardi Gras, as it is a huge tourist attraction.
Even still, with all the attractions and amenities offered in the neighborhood, it has maintained its low crime rate.
6. Gentilly Terrace
Gentilly Terrace made the list of the top safest neighborhoods in New Orleans for various reasons.
It’s known to be a quiet neighborhood with many newly built homes.
There are about 9,308 people who live in Gentilly Terrace.
The total crime rate in Gentilly Terrace is 3,688 per 100,000 residents.
The neighborhood offers plenty of restaurants.
You can find almost anything here, from Italian food to savory Cajun dishes.
The neighborhood is also walkable.
Gentilly Terrace underwent a major revitalization.
It has recently become a family-friendly neighborhood.
The average cost of a home here is $168,785.
7. Lafitte
Lafitte is also a safe neighborhood in New Orleans.
It’s well known for having an obvious Creole heritage and excellent soul food.
There are also many jazz clubs located throughout the neighborhood.
Even though the area is small, with about 1,778 people living here, it’s full of buildings that were built in the colonial era.
The total crime rate in Lafitte is 3,314 per 100,000 residents.
This number combines all crimes, including murder, rape, and property crimes.
Some of the oldest graveyards can be found right here in Lafitte.
8. Lakeview
Making the list at number eight for the top safest neighborhoods in New Orleans is Lakeview.
It is known as being a friendly, fun, and active neighborhood for all who live here.
The neighborhood offers many restaurants, parks, and shops for convenience.
Overall, the area is quiet.
One of many local favorites is the Marconi Fishing Pier.
There are also numerous theaters in Lakeview.
The average cost of a home in Lakeview is $356,393.
The population of Lakeview is 8,388.
The overall crime rate in Lakeview is 3,598 per 100,000 residents.
9. St.Roch
St.Roch is yet another safe place to live in New Orleans.
It is also known as one of the most historic neighborhoods in the city.
It was developed in the early 1700s.
There are many different cultures here, including Creole, Spanish, and French.
Here, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and attractions.
The population of St.Roch is 7,626.
The violent crime rate in St.Roch is 2,877 per 100,000 residents.
And while it’s slightly higher than the city’s average, many residents still report feeling safe in the neighborhood.
10. Central City
Central City has a population of 13,500 and is a neighborhood that has recently been revitalized.
It is infamous for having annual Mardi Gras parades and fine Cajun dishes.
Many art exhibits, such as the Ashe Cultural Arts Center, are located in Central City.
The crime rate is just slightly higher than the national average.
Yet, the neighborhood has continued to see improvements as more wealthy people move in, and improvement in housing continues to rise.
The current violent crime rate in Central City is 2,992 per 100,000 residents.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to New Orleans
Here are five safety tips to remember while traveling to New Orleans:
- Never leave valuables exposed. You should never leave valuables exposed while traveling. This one is obvious for several reasons. The same rule applies to your vehicle. Nothing should ever be left out in plain sight for thieves to see. Always keep your valuables in a secure spot or your pockets.
- Pay attention to your surroundings. Being aware of your surroundings also matters, not just in New Orleans but wherever you travel. It’s easy to become distracted. Always pay attention to what’s around you and who’s around you.
- Never leave drinks unattended. If you’re going to be visiting New Orleans during Mardi Gras, this tip is especially important. Never leave your drinks unattended. You should also never accept drinks from people you don’t know.
- Learn the layout of different areas. Before you head to New Orleans, you should already know the layout of the neighborhoods you plan on going to. Avoid wandering around without a clue where you’re going. Utilize apps such as Google Maps to help plan out your stay.
- Never carry large amounts of cash. Finally, you should never carry large sums of cash with you while traveling. Instead, carry a maximum of two credit cards. Also, leave any expensive valuables at home.
New Orleans Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: New Orleans Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: HIGH
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: HIGH
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Orleans safe for families to visit?
Generally speaking, yes, New Orleans is entirely safe for families to visit.
New Orleans offers numerous family-friendly attractions, including the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and the Louisiana Children’s Museum.
It’s always wise to stick to participating in activities during the day, especially when you’re visiting a new city for the first time.
Is it safe to explore New Orleans at night?
It depends on the neighborhood you are visiting in New Orleans.
Overall, the city is generally safe during the nighttime hours.
Yet, it’s still critical that you practice vigilance when visiting any unfamiliar location.
Never walk around alone during the nighttime hours.
What neighborhoods should I avoid while visiting New Orleans?
The following neighborhoods are considered the most dangerous in New Orleans and should be avoided at all costs:
- Pines Village
- Saint Roch
- Florida Area
- West Lake Forest
- Saint Claude
- Central City
- Venetian Isles
