New Orleans is surely one of the most iconic cities in the US. There’s no doubt about that. With its vibrant music scene, various cultural influences, unique architecture, delicious food, and friendly people, it comes as no surprise many people are migrating to this beautiful city. In addition, the booming job market and lower costs of living are a huge plus. So, if you have decided to move with your family to this fascinating city, you made the best decision in your life. In order to help you out a little, we prepared the ultimate guide through the best New Orleans neighborhoods for families. Let’s start the tour!
Fillmore
Fillmore is a small community in Gentilly perfect for both big and small households. It has an ideal location – just 15 minutes from the Central Business District and easy access to I-610 and US-90. In addition, this is one of the most affordable NOLA neighborhoods. Households with kids will love the charming bungalows and recently built homes with spacious yards. As for education, you can sit back and relax because Fillmore houses some of the best schools in the city, such as Arthur Ashe Charter School and John F. Kennedy High School.
What about available entertainment and activities? Well, you and your partner certainly won’t have to worry about that as there are many fun things to do in Fillmore. From the New Orleans Greek Festival with live music and delicious gyros and souvlaki, fun sports games at Pratt Playground to renting a swan boat at the City Park and horseback riding on Equest Farm.
Additionally, if you have kids, they will love Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, Louisiana Children’s Museum, and New Orleans Botanical Garden. Oh, and don’t forget amazing restaurants with their famous delicacies such as Breakfast Po-Boy at Cafe Gentilly or Corn & Crawfish Bisque at Zimmer’s Seafood. All things considered, Fillmore is definitely one of the best New Orleans neighborhoods for families.
Bayou St. John
This New Orleans neighborhood, located 10 minutes northwest of downtown, offers a variety of kid-friendly entertainment, green areas, and museums, as well as highly renowned schools such as Cabrini High School and New Harmony High School. Not to mention the fact that the neighborhood’s eponymous bayou flows right through it, providing its residents with immediate access to the water!
As for activities and events, the possibilities are practically endless. For example, at Bayou Paddlesports, you and your partner can enjoy paddleboarding classes or Paddleboard Yoga. Additionally, the New Orleans Museum of Art has over 40,000 exhibition items, ranging from modern photography to ancient Nigerian artifacts. Oh, and don’t miss the Sculpture Garden! Moreover, Bayou Boogaloo is an annual event where you can listen to live music, purchase artwork from local artists, and see the bayou blossom. If you like sports, Easton Playground is a great place to play basketball and burn off some energy. Bayou St. John is a gem you don’t want to miss out on.
West End
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city but still stay close to it, West End is the right neighborhood for you. With just a ten-minute drive to Downtown New Orleans, this may be the perfect place for your family. When it comes to the housing market, it’s more affordable to buy than rent. Also, you can find boathouse marina homes and enormous Double Gallery houses, all close to excellent schools.
In the West End, you can enjoy a picnic at West End Park while watching boats sail out on Lake Pontchartrain. You can also get a membership of the Southern Yacht Club, where you can use the fitness facility, enjoy a day at the pool, or enroll your kids in SYC Sailing Camp.
If you’re looking for a fun adventure with your significant other, visit the museum at New Canal Lighthouse. There, you can take a walking tour of Louisiana’s only operating lighthouse! This neighborhood doesn’t miss good food either. You can try everything from Sausage Poboy Pizza at JB’s Fuel Dock and Giant Seafood Platter at Russell’s Marina Grill to traditional Chinese dishes at Ming’s Restaurant.
East Carrollton
East Carrollton is another one of the best New Orleans neighborhoods for families that’s close to the city’s downtown. Yet, its residents can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of a suburb. This neighborhood is close to excellent education, both schools and universities.
Additionally, East Carrollton also benefits from being a part of the Uptown/Carrollton Area, which includes the seven-block Oak Street. This area houses interesting stores, authentic food, stylish coffeehouses, and the famed St. Charles Streetcar.
If you’re interested in learning about this neighborhood’s history, you should visit the exquisite tombs of the founding family in Carrollton Cemetery. This is one of NOLA’s most iconic cemeteries. Furthermore, Palmer Park offers many community activities you will enjoy. On the other hand, on Maple Street, you’ll find a ton of amazing restaurants with the most delicious food as well as stylish boutiques and fitness centers. Both households with and without children will love East Carrollton.
Algiers Point
If you want to live in one of the best New Orleans neighborhoods for families, then you should definitely consider Algiers Point. This tranquil residential district on the Mississippi River’s West Bank is famous for its lovely Creole bungalows and Raised Center Hall houses. Along with great schools, this neighborhood is rich in outdoor recreation areas. Besides all this, Algiers Point is close to both the French Quarter and the Central Business District. As a plus, ride the ferry across the river to get anywhere in the NOLA region!
The famous Creole and Cajun cuisine of New Orleans is booming in this neighborhood. You can even take a class at Casa Pelican Cooking School to learn the basics. Algiers Point also houses the famous Confetti Park that your little ones will love. Additionally, if you’re a bookworm, don’t miss Author Nights at Cita Dennis Hubbell Library. On the other hand, if you’re more of a sports type, then Algiers Bike Path will be an ideal getaway for you.
How to move to New Orleans trouble-free?
Once you decide which of these New Orleans neighborhoods is perfect for your household, you’ll have to start organizing your relocation. If you are coming from another part of Louisiana, you’ll have to contact a long-distance moving company to help you out. Wherever you are, these professionals will help you have a safe and easy process during your move. So, make sure to start planning everything on time. The better you organize, the sooner you’ll enjoy your new life in New Orleans.
The Big Easy is waiting for you!
All these neighborhoods are unique, but they have one thing in common. They all provide a plethora of opportunities for kids as well as adults. This is exactly what makes them the best New Orleans neighborhoods for families. So, whether you’re looking for a bigger place for you and your kids or want to settle down with your partner in an inviting community, you should definitely consider one of these areas. The truth is, no matter which area you choose, you won’t regret your decision. So, which one will it be?