Louisiana New Orleans
Moving to New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana, blends rich cultural heritage with vibrant music, cuisine, and arts scenes. Situated along the Mississippi River, the city’s unique neighborhoods—like the French Quarter, Garden District, and Bywater—offer historic charm, colorful architecture, and a spirited, family-friendly vibe. Residents enjoy a wide range of parks and green spaces, including City Park and Audubon Park, scenic walking and biking trails along the riverfront, and recreational facilities for sports, kayaking, and community events.
Downtown and surrounding areas deliver eclectic dining and nightlife, from classic Creole and Cajun restaurants to local gems like Café du Monde and Coop’s Place, alongside live music venues, street festivals, and cultural events such as Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and French Quarter Festival. The city’s cost of living is roughly on par with the national average, while local public schools, private academies, and universities—including Tulane University and Xavier University of Louisiana—offer strong educational opportunities.
With streetcar lines, bus service through RTA New Orleans, and regional airports nearby, New Orleans provides residents and visitors with convenient transportation options. From its vibrant arts and food culture to abundant parks and outdoor recreation, New Orleans combines lively city living with a strong sense of community and unforgettable Southern charm.
New Orleans by the numbers
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Discover New Orleans: Top Attractions and Things to Do
Local Experiences
Local Experiences
New Orleans, Louisiana, blends vibrant Southern culture with scenic outdoor spaces and a lively, close-knit community spirit. Locals love strolling the lush paths of City Park, paddling or kayaking along the Bayou St. John, exploring the historic French Quarter on foot or by bike, or pedaling along the Crescent Park Greenway. Downtown’s eclectic dining, local breweries, and seasonal events like French Quarter Festival and Second Line parades keep the social scene buzzing.
Hiking, Biking & Trails
New Orleans offers scenic urban trails and greenways. The Crescent Park Greenway and paths along City Park provide miles of walking, jogging, and biking routes that wind past oak-lined streets, lagoons, and historic architecture. These trails connect neighborhoods, parks, and cultural landmarks, making outdoor recreation easy and accessible.
Family-Friendly Activities
Families flock to City Park for its whimsical Storyland playground, splash fountains, and the New Orleans Museum of Art. Seasonal favorites include paddle boating at Big Lake, visiting the Audubon Zoo, and catching live music or cultural programs at Louis Armstrong Park. The Crescent City Farmers Market offers fresh local produce, handmade crafts, and live performances throughout the year.
Local Breweries & Dining
New Orleans’ craft beer scene thrives at breweries like Urban South Brewery and NOLA Brewing, both with welcoming taprooms and live events. For food, locals and visitors enjoy Cochon for Cajun and Southern fare, Domilise’s Po-Boy & Bar for classic sandwiches, and Cafe du Monde for iconic beignets and coffee in a historic, family-friendly setting.
Sports and Recreation
Sports and Recreation
New Orleans is a haven for active lifestyles and sports enthusiasts, fueled by the city’s high school athletics and abundant outdoor pursuits along the Mississippi River, in City Park, and throughout surrounding neighborhoods.
While New Orleans lacks major professional teams within the city limits, big-league action is nearby: catch NFL’s New Orleans Saints, NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans, or MLS’s New Orleans Jesters, with minor-league fun at events like NOLA Gold Rugby and local youth and semi-pro leagues. High school athletics thrive as well, with schools like Benjamin Franklin High School and John Curtis Christian School delivering exciting football, basketball, and swimming competitions at their stadiums and aquatic centers.
The city offers top-tier recreation facilities and vibrant natural escapes. The YMCA of Greater New Orleans features fitness equipment, climbing walls, courts for basketball and pickleball, and leagues for all ages, while the New Orleans Parks & Recreation Department hosts group fitness classes, indoor sports, and community programs. Residents enjoy City Park’s athletic fields for soccer, baseball, and softball tournaments, splash pads for summer fun, and the Audubon Park trails for walking, jogging, and cycling. Beyond the city, the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve and Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge offer miles of trails for hiking, biking, kayaking, and wildlife exploration.
With warm, humid summers and mild winters, New Orleans inspires an active, adventure-packed lifestyle year-round.
Links & Resources
Adventures
Adventures
New Orleans, Louisiana, is an outdoor and cultural paradise, set along the Mississippi River and surrounded by parks, bayous, and historic neighborhoods. Stroll or bike the Crescent Park Greenway along the riverfront, paddle or kayak in Bayou St. John, or explore the oak-lined paths and lagoons of City Park. Thrill-seekers can try stand-up paddleboarding, bike tours, or urban kayaking, while families enjoy disc golf at City Park, wildlife spotting at Audubon Park, and playground fun at Storyland.
History and culture enrich every outing. Dive into regional heritage at the Historic New Orleans Collection, explore stories at the National WWII Museum, or wander the French Quarter and Garden District to admire iconic architecture, street murals, and centuries-old landmarks.
Year-round festivals—from Mardi Gras and French Quarter Festival to Jazz Fest and holiday celebrations—keep the city lively and spirited. Whether chasing cultural experiences or outdoor adventures, New Orleans offers unforgettable activities for all ages.
Links & Resources
Seasonal Events
Seasonal Events
New Orleans embraces year-round celebrations that highlight its rich Southern heritage, vibrant culture, and spirited community life.
Spring
As temperatures rise and flowers bloom, New Orleans comes alive with outdoor markets and cultural kickoffs. The Crescent City Farmers Market launches its seasonal run with fresh local produce, artisan goods, and live music, while Art in the Park events bring workshops, crafts, and performances to public spaces. Spring festivals like the French Quarter Festival draw crowds for food, music, and family-friendly activities throughout the historic districts.
Summer
Summertime in New Orleans pulses with music, festivals, and outdoor leisure. Food Truck Fridays energize the Riverwalk and downtown areas with live bands and local eats, while community events fill parks with games, artisan booths, and family fun. Independence Day celebrations dazzle with fireworks over the Mississippi River, parades, and concerts, while nearby trails, City Park, and Bayou St. John offer boating, biking, swimming, and picnics amid greenery.
Fall
With cooler weather and colorful foliage, New Orleans celebrates harvest vibes through craft fairs and cultural festivals. Autumn events like Voodoo Music + Art Experience showcase music, food, and art, while local farmers markets and pet-friendly gatherings highlight seasonal produce and fun. Parks like City Park and Audubon Park provide scenic backdrops for hiking, biking, and cozy outdoor get-togethers.
Winter
New Orleans sparkles with holiday markets, seasonal concerts, and festive community events. Indoor markets and cultural venues offer crafts, seasonal treats, and entertainment, while local high school and college sports bring excitement to the gyms and stadiums. Theater performances, gallery shows, and music series create warmth and joy throughout the winter season.
Throughout the year, New Orleans’ calendar overflows with farmers markets, music series, art walks, and neighborhood celebrations that reflect the city’s welcoming, lively character.
Links & Resources
Community Resources
New Orleans, Louisiana, provides residents with convenient access to a robust network of hospitals, medical centers, and specialty clinics both within the city and in the surrounding metro area, ensuring high-quality healthcare for all ages.
Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans is the flagship facility for the Ochsner Health System, offering advanced emergency services, surgical care, cardiology, oncology, maternity with Level III neonatal care, orthopedics, and specialized wellness programs (Ochsner Medical Center).
Tulane Medical Center, affiliated with Tulane University, provides comprehensive services including trauma care, neurology, pediatrics, women’s health, and innovative research programs (Tulane Medical Center).
University Medical Center New Orleans is a public, full-service hospital delivering emergency care, general surgery, cardiology, and specialized services for adults and children, playing a key role in the city’s healthcare system (UMC New Orleans).
Rehabilitation and long-term care facilities, such as Touro Rehabilitation Center and East Jefferson General Hospital Rehab, support patient recovery, physical therapy, and ongoing wellness (Touro Rehabilitation Center).
The city also has numerous primary care offices, urgent care centers like MedExpress and Ochsner Urgent Care, and specialty clinics affiliated with major networks, providing convenient preventive, diagnostic, and routine care (Healthgrades – New Orleans).
Together, these hospitals and medical facilities ensure New Orleans residents have reliable access to advanced healthcare, emergency response, pediatric treatment, and long-term wellness services that support the health of the entire community.
New Orleans, Louisiana, is a dynamic family hub renowned for its commitment to education across all stages. From highly rated public schools and specialized private options to accessible higher education and lifelong learning programs, New Orleans cultivates a comprehensive academic ecosystem that nurtures growth, creativity, and achievement for learners of every age.
Public Schools & Education
New Orleans is served by the Orleans Parish School Board, a district covering PK-12 with schools focused on academic progress, equity, and holistic student development. Flagship high schools such as Benjamin Franklin High School and John McDonogh High School deliver rigorous curricula, athletics, and arts in supportive environments, with strong graduation and college readiness rates.
Specialized learning tracks, including STEM initiatives, gifted programs, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and enriched arts and music education, empower students to shape their own educational paths toward personal and professional aspirations.
Private & Alternative Education
Families in New Orleans can choose from a variety of private and faith-based schools emphasizing tailored instruction and character development. Options include Isidore Newman School (PK-12), Academy of the Sacred Heart (PK-12), and Montessori or early learning centers that provide hands-on, individualized learning experiences.
New Orleans, Louisiana, operates under a mayor-council form of government and is supported by local departments that provide essential services to residents and businesses.
Law Enforcement
Public safety in New Orleans is provided by the New Orleans Police Department, which emphasizes community-oriented policing, crime prevention, and responsive emergency services to maintain a safe environment for residents, businesses, and visitors.
Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services
Fire and EMS services are managed by the New Orleans Fire Department, staffed by professional personnel providing fire suppression, rescue operations, and emergency medical care throughout the city.
Weather & Climate
New Orleans experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from approximately 46°F in January to 91°F in July, supporting year-round outdoor recreation, festivals, and community events.
Transportation & Mobility
New Orleans is well-connected with major highways including I-10, I-610, and US-90, offering access to the Gulf Coast and surrounding regions. Public transportation is provided by the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) with buses and streetcars linking neighborhoods and downtown, while Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport serves domestic and international flights.
Utilities & Waste Management
Essential services are managed by the city and private providers. The New Orleans Sewerage & Water Board oversees water, sewer, and stormwater management, while electricity is supplied by Entergy New Orleans and natural gas by CenterPoint Energy. The city promotes sustainability through recycling programs, curbside yard waste collection, and environmental initiatives.
Together, these departments and services ensure New Orleans residents have reliable access to public safety, emergency response, utilities, and transportation, supporting a well-functioning and vibrant urban community.
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This city guide is provided as a service by Atlas Van Lines.