Central City: Home to New Orleans’ Culture Bearers

by Julie Koppman

With the Central Business District to the east, and the Garden District to the south, Central City is a National Register Historic District that’s roughly bounded by St. Charles Avenue, Toledano Street, S. Claiborne Avenue, and the Ponchartrain Expressway. This diverse neighborhood is home to many of New Orleans’ culture bearers and is a focal point for brass band music, second lines, and Mardi Gras Indian traditions.

Central City Landmarks

One of the main thoroughfares of Central City is Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, formerly known as the Dryades Street commercial district for over 100 years. Long-time landmarks include the Ashe Cultural Arts Center, which celebrates the people, places, and philosophies of the African Diaspora, and non-profit Café Reconcile, a soul-filled destination lunch spot that transforms the lives of young adults through workforce development, job training, life skills classes, and employment counseling. Other neighborhood notables include the New Orleans Jazz Market and the Southern Food and Beverage Museum.

Community-Oriented with an Up and Coming Vibe

Rêve agent Sissy Blewster fell in love with Central City and has lived there for several years. She appreciates that residents know their neighbors, everyone looks out for each other, and the area is community-oriented. She also adores being within walking distance of St. Charles Avenue, downtown, and the Superdome, and that it’s possible to get anywhere in the city by car in about 10-15 minutes. Sissy notes that Central City was one of the fastest growing New Orleans neighborhoods in 2019, and that as prices continue to rise in the nearby Lower Garden District, Central City has become more attractive for first-time homebuyers while offering a similar up and coming vibe.

When it comes to Central City architecture, you’ll find everything from grand homes to single shotguns to modern apartment complexes. Check out some of our favorite spots to eat, drink, and hang out in Central City.