Top New Orleans Neighborhoods for Young Professionals

by Clint LaCour

Young professionals are flocking to New Orleans due to the strong job market and new companies moving in regularly. In addition, the housing market in New Orleans is considered to be healthy, making relocating to the city a good investment. Demand for both condos and single-family homes all throughout the area is high.

If you’re a young professional and you’re considering moving to New Orleans, it’s important to choose the right neighborhood. While any of these neighborhoods will work great for the right person, young professionals tend to look for certain things in a neighborhood including:

Affordability
Family-friendly
Walkability
Public Transportation
Parking
Urban lifestyle
Culture

Along with these important factors, young professionals often look for a neighborhood not as prone to flooding and with plenty of great restaurants, shopping options, and nightlife options. Of course, the proximity to the parade routes and event grounds comes into play, too.

When considering the types of factors a young professional or a millennial may look for in a New Orleans neighborhood, a few come out on top. Here’s a look at a few of the top New Orleans neighborhoods for young professionals.

Uptown

With a median home value of around $300K and a walk score of 86, Uptown fits right into the important criteria of young professionals. It’s filled with incredible architecture, shopping options, dining choices and plenty of things to do within minutes of the neighborhood. The proximity to the University District also makes this a bit of a younger neighborhood. It’s a great location for Carnival season, too.

Garden District

One of the most walkable neighborhoods on the list, the Garden District is a popular choice for many homebuyers moving to New Orleans. It’s filled with wonderful architecture with Victorian, Italianate and Greek Revival all throughout. With plenty of shopping and dining all throughout, many residents enjoy calling the Garden District home.

The Garden District is also home to several landmarks, amazing gardens, famous restaurants and wonderful cafes. The St. Charles Avenue Streetcar makes the entire city accessible for residents and Magazine Street offers some of the best dining and shopping in the neighborhood.

Irish Channel

A more affordable choice on the list, the Irish Channel neighborhood has a median home value of about $270K. It’s also known as a very walkable neighborhood with plenty to do and see all throughout. You’ll find several shotgun-style and camelback homes throughout this neighborhood with many restaurants, coffees shops, and bars, as well. In addition, the Irish Channel neighborhood is the very best choice for the St. Patrick’s Day parade.

Mid-City

Another very affordable choice for young professionals, Mid-City has a median home value of $226K. It’s not quite as walkable as some of the others, but still very walkable with a walk score of 76. This location offers a great choice for enjoying the best New Orleans has to offer with the French Quarter within walking distance. It’s also close to several green spaces, retail centers, bodies of water and more.

Mid-City is known for the Creole cottages and it’s known as one of the most dog-friendly and kid-friendly areas in the city. You’ll also have great access to popular festivals with City Park and Bayou St. John nearby.

There are several great neighborhoods in New Orleans for young professionals. However, if you’re looking for a walkable place with plenty to do and an affordable price tag, these are the top choices.