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Is the soulful jazz echoing down Bourbon Street or the electrifying energy of Mardi Gras? What do you picture when you hear of New Orleans?

Perhaps it’s the world-famous gumbo and po’boys that make your mouth water.

But here’s the thing: beyond the glitz and glamor of the Big Easy lies a city that’s as complex as its legendary cuisine.

Sure, the headlines about crime and recent terror attacks might have you asking,

Is New Orleans a good place to live?

Is it safe to raise a family here?

Is it even affordable?

All these are valid concerns and ones you can’t ignore. 

So, let’s examine some important aspects of life in New Orleans to help you weigh the positives and negatives with insight and a whole lot of honesty.

Living the Big Easy Life: What’s It Going to Cost?

When it comes to affordability, New Orleans is somewhere in the middle. However, its living costs are 12% higher than the national average. 

To live comfortably as a single person, you would need a little over $3,500 per month. For a family, about $4,080 monthly will suffice.

Housing prices are generally reasonable compared to most big cities in the country. But you will pay more in New Orleans than you would in other parts of the state.

However, you can expect to make some savings on other costs, such as groceries, utilities, and transportation. 

• Average House Rent: $1,380
• Median Home Value: $274,500

Another thing about New Orleans (NOLA) to keep in mind is that you will need flood insurance to protect against hurricane season—unfortunately, it doesn’t come cheap. 

So, if you are planning a move, it’s worth consulting local New Orleans movers who can help you navigate the logistics of settling into a city where weather preparedness is a way of life.

 

Expense Category	Compared to the National Average
Housing	49% higher
Utilities	26% lower
Groceries	3% lower
Transportation	6% lower
Healthcare	10% higher

Still, the city’s budget-friendly perks shine through!

You can feast on some of the best food in the country without emptying your wallet. Entertainment is often free, thanks to the city’s endless festivals and street performances.

Healthcare in NOLA — Better in Some Areas Than Others

Is New Orleans a good place to live when it comes to healthcare?

Well, healthcare in New Orleans is a mixed bag. The air quality is above average, whereas the water quality is below average.

On one hand, world-class institutions like Ochsner Health and Tulane Medical Center offer top-notch care. On the other, accessibility can be an issue, particularly in underserved neighborhoods.

Generally, the average physician availability in New Orleans is 335 physicians per 100,000 people, more than the average 210 physicians in the United States.

However, this ready access is majorly applicable in a few places in NOLA.

Note:

For those with specific health needs, proximity to one of the major hospitals could be a deciding factor when choosing where to live. 

A Creative Economy — Jobs in the Crescent City

Is New Orleans a good place for job seekers to live?

New Orleans offers a soft landing for creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone with a flair for the unconventional. 

The city’s economy is heavily tied to tourism, hospitality, and the arts, making it a goldmine for chefs, musicians, and event planners.

However, if your career leans toward tech, corporate gigs, or other traditional industries, opportunities may feel limited compared to larger cities. That said, an emerging tech scene is slowly gaining traction. 

With New Orleans, you have to keep in mind that wages in many sectors may not always match the cost of living. So, weigh your options carefully.

• Median Household Income: $51,116
• Unemployment Rate: 4.3%
• Poverty Rate: 22.9%

Schools and Education in New Orleans

New Orleans’ schooling system is heavily reliant on charter schools.

Although the system has seen significant reforms in recent years, its performance and school quality leave something to be desired.

The Orleans Parish School District, which oversees education in the city, has an almost abysmal school quality. It’s better than only 7% of all U.S. school districts and 25% of all Louisiana school districts.

For families, research is key. Neighborhoods like Jefferson, Elmwood, and Uptown tend to offer better schooling options. 

The top schools options here include:

• Dr. John Ochsner Discovery Health Sciences Academy
• Benjamin Franklin High School
• Lake Forest Elementary Charter School
• New Orleans Center for Creative Arts
• The Willow School
• Jefferson Virtual High School

The Weather in New Orleans

Summers in New Orleans are no joke.

Temperatures often soar into the 90s°F. Winters, on the other hand, are wonderfully mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below 50°F, and snow is almost unheard of.

However, the rainy season brings plenty of downpours and the occasional tropical storm. You’ll need to prepare for hurricane season, which runs from June through November. 

Living in New Orleans means having an emergency plan, purchasing flood insurance, and staying updated on storm forecasts.

Average Seasonal Temperature in New Orleans:

Winter — 58°F

Fall — 71°F

Spring — 72°F 

Summer — 84°F

The Soul of the City — Finding Your Community

The social scene is where New Orleans truly shines.

It’s active and offers everything from jazz clubs and second-line parades to crawfish boils and backyard block parties. 

Whether you are a born extrovert or prefer quieter connections, NOLA has a way of pulling you into its lively and welcoming fold. The festival calendar alone could keep you busy year-round.

Also…

There is the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Even the smaller neighborhoods are not left out! They frequently host events that capture the city’s heart and soul. 

No matter your background, you will find people here who make you feel at home.

The Safety Question: Should You Be Worried?

Now, to rip the band-aid off.

Crime in New Orleans is a big concern. The city’s crime rate is higher than the national average. Violent crime and property theft are the main culprits. 

There is a 1 in 29 chance you will be a victim of property crime in New Orleans. To add some context, where the average rate (per 1,000) of motor theft in the U.S. is 2.83, New Orleans has a record 11.37.

But there’s a little breath of fresh air. Many neighborhoods are relatively safe. But is New Orleans a good place to live despite all these?

If safety is top of mind, look at areas like:

• Lakeview
• Lakewood
• River Ridge
• Oak Park
• Eastover

These neighborhoods offer a stronger sense of security and a tight-knit community vibe.

Like in any urban setting, staying alert and taking precautions, especially at night, are usually the best ways to ensure peace of mind.

 

per 1,000 residents	New Orleans Median	Louisiana Median	National Median
Violent Crime	14.46	6.29	4.0
Property Crime	46.52	27.48	20.0

The Final Verdict — Is New Orleans for You?

Is New Orleans a good place to live?

Well, New Orleans is a city that defies simple descriptions. It’s a place where music and art flow as freely as the Mississippi. 

But it’s also a city that requires resilience, patience, and a willingness to embrace both the highs and the challenges. If you relate to its culture and community, NOLA might just be the adventure you have been waiting for. 

Caution though!

You should choose the right neighborhood, prepare for the occasional curveball of crime, and hunt for good schools. Only then would you truly be ready to fall in love with one of the most unique cities in the world.

Even though New Orleans is not for everyone, for the right person, it’s magic.