Neighborhoods to Avoid in New Orleans and the Best Neighborhoods

For your next trip to Louisiana, you are wondering about the neighborhoods to avoid in New Orleans and the best neighborhoods to stay. Is New Orleans safe for tourists in 2024?

And it's true that New Orleans has a reputation for being a dangerous city, but is it really? If so, where are the danger zones in the city? Is the French Quarter in New Orleans Safe?

That's what this 2024 guide to New Orleans neighborhoods is about. This article was compiled using various sources (economic media, local press, statistical studies and rankings). It is therefore a synthesis of data without any judgment or discrimination.

This guide and its map will help you identify the best neighborhoods and neighborhoods to avoid in New Orleans, especially those with a reputation as dangerous neighborhoods.

Is New Orleans safe in 2024?

Over the past 5 years, the homicide rate has risen sharply in the largest cities in the United States. See articles from Le Monde: United States: Joe Biden facing sharp increase in homicides "Or the BBC:" US crime: Is America seeing a surge in violence“. However, this problem of violence and urban insecurity is not limited to certain New York neighborhoods, Las Vegas or Los Angeles.

Indeed in 2024, New Orleans or NOLA is also one of the most dangerous cities in the USA even if violence there has decreased in recent years.

This is what we see on the last Numbeo ranking that compares crime indices.

With a crime index of 68.07, New Orleans ranks as the 6th most crime-ridden city out of the 86 largest cities in North America.

And if we compare to world level, in 2024 New Orleans would be more dangerous than Bogota, Medellin, Naples ou Cancun.

Is New Orleans Safe for Tourists?

YES but not everywhere and on condition that tourists are careful.

What if New Orleans is less risky than Mexico City or Rio de Janeiro, there are still some neighborhoods to avoid.

Indeed, the city is facing extreme poverty and social misery caused by the economic context, hurricanes, floods and Covid 19. It is this context that has allowed drugs and violence to take hold. gradually in this weakened and somewhat abandoned city.

But tourists should not hesitate to visit New Orleans, which is a treasure on the banks of the Mississippi. You just have to choose your accommodation in the best areas of the city. And, for nightlife, avoid certain neighborhoods that have the reputation of being dangerous (see below).

New Orleans neighborhood map

The city of New Orleans has divided into 13 districts and 72 neighborhoods. Without listing them all, here are the main areas of the city:

• District 1: French Quarter + Central Business District (CBD) business district
• District 2: Quartier Central City / Garden District
• The District 3: Uptown / Carrollton District 
• District 4: Mid City
• District 5: Lakeview Zone
• The District 6: Quartier Gentilly
• Districts 7 to 13: Areas further out of historic New Orleans

To help you spot the worst and best neighborhoods in New Orleans, this map may expand: https://goo.gl/maps/kQpKPc3fA7iXavgP8

Neighborhoods to avoid in New Orleans

Based on a lot of data on the web, various statistics and sites like Area vibes, upgraded home ou neighborhoodscout.com, here are the most dangerous neighborhoods in New Orleans for 2024:

• Central city
• Saint Roch
• Seventh Ward
• Florida
• St Claude
• Pines Village
• West Lake Forest

Where are these dangerous neighborhoods located in New Orleans?

Central City: Economic and social challenges

Central City, located to the west of the city, has faced economic and social challenges that have created a less safe environment. This neighborhood has seen increasing crime rates, with incidents of violence and theft reported regularly. Socio-economic problems such as unemployment and poverty have contributed to this situation. Despite this, Central City is also a vibrant neighborhood, with a thriving arts and culture scene. See location of this neighborhood

Saint Roch: Residential neighborhood with a history of persistent crime

Saint Roch, although a quaint residential neighborhood, has a history of persistent crime that makes it a place to watch. Crime rates in this neighborhood are higher than the city average, with incidents of theft and violence frequently reported. However, efforts are underway to revitalize this neighborhood and improve security. See location of this neighborhood

Florida: A high-risk neighborhood

Florida is often mentioned as a high-risk neighborhood, with crime rates higher than the city average. Violent crime and theft are common problems in this neighborhood. See location of this neighborhood

St Claude: Another neighborhood at risk

St Claude is also considered an at-risk neighborhood, with crime rates higher than the city average. Violent crime, theft, and burglary are recurring problems in this area. See location of this neighborhood

Seventh Ward: Security Issues

The Seventh District, with its mix of residences and businesses, also presents security concerns. Although some parts of this neighborhood are considered safe, other areas have higher crime rates. Residents and visitors should be vigilant and take precautions when traveling in this area. See location of this neighborhood

Pines Village and West Lake Forest: Neighborhoods requiring vigilance

Pines Village et West Lake Forest, located in northern New Orleans, are often considered neighborhoods where vigilance is required. Although some residential neighborhoods in this area are relatively safe, other parts have higher crime rates. Residents and visitors should exercise caution.

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Safest areas in New Orleans

Here are the safest places in LANO. By clicking on the link, you will be able to locate the area on Google Map.

• Lake Shore - Lake Vista
• West End
• Audubon
• Gentilly Woods
• Lakewood
• Algiers Point
• Lakeview

These are areas and neighborhoods with lower crime rates compared to other neighborhoods in New Orleans. This does not mean that they are safe but that they are less dangerous than others.

Is the French Quarter in New Orleans dangerous?

You can't go to New Orleans without visiting the French Quarter and its magnificent Bourbon Street. But is the French Quarter where jazz is king safe to choose your hotel?

Well, since it's the neighborhood that attracts the most tourists, the French quater is one of the safest in New Orleans. Indeed, to avoid any problem and preserve the tourist economy, the city has set up a very strong police presence in this district. The Vieux-Carré is therefore a safe area for accommodation.

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Best neighborhoods to stay in NOLA

French Quarter or Vieux Carré

As we just said, the French Quarter is not dangerous for tourists. Above all, it is the ideal place to visit New Orleans on foot. Indeed, it is the oldest and famous district of New Orleans and (for my taste) the best place for a tourist stay. See location of the French Quarter

Here is a very nice colonial hotel that I recommend for its location in the beautiful rue Bourbon and its typical architecture:

Garden District

Garden District is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in NOLA. It dates from the beginning of the 19th century and was inhabited by rich Americans who did not want to mix with the Creole populations of the French Quarter. With its large white buildings with colossal entrances surrounded by lush gardens, this neighborhood offers a dream setting for a luxury stay in New Orleans.

Indeed, it is the most chic district of NOLA where Sandra Bullock and Nicolas Cage live in particular!

For a stay in a legendary hotel, steeped in history, I recommend this splendid hotel:

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Cheap hotel in New Orleans

It's hard to find a nice, inexpensive, safe place to stay in New Orleans.

Here is a very good hotel, well located in the French Quarter and with excellent value for money: