New Orleans At-A-Glance
New Orleans, fondly called The Big Easy, has a unique atmosphere you simply can’t duplicate; it goes way beyond Mardi Gras, trust us. The city, home to about 370,000 folks, is big on spirit but has a small-town heart, where you can truly be a part of something special. Nestled between the sprawling Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain, New Orleans’ unique geography mirrors its lively cultural mix.
Every day dishes out a fresh surprise, thanks to the fusion of enticing cuisine, music scenes and art. History is no stranger to it either — New Orleans was founded way back in 1718, so old stories await in every corner, from the historic French Quarter to the mighty Mississippi River.
And education-wise? New Orleans has lots of great colleges like Tulane and Loyola that draw in students, contributing to its dynamic community. Moreover, it’s known for smartly using its public funds, making it a pretty savvy spot to live and study.
Life, Culture and Endless Fun
Living in New Orleans means being at the heart of a never-ending celebration. Ranked as one of the most fun cities in America, especially for its nightlife, New Orleans is a place where the party never stops. Mardi Gras aside, the city is simply topping the charts for the most festivals per capita in the U.S., alongside Honolulu, San Francisco and Tampa, beating even Las Vegas! For staycation lovers, it’s a top choice, thanks to endless entertainment and recreation — rest and relaxation, maybe not so much.
Wondering about museums? Again, the most per capita. It’s like New Orleans wants to just be top of the class all the time. Music lovers have loads of jazz, foodies indulge in unique Cajun and Creole dishes and coffee lovers are in for a treat too, as NOLA is one of the best coffee cities around. Okay, maybe not as good as Seattle or San Francisco, but pretty close.
Something else to mark on your checklist before moving to New Orleans is the park quality. It is top-notch. And if you’re here for Easter or New Year’s, you’re in for some of the best celebrations.
Diverse Opportunities Amid Challenges
Thinking of working in New Orleans? It’s a city of contrasts. Sure, the average household earns about $45,600, a third less than the U.S. average, but the per capita income paints a brighter picture — only 9.5% lower than the U.S. income level.
New Orleans does not lack job opportunities. From booming construction to cutting-edge space projects at the NASA facility, there’s a lot going on. Plus, with initiatives like WorkNOLA, finding the right job in the right industry is easier than ever.
Moving to New Orleans with your small business or thinking about starting something new? The best part is that doing business here won’t break the bank. Wages are up to 40% lower than in many big cities, and office spaces are affordable too.
The cost of living in New Orleans is 12% higher than the national average, but most people who move here come from Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco, so their costs are going down by a fair amount when relocating.
Unemployment rate: 3.7 percent (as of September 2023)
Average weekly wages for all industries in the New Orleans area: $1,271 (Q1 2023)
Take Your Time Buying a Home in New Orleans
Ready to call New Orleans home? The real estate scene here is a bit more laid-back — homes usually take their time selling, around 80-85 days, so you’ve got a moment to decide.
Only 48% of homes are owner-occupied, which is a much lower rate than that in Louisiana and throughout the U.S. A plausible explanation would be that homes around here have a median value of around $255,500, which is only slightly above the national median, while the median gross rent is $1,079 — about 7% lower than the U.S. median value.
The city’s housing landscape isn’t without change. After Katrina, the higher grounds, spared from flooding, became sought after. This shift sparked a wave of gentrification, bringing in new energy and investment, reshaping neighborhoods and attracting a completely different crowd looking for a fresh start on solid ground.
