Moving to New Orleans, LA
Plan Your Move to New Orleans With SpareFoot
Planning a move to New Orleans? SpareFoot can help. Use SpareFoot to find special deals and discounts on New Orleans Moving Truck Rentals. If you need a storage unit as part of your move, SpareFoot makes it easy to find storage units in New Orleans too.
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.
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Looking for a New Orleans Neighborhood? Keep Out of the Flood Zone
When moving to New Orleans, your top priority should be staying safe and avoiding a hefty flood insurance policy. Higher-up spots are your go-to. Now, if you’re hitting the books or just starting out, the Leonidas and Freret neighborhoods are buzzing with energy. Got a family? The Irish Channel and Riverside are quiet and cozy.
Mid-City is a dream spot for the outdoorsy and families, with City Park’s sprawling greenery and Jazz Fest’s lively tunes. You’re always close to the action here, all while far from tourist traps.
Marigny/Bywater are the spots where artistic souls and trendsetters flock. Marigny has a friendly vibe with historic flair, while Bywater is the canvas for the city’s creative spirit. The real deal here: Frenchmen Street’s jazz and colorful houses.
Lower Garden District is where you go when you want a slice of tranquility near the buzz. It hits that perfect balance, with a blend of stately homes and funky shops, where Mardi Gras parades and craft beers are part of everyday life.
Riverbend is a good choice for students and families craving riverside serenity, with Oak Street’s eateries and Audubon Park nearby.
Warehouse District is where work meets play for the young professionals. Converted warehouses now host lively art galleries and cocktail bars, making every after-work hour a potential happy hour.
Easy Rides in the Big Easy
In New Orleans, the traffic can get a bit thick — on average, a 6-mile drive will take you about 13 minutes, and a bit longer than that during rush hour. The silver lining is the short commutes, only 23-24 minutes each morning, compared to the 27 minutes the average American spends in traffic to get to work in the morning.
Love to cycle? You’re in luck. Biking is a solid option here, with trails weaving through the city. And those Blue Bikes the city operates are a super handy way to zip around. If you’re in the heart of NOLA, like the French Quarter or Marigny, your own two feet are just as good for getting around.
It wouldn’t be New Orleans if we didn’t mention streetcars. The four lines crisscrossing the city can save time while you soak in the sights — a charming and practical way to get around. There are also nearly 40 bus routes, so there’s always one nearby. Plus, you can hop on a ferry and cross the Mississippi in no time.
A City of Learning and Beating the Odds
There are 72 public schools in New Orleans with about 44,000 kids. And guess what? Since Katrina, things are looking up. The graduation rate shot up from 54% to a cool 78% in 2021. And more students are now heading to college than ever before.
And colleges? A total of 13 in the Greater New Orleans region, with Tulane, Loyola and a top-notch pharmacy school at Xavier making the most waves. Whether it’s business, music or science, there’s a place for everyone to grow in and around NOLA.
A Mix of Seasons and Celebrations
The weather in New Orleans has its own rhythm. Winters here can be a bit nippy, dipping to the low 40s at times. But don’t worry, the city’s lively spirit with Mardi Gras and sporting events keeps things warm.
Then, spring rolls in with festivals and flowers, with temps hanging around the 50s and 70s. Just bring a rain jacket — those spring showers love to pop up. Summer is classic Southern heat, jumping to the mid-90s. That’s a perfect time for New Orleans snowballs by the pool — which is a signature summer treat here. As temps mellow out during fall, the crisp air is perfect for festivals and football.
Heads-up: Hurricane season runs from June to November. The city knows how to handle it, but it’s something to keep in mind.
Summer average (June – Aug): 91℉ high, 76℉ low
Winter average (Dec – Feb): 65℉ high, 50℉ low
10 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in New Orleans
Is your heart set on moving to New Orleans? There are a few usual suspects to entertain you throughout the year and Mardi Gras is top of the list. Did you know that over 25 million pounds of beads are thrown every year? Fun, fun, fun. But that’s not all.
- Get to know the French Quarter, the very heart of New Orleans. Wander the streets, enjoy the live jazz and don’t miss the local eateries for authentic Creole cuisine.
- Stroll through the Garden District to see antebellum mansions and lush gardens. You can also take a guided tour to learn about the district’s history.
- Visit the National WWII Museum and the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA).
- Head to City Park. It is home to New Orleans Botanical Garden and an amusement park, plus there is plenty of green space for picnics and leisure.
- Check Audubon Park if you’re more interested in outdoor activities. You’ll find a jogging path, a golf course, tennis courts, riding stables and… a zoo.
- Catch a New Orleans Saints game at the Superdome or attend one of the many concerts and events held here.
- Visit the world-famous Cafe DuMonde for a beignet – a New Orleans specialty treat.
- Jazz and live music lovers should check out the music scene on Frenchmen Street.
- Explore the iconic Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, known for its above-ground tombs and unique architecture.
- Visit the Sazerac House, learn about the history and making of New Orleans’ famous Sazerac cocktail and enjoy an exclusive tasting.