New Orleans, or the “Big Easy,” is renowned for its non-stop nightlife, vibrant live-music scene, and cuisine that reflects its history as a fusion of French, African and American cultures. Situated on the Mississippi River near the Gulf of Mexico, French colonists founded the now 349.8 square-mile city in 1718. Its median age is 37.2 (2022), and its main sectors include tourism, energy, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and international trade.

New Orleans lies on a grid pattern, and its unique home styles – Creole cottage and Creole townhouse – reflect its cultural history. The average price of a home here has risen 7.9% over the past year, to $286,758 (Zillow, 2022). Embodying the city’s festive spirit is Mardi Gras, the late-winter carnival, and celebrations of just about everything, from food and culture to neighborhoods and holidays.

Major thoroughfares serving New Orleans are I-10, I-510, and I-610. I-10 is close to the European architecture of the French Quarter, and to the neighborhood of Treme, which is filled with colorful Creole cottages and shotgun houses. Victorian cottages are a highlight of the quiet and residential neighborhood of Algiers, which is accessible via U.S. Highway 90 Business.

New Orleans truly is a feast for the senses, offering up everything from delectable food to stunning architecture.