About New Orleans
New Orleans is a city known worldwide for its vibrant culture, spirited celebrations and diverse community of residents. It's known as the birthplace of jazz music and is also home to Creole cuisine and the famous Mardi Gras festival. New Orleans has an active economy and is one of the busiest ports in the world and a hub of higher education.
The History of New Orleans
In 1718, French furriers looking for easy access to the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico established New Orleans for trading purposes. Forty-five years later, after France suffered significant losses during a series of European wars, the city and the surrounding region were given to the Spanish. Louisiana was returned to the French in 1800, just in time for Napoleon to sell the area to the fledgling government of the United States of America in 1803.
Once it became part of the States, New Orleans established its importance as a Southern cultural capital. The city played major roles in the War of 1812 and the Civil War and eventually became important in the Civil Rights movement. With time, the unique blend of cultures in New Orleans allowed it to blossom into a major tourist destination, offering visitors an experience unlike that found anywhere else in the world.
Living in New Orleans
Though the city is best known for its nightlife and party scene, New Orleans is also a good place to work and raise a family. Students looking for a place to spend their college years will find themselves with several choices of excellent universities. As a result of its many amenities and lively spirit, New Orleans has attracted a diverse mix of residents.
The rebuilt city of New Orleans has a booming employment rate, and you'll find a variety of jobs in many different industries. Beyond tourism, the city also offers a number of jobs in education, manufacturing and energy. Energy supply company Entergy has its headquarters in New Orleans, and IBM, AT&T and Lockheed Martin have large operations centers in the city.
New Orleans Neighborhoods
Here are some of the great neighborhoods to explore in New Orleans:
The French Quarter
The French Quarter is undoubtedly the most famous neighborhood in New Orleans and a historical gem, with buildings dating back to the 1700s. Many of its restaurants are well-known for their distinctively New Orleans dishes, like the beignets with powdered sugar from Café Du Monde.
The Arts District
New Orleans' Arts District is filled with warehouses that were originally used to store products before they were shipped out of the city's busy port. Today, those buildings have been repurposed into art galleries and high-end restaurants, and many of the city's museums are also here.
Algiers offers a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of New Orleans, and it's easily accessible from downtown via the local ferry. It's home to the Jazz Walk of Fame, which honors many of the musicians who earned fame in New Orleans.
Lakeview is named for its position on Lake Pontchartrain, and it offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle. One of the oldest urban parks in the country is located in Lakeview; City Park has bike paths, fishing lagoons and even an amusement park.
Schools in New Orleans
The New Orleans Public Schools district, which is unique in its large number of independent public charter schools, serves the city's public schools.
If you're interested in post-secondary education, New Orleans has several large colleges and universities. Tulane University is among the largest and is one of the nation's most well-respected research universities.
Resources for Moving to New Orleans
Here are a few helpful resources that can help make your move to New Orleans as easy as possible:
Utilities: The main electricity provider in New Orleans is Energy New Orleans, and the city manages water and sewer services.
Garbage and Recycling: The city provides bi-weekly collection of trash and recyclables, with certain neighborhoods eligible for more frequent collection.
Transportation: Public transit in New Orleans is available via bus and streetcar, and it's one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the nation.
New Orleans Housing
New Orleans has a lower cost of living than the national average, making it an affordable place for families, young professionals and retirees alike. There are a wide range of housing options available, ranging from multi-family communities to large single-family homes, so you'll be able to find something that fits your needs and budget.