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New Orleans, LA · The Big Easy

Moving to or from New Orleans?

Jazz was born here. Creole and Cajun cuisine live here. The French Quarter's cobblestones have been hosting Mardi Gras for 300 years. Hurricane Katrina remade the city, and New Orleans came back tougher and stranger than before.

  • 365,000 City population
  • 1,270,000 Metro area
  • 1718 Founded
  • Southeast Louisiana (Mississippi River Delta) Region
What New Orleans Is Known For

Why people move to New Orleans.

  • Birthplace of jazz — Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, Fats Domino all came from NOLA
  • Mardi Gras — 2+ weeks of parades and celebrations ending on Fat Tuesday
  • The French Quarter — the oldest continually-inhabited neighborhood in the US
  • Creole and Cajun cuisine — gumbo, jambalaya, po-boys, crawfish étouffée
  • Below-sea-level geography and pumping-station dependence
  • Hurricane Katrina (2005) — a defining tragedy that reshaped the city
Fun Fact

Much of New Orleans sits below sea level — in some neighborhoods like Lakeview and Gentilly, ground level is 6-12 feet below the Mississippi River on the other side of the levees. Gravity doesn't drain New Orleans; an intricate network of pumps moves rainwater out of the city 24/7. A single pump failure can flood thousands of homes in hours.

Neighborhoods

Where people live in New Orleans.

A quick guide to New Orleans's most moved-to neighborhoods.

  • French Quarter

    The historic 8-block-by-6-block district. Narrow cobblestone streets, strict preservation rules, and limited truck access.

  • Garden District

    Antebellum mansions along St. Charles Avenue with the streetcar running through.

  • Marigny / Bywater

    Historic neighborhoods east of the French Quarter with Creole cottages and music clubs on Frenchmen Street.

  • Uptown / University

    Residential neighborhoods near Tulane and Loyola with historic Victorian homes.

  • Mid-City / Bayou St. John

    Family-oriented area with City Park and streetcar access.

  • Lakeview

    Rebuilt after Katrina; new construction on lots that flooded catastrophically in 2005.

Things To Do

Where people spend their time in New Orleans.

  • French Quarter Downtown
  • National WWII Museum Warehouse District
  • Garden District Uptown
  • Jackson Square & St. Louis Cathedral French Quarter
  • Audubon Zoo & Park Uptown
  • Frenchmen Street (jazz clubs) Marigny
What To Know

Planning a New Orleans move.

  • Hurricane season (June–November, peak August–October) is a genuine risk. Katrina displaced hundreds of thousands permanently. Confirm severe-weather rescheduling clauses for late-summer moves.
  • The French Quarter has narrow cobblestone streets and strict historic-preservation rules. Most movers use smaller box trucks or shuttle service; full-size trucks often can't access.
  • Mardi Gras (2 weeks ending on Fat Tuesday, generally February) shuts down major streets. Plan moves around parade routes and dates.
  • Flood-zone status matters enormously — check FEMA maps and elevation certificates before closing. Some neighborhoods require flood insurance exceeding $3,000/year.
Common Questions

Moving in New Orleans: FAQ.

How much does it cost to move within New Orleans?

Local moves run $800–$2,800 for 1–2 bedroom and $2,700–$6,500 for 3–4 bedroom. French Quarter moves carry 15–25% premiums for shuttle-truck requirements.

How serious is hurricane season in NOLA?

Katrina-serious. August through October is peak. The city has invested billions in levee upgrades since 2005, but below-sea-level neighborhoods remain vulnerable. Flexibility on move dates in September is essential.

Do New Orleans movers need a state license?

Yes. Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) licensing is required.

Should I avoid Mardi Gras?

Yes, unless you're here for Mardi Gras. The 2 weeks before Fat Tuesday bring major parade closures, hotel price spikes, and mover unavailability.

Move Guides

City-to-city moves involving New Orleans.

Detailed guides for every common move to or from New Orleans, with vetted movers and what to expect on arrival.

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