New Orleans, Louisiana
Population: 484,674
Located in Orleans Parish
For years, media have created an image of New Orleans that has much to do with the French Quarter, but little to do with the magnificent neighborhoods that make up the rest of the city. This is not surprising, since the French Quarter is one of the most unique spots in the world. The narrow streets and rows of two- and three-story French and Spanish-inspired structures look almost like a movie set. Just outside the Quarter is the Faubourg Marigny, a place where urban living and small town charm are blended. At first glance, visitors are shocked to see narrow Creole cottages butting right up against one another, and almost directly bordered by the street. While some streets are quiet, residential oases, others, like Frenchman Street are alive and vibrating with clubs and cafes and the true beat of a city that never sleeps. Nearby is beautiful Washington Square, bordered by magnificent architecture and centuries-old oak trees. Marigny was created from huge plantations owned by French and Spanish rulers. Although developed in the 1700's as an industrial area, its closest neighbor, the Bywater area came into being as early immigrants from Ireland, Germany and Italy, particularly the artisan class, settled into a mix of Creole cottages and Victorian shotguns, many that are still standing. Just up from the Quarter is the CBD, a lively, bustling 21st century commerce center that just can't help but tip its hat to the hundreds of years of history that went into its creation. Impressive contemporary glass skyscrapers share the same blocks with historic three-story architecturally-stunning buildings of stone and brick. A trip uptown reveals the Warehouse Arts District, once a collection of dismal, run-down buildings waiting for the wrecking ball. But New Orleans found new life for these structures, as condominium buildings, restaurants, retail shops, art galleries, museums, hotels and small businesses. Today, a significant portion of the local population calls the Warehouse District home. Many of them dine at Emeril's, the flagship restaurant of nationally-known New Orleans chef, Emeril Lagasse. Further uptown is the historic Garden District, where on one of the mansion lined streets is the home of renowned author Anne Rice. The Garden District owes its existence to a plantation. In the 1820's the Livaudais Plantation was subdivided and ultimately evolved into New Orleans' fashionable Garden District, featuring magnificent houses and lush, tropical gardens. It was also recently named one of the hippest places to live in the United States. In the midst of the gracious uptown architecture sits the university area, including Tulane University and Loyola University. The magnificent Audubon Park and Zoo is just across from Tulane. The park is a great place to roller blade, jog, walk, play golf or tennis, or just relax. Many of the homes in the Uptown area are 100 years old or more, have high ceilings, hardwood floors, and abundant old world charm. The great Mississippi river curves gently around one side of the city in a crescent shape, thus giving New Orleans the nickname, "Crescent City." The river is such a presence in the city that when local citizens give directions, destinations are categorized as "towards the river" or "towards the lake." This area offers contemporary brick ranch style homes near Lake Ponchartrain. The older area of Lakeview has smaller older homes, but not as old as Uptown, the Garden District or Mid City. The lakefront is approximately a 15 minute commute from the CBD (Central Business District). University of New Orleans is located in the lakefront area, as well as many good public schools.
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