Choosing a neighborhood in New Orleans means balancing school quality, safety, price, and lifestyle — and the data rarely lives in one place. This guide pulls it all together: 15 New Orleans neighborhoods ranked side-by-side by school rating and crime grade, so you can filter by what matters most to you.
The average school rating across New Orleans neighborhoods is 6.1/10. The top-rated neighborhood is Garden District (9/10), and the safest is Garden District (crime grade: A-).
Elite Tier — School Rating 9–10
These New Orleans neighborhoods have the highest school ratings in the metro — ideal for families where school quality is the top priority.
Garden District is one of New Orleans's most prestigious addresses — top-rated schools, manicured streets, and homes that hold their value.
Uptown is one of New Orleans's most prestigious addresses — top-rated schools, manicured streets, and homes that hold their value.
Strong Tier — School Rating 8
School rating 8/10 neighborhoods offer excellent education at a more accessible price point than the elite tier.
Metairie is a family magnet in New Orleans — excellent schools, safe streets, and the kind of neighborhood where kids ride bikes until dark.
Lakeview is a family magnet in New Orleans — excellent schools, safe streets, and the kind of neighborhood where kids ride bikes until dark.
Best Value — Strong Schools Under $450,000
These New Orleans neighborhoods combine a school rating of 7 or higher with a median home price under $450,000 — the sweet spot for value-focused families.
Lakeview is a family magnet in New Orleans — excellent schools, safe streets, and the kind of neighborhood where kids ride bikes until dark.
Metairie is a family magnet in New Orleans — excellent schools, safe streets, and the kind of neighborhood where kids ride bikes until dark.
Marigny / Bywater draws young professionals and creatives to New Orleans with indie coffee shops, murals, and a vibrant nightlife scene.
Gentilly offers solid schools and safe streets at a price point that still makes sense for growing families in New Orleans.
Full New Orleans Neighborhood Rankings
All 15 neighborhoods sorted by school rating (highest first), then crime grade, then median price. Use this table to quickly compare any area side-by-side.
| Neighborhood | School Rating | Crime Grade | Median Price | Walk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uptown | 9/10 | A- | $450k | 48/100 |
| Garden District | 9/10 | A- | $510k | 48/100 |
| Metairie | 8/10 | B+ | $330k | 38/100 |
| Lakeview | 8/10 | B+ | $390k | 38/100 |
| Marigny / Bywater | 7/10 | B+ | $300k | 78/100 |
| Lower Garden District | 7/10 | B+ | $482k | 79/100 |
| Gentilly | 7/10 | B | $210k | 35/100 |
| Mid-City | 6/10 | B- | $255k | 55/100 |
| Marigny | 5/10 | B | $480k | 82/100 |
| Warehouse District | 5/10 | B- | $420k | 78/100 |
| Algiers | 5/10 | C+ | $195k | 30/100 |
| Bywater | 4/10 | B- | $410k | 75/100 |
| French Quarter | 4/10 | C+ | $525k | 94/100 |
| Treme / Seventh Ward | 4/10 | C | $320k | 68/100 |
| Tremé | 3/10 | C- | $280k | 72/100 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which New Orleans neighborhood has the best schools?
Garden District has the highest school rating in the New Orleans metro at 9/10, with a median home price of $510k. For buyers under $450k, Lakeview offers a 8/10 school rating at $390k.
What is the safest neighborhood in New Orleans?
Garden District earns the top crime grade in New Orleans (A-), with a median home price of $510k.
Which New Orleans neighborhood has the best schools and lowest crime?
For the best combination of schools and safety, Garden District (9/10 schools, A- crime, $510k median) ranks at the top. For value buyers, Lakeview offers 8/10 schools at $390k.
What are the worst neighborhoods in New Orleans for crime?
Neighborhoods with lower crime grades in New Orleans include Tremé (C-), Treme / Seventh Ward (C). These areas tend to have more affordable home prices as a trade-off.
What New Orleans neighborhoods have good schools under $450,000?
For buyers with a budget under $450,000, the best school ratings in New Orleans belong to Lakeview (8/10 schools, $390k), Metairie (8/10 schools, $330k), Marigny / Bywater (7/10 schools, $300k).
How does NeighborSeek rank New Orleans neighborhoods?
NeighborSeek ranks New Orleans neighborhoods using a composite score that weighs school rating (1–10 scale) and crime grade (A+ to F scale based on reported crime statistics). The table on this page sorts by school rating first, then crime grade, then median home price.
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