Accommodation in New Orleans

The New Orleans property market is fairly robust and competitive. As tourism is such a big business in the city, investing in rental properties makes good business sense as they can be used by holidaymakers as well as longer-term New Orleans residents.

The majority of new arrivals to the city opt to rent property rather than buy, at least initially. Only once they’ve found their feet, become familiar with the various neighbourhoods and are ready to lay down roots in New Orleans do residents really start to explore the option of purchasing a home in the city.

Areas and suburbs in New Orleans

New Orleans has a wide variety of neighbourhoods for new arrivals to choose from. From the vibrant French Quarter to the leafy Garden District, there’s something for everyone.

When looking for a new place to call home, families will most likely want to opt for a neighbourhood close to the school they intend to send their children to. Almost all public schools in New Orleans are charter schools, meaning attendance is determined according to a lottery rather than by zoning. Still, living in the same area as your child’s school makes it easier to integrate with the local community and find friends in the neighbourhood.

Some of the best neighbourhoods for families in New Orleans include Lake View, Audubon and Algiers Point.

Young professionals or university students, on the other hand, might be looking for a more lively area with easy access to restaurants, cafés and nightlife. Bywater and Berigny fit the bill and have an artsy, bohemian feel. Uptown is also well worth considering.

To learn more, read our page on Areas and Suburbs in New Orleans .

Types of accommodation in New Orleans

Anyone considering a move to New Orleans will be sure to find a wide variety of property options in the city. Architectural styles here are beautiful and unique, and properties are full of character. Here are a few of the most common types of property found in New Orleans.

Apartments and condos

Apartments and condos are self-contained units within a larger building or complex and can be found scattered around various parts of New Orleans. These tend to be pretty modern, with all the essential facilities available.

Living in an apartment or condo is a great option for new arrivals as there is a sense of communal living. Residents share various amenities, including communal fitness centres, swimming pools, gyms, gardens and laundry facilities.

Townhouses

Townhouses are two- to four-storey buildings which tend to feature arched openings and iron balconies. They have steep side-gabled roofs made of brick or stucco. In New Orleans, townhouses are either built in the standard American style or a Creole style, which can be found mainly in the French Quarter.

Creole cottages

These humble single-storey, ground-level properties with steeply pitched roofs and stucco or wood exteriors tend to be unique to the French Quarter of New Orleans. These properties are perfect for young couples looking to get their foot on the property ladder, as well as small families.

Shotgun houses

Shotgun-style houses are those most commonly seen all over New Orleans. They are usually one-storey properties, but many have a second floor at the rear of the building. Shotgun houses are very narrow structures built on brick piers with distinctive front porches covered by a roof that is supported by Victorian-era columns.

Finding accommodation in New Orleans

Generally, the best place to begin the search for a new home in New Orleans will be online. Consulting reputable property portals is a great way for prospective residents to get a feel for the different types of property available in each neighbourhood and how much to budget.

Real estate agents with knowledge of New Orleans are often another fantastic source and can assist new arrivals in familiarising themselves with different parts of the city.

Factors to consider when looking for a home include its proximity to places of work, amenities, shopping hubs and access to major roads. Lifestyle considerations will also come into play. Those moving to New Orleans with children should also consider the proximity to good public schools and space requirements when searching for a home.

Useful links

• Zillow
• Trulia
• Apartments.com

Renting accommodation in New Orleans

Despite New Orleans’ increased popularity as a destination for expats and transplants from other parts of the USA, supply has managed to keep pace with demand in terms of housing stock. For this reason, new arrivals shouldn’t struggle to find a suitable home in the Crescent City.

Making an application

Once potential tenants have found a property to their liking, they’ll need to express their interest either to the agent or the landlord directly. Subsequently, credit and reference checks will be carried out. Once these have come back clear, the tenant and landlord can go ahead and sign the lease.

For those moving to New Orleans from outside the USA, having a US bank account and a social security number set up before applying for rental property will certainly make life easier.

Leases

Generally, rental contracts are valid for a year with the option to renew at the end of the initial term. At the discretion of the landlord, it may be possible to request a shorter lease. This can be useful for those who need a short-term rental while they find their feet in the city.

Deposit

Prospective tenants will be required to put down a security deposit to secure a rental contract, usually equivalent to a month’s rent. These deposits are fully refundable once the lease terminates, provided that the property is left in an acceptable state. For this reason, it is essential that tenants and landlords carry out a detailed inventory at both the beginning and end of the rental term, as damages will need to be deducted from the deposit.

Utilities in New Orleans

Before signing any contracts, renters should meticulously study the terms of their lease agreements to determine which utilities (if any) are included in the rental cost.

Standard utilities like water, gas and electricity are sometimes included, especially in short-term leases. Extras, such as cable, telephone and internet, are typically arranged and paid for by the tenant.

Before moving in, find out if water, gas and electricity have been turned off and whether you need to open a new account with utilities providers or if an existing account can be transferred to you.

Electricity and gas

Entergy is the main supplier of electricity and gas in New Orleans. Be aware that utility bills can be high, especially during summer when air-conditioning units become essential in the hot and humid weather.

An automatic billing system is available for Entergy customers, and signing up allows a direct debit to your bank account for your utility usage. Some locals advise against this, as the amount changes monthly, and a high bill can be an unexpected shock. Instead, they advise keeping a close eye on your usage and paying it manually every month. That way, if the bill is unusually high, you can make enquiries before the money is taken out of your bank account.

Water and sewerage

These utilities are managed by the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO). Their website has a useful customer service section, with sections on billing, making payments and frequently asked questions. Customers can also submit any issues or enquiries about the service via the website’s contact form.

Useful links

• Entergy
• SWBNO