5 Top New Orleans Neighborhoods for Young Black Professionals, Black Families & Singles – Louisiana

Whether you refer to it as The Big Easy or Crescent City, New Orleans is a city rich in history, exquisite cuisine, and culture.

It is, therefore, the perfect place for young black professionals, black families, and Black singles.

In the guide below, we identify five of the best suburbs in New Orleans to call home.

3 Best New Orleans Suburbs for Black Families

Let’s start with the best New Orleans neighborhoods for black families. You’ll find next all the details that will help you make a decision.

Norco

If small-town life with big-city amenities is your vibe, Norco might be the best place for you to raise your family. The people here are friendly and welcoming, and residents report their neighborhoods are safe.

Located only a few miles from New Orleans, Norco is a riverside suburb with about 3,074 residents. The median age of Norco residents is around 40 years old, with almost 70 percent of existing households families.

Owning your own house in Norco will cost $171,150 on average while renting will cost about $939 per month. Most individuals who live in Norco are homeowners who earn a household income of $70,485.

Norco has the best public schools in the area, an excellent public library, and a variety of religious establishments.

Arabi

Located just outside the Lower Ninth Ward is the New Orleans suburb of Arabi. It has a population of about 3,635 residents who enjoy great public schools, affordable housing, and a strong sense of community. It is also one of the fastest-growing suburbs in the country, according to a 2018 article by Realtor.com.

Most residents own their home in Arabi, with the average home value equalling $155,600. Rent is very affordable here at only $932 a month. Most folks are working class and bring home a family income of around $57,495.

The homes in Arabi are one of the biggest attracting factors for families looking to make a move to Louisiana. A mix of grand historic homes and quaint cottages with large, welcoming porches, there is something for every style and budget.

The suburb may be only a few miles away from downtown New Orleans, but it has an abundance of wetlands, fishing, and open, natural spaces for residents to enjoy. There is also a diverse business community, a thriving local art scene, and dozens of family-friendly restaurants to choose from.

Chalmette

Just outside of New Orleans is the quiet suburb of Chalmette, home to about 24,022 people.

It is 21.9 percent Black, 60.7 percent White, and 11.2 percent Hispanic or Latino. It is a largely conservative population, with 40 percent of residents identifying as Catholic.

The average household income is $45,402, with construction, healthcare, and education being some of the inst common industries residents work in. The average house price in Chalmette is $161,337, and renters can expect to spend around $960 a month.

There are several highly-rated public and private elementary and middle schools for kids, and one public high school. College-age students are no more than 10 miles away from Xavier University, Tulane University, and the University of New Orleans, so when it comes time to choose, they’ll have their pick of excellent schools.

The area is known for its quality fresh and saltwater fishing, as well as a variety of Mom and Pop stores, and an Annual Louisiana Crawfish Festival where residents enjoy live music, carnival rides, arts and crafts booths, and an abundance of fresh crawfish.

2 Best New Orleans Suburbs for Black Singles & Young Professionals

New Orleans is a unique town that attracts people from all walks of life. There are also several great suburbs for Black singles and young professionals to choose from.

Elmwood

The top suburb for young professionals and singles is Elmwood. With only 5,698 residents, this quaint little town is perfect for singles and young professionals who are looking for an urban feel with plenty of nightlife.

The majority of residents rent and spend about $1,181 per month. The median household income is around $60,000 a year, which is higher than many places in the area. There is also a higher concentration of residents with Master’s degrees living in Elmwood.

The area is 51.6 percent White and 28.4 percent Black. The average age is around 32 years old.

Because of its relatively small size, Elmwood can be navigated on foot fairly easily. Most people drive their cars to get to and from work. It also has a slightly lower cost of living compared to the rest of the United States.

The restaurant and nightlife scene is top-notch for those who don’t want to venture into the city. Residents can visit the AMC movie theatre for a cocktail and catch the latest blockbusters or sample southern comfort food with a french twist at La Madeleine Country French Cafe. There are also a variety of chain restaurants and stores to visit.

Gretna

Located on the west bank of the Mississippi River and across the river from New Orleans, Gretna is one of the best suburbs for Black young professionals and singles. It is a smaller community, with only 17,774 residents.

The suburb is currently 36 percent Black, 44.2 percent White, and 16.4 percent Hispanic or Latino.

Fifty percent of the suburb’s residents are renters who pay $719 a month. If you are looking to buy a home in Gretna, you can expect to pay around $235,198.

It is a safe place to live as well. The crime rate in Gretna is much lower than in New Orleans proper overall. 

Every Saturday morning, residents can stroll through the booths at the Gretna Farmers Market and sample fresh produce or homemade arts and crafts. There are many league sports and sports facilities to take advantage of, as well as the annual Gretna Heritage Festival which features food and drink booths, arts and crafts, and a classic car show.

There are also plenty of places to get a good meal in Gretna, including the historic Cafe 615 or the bakery and Cafe Amore.

Is New Orleans Safe?

New Orleans is a big metropolitan area, which means crime isn’t unheard of here. In the past several years, violent crime and property crime have risen significantly.

62.2 percent of crimes committed in New Orleans are thefts, with auto assaults making up 11.6 percent and burglaries equalling about 8.4 percent.

There is a strong police presence in New Orleans to account for the higher crime rate, with 2.93 officers per 1000 residents.

What is New Orleans’ Demographic?

The city of New Orleans is over 59.5 percent Black, many of them being African American, followed by 33 percent White and 5.5 percent Hispanic or Latino.

Of the 390,114 residents, there are 52.8 percent females and 47.2 percent males. It is a younger city, with the average age being 38 years old.

The Best New Orleans Neighborhoods

Everyone is familiar with popular neighborhoods like the French Quarter, but there are many other neighborhoods that make excellent long-term homes.

Marigny

If you’re looking for an exciting place where jazz, nightlife, colorful houses, and charming history meet, look no further than Marigny.

Located between the French Quarter and the Bywater, this neighborhood in New Orleans is home to roughly 3,097 people, 19.3 percent of which are 18–34 years old. Around 12 percent of the population is Black, with approximately 51 percent of workers who live in the neighborhood bring home more than $3,333 a month.

It is a welcoming neighborhood that boasts creative thinkers, artisans, and musicians, as well as young professionals and singles who want to be in the middle of all the action.

Housing options range from historical Creole cottages and shotgun homes to stately mansions. Many of these homes are brightly colored to reflect the city’s Caribbean influence and add a touch of whimsy to the area.

Residents are just minutes away from the best restaurants and jazz clubs in the city. For example, there is Paladar 511, a restaurant that serves pizza and pasta for brunch and dinner, or The Elysian Bar located inside Hotel Peter and Paul.

This neighborhood is also home to Frenchmen Street, a bustling, twinkle-lit thoroughfare with dozens of art stalls, live music performances, and more. Burlesque shows and cabaret can be found at the AllWays Lounge, also located in Marigny.

The Warehouse District / New Orleans Art District

Originally the industrial center of New Orleans, the Warehouse District, also known as the New Orleans Art District or the Lower Garden District, is a mecca of art, food, and museums perfect for young Black professionals and singles.

The neighborhood is about 40 percent 18–34-year-olds, 20 percent 35–49-year-olds, and 20.9 percent 50–64-year-olds. Eighty-two percent of these residents make their living on a wage or salary.

The majority of people rent their homes here, with the average rent hovering around $1,406 per month. This is significantly higher than the average New Orleans rent of around $1,057, so keep that in mind. The average household income is $101,714.

The restaurant scene is excellent, with options like Desi Vega’s Steakhouse, Meril, or Peche Seafood Grill. There are also a variety of places to spend a raucous night out, including Bakery Bar or Restaurant Rebirth. This neighborhood is also known for its famous music and club scene at establishments like Republic.

Residents with a penchant for art can enjoy the Contemporary Arts Center or the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. And, of course, congregate with friends or have a romantic night out on the town at the pedestrian-only Fulton Street Square, which is full of charming music clubs, chic restaurants, and city-planned events.

Everything about The Warehouse District is full of life, culture, and must-see entertainment.

Top New Orleans Neighborhoods for Black People, Conclusion

New Orleans and its surrounding suburbs are vibrant places to live. Despite the higher crime rate, the houses are affordable, and the schools are highly rated. There are hundreds of superb dining and nightlife establishments to sample as well.

All in all, we recommend considering New Orleans to find your next home.