About the Program

Living in New Orleans

Photo taken by Devin Meyers, 2008 Fellow, of Fotos for Humanity

Although New Orleans endured one of the worst natural disasters in our nation’s history when Katrina struck the city in August 2005, signs of resiliency, renewal and rejuvenation are everywhere. New Orleans’ famed historic neighborhoods are flourishing, and the city is teeming with creativity, innovation and charm. New Orleans is a fabulous place to call home, offering the energy of a big city with the intimacy of a small town.

New Orleans is an incredibly dynamic city known for its pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, cultural diversity, vibrant music scene, world-renowned restaurants, streetcars and paddle boats, awe-inspiring architecture and an unparalleled sense of community. New Orleans is home to dozens of award-winning restaurants and some of the country’s best chefs, as well as countless live music venues. New Orleans is also one of the top art destinations in the country, boasting hundreds of galleries, museums and historic homes. The Superdome, a distinctive part of the New Orleans skyline for decades, is home to the New Orleans Saints, while the recently built New Orleans Arena is home to the New Orleans Hornets. The city’s often pleasant weather lends itself to outdoor activities, and New Orleans offers several parks in which to run, bike and relax. 

New Orleans wouldn’t be New Orleans without its many festivals and celebrations. Mardi Gras always falls the day before Ash Wednesday, and the city devotes a few weeks to celebrating Carnival season with parades, costumes, crawfish boils and king cakes. The annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, or Jazz Fest, occurs each spring and features internationally renowned musicians, as well as local artists. Musicians showcase all genres of music at Jazz Fest: jazz, gospel, Cajun, zydeco, blues, R&B, rock, funk, African, Latin, Caribbean, folk and much, much more.  

New Orleans residents are notorious for their hospitality, and we invite you to come experience the city’s rich heritage for yourself. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

City of New Orleans Resources

• Official Visitors Guide: Official Visitors Guide

• Newspaper: The Times Picayune

• Tourism: New Orleans Online and New Orleans CVB

• Housing: New Orleans Craigslist

• Public Transportation: NORTA

• New Orleans Data: Greater New Orleans Community Data Center