“The Big Easy”, “Crescent City”, “The Birthplace of Jazz”...no matter what famous nickname you know it by, New Orleans is a sight to behold, full of rich history and culture. From partying on Bourbon Street to biting into beignets in Uptown, New Orleans is an exciting place to move to.
If you plan to move to NOLA, we’ve got you covered; discover everything you need to know about New Orleans! Before you transition to life in Louisiana, dive into our essential guide for moving to New Orleans.
Looking for a place to keep your belongings during your transition? Stop by Safeguard Self Storage on Erato Street.
The History of New Orleans
Prior to the 18th century, the indigenous group known as the Chitimacha lived on the land now known as New Orleans. In 1718, the French explorer Bienville founded the settlement of “Nouvelle-Orléans,” named after Prince Regent of France Prince Philip II, Duke of New Orleans.
In the centuries following its settlement, New Orleans has tied various cultures into the fabric of the city, including French, African, and American. One of its most iconic cultural contributions is Mardi Gras. Inspired by the French holiday of “Boeuf Gras,” Mardi Gras has become the biggest Carnival celebration held in the United States each year.
In addition to Mardi Gras, New Orleans birthed one of the most iconic music genres in history: jazz. Dubbed the “the first man of jazz,” Buddy Bolden, an African-American bandleader, was the first pioneer of the swinging, lively music style that we know today.
Living in New Orleans
From humble beginnings now exists a city teeming with music, culture, and fun: New Orleans! Life in the Big Easy is truly unique, especially if you’re a transplant from the North. Unlike its more northern neighbors, for example, New Orleans has a warm, humid climate throughout the year—no snow to worry about!
Speaking of snow, however, you may also find yourself learning a few new phrases when you move to town. A “snowball” in New Orleans isn’t a snowball at all; it’s shaved ice!
Outside of adjusting to a new climate or culture, however, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with several details about your new home. If you have kids to put in school, you’re opening a small business, or you’re still trying to decide which neighborhood is right for you, learn more below.
Cost of Living in New Orleans
Floating at around 96, New Orleans’ overall cost of living is slightly more affordable than the national average of 100. Other costs of living factors to consider are:
- Groceries: 99.2
- Health: 85.2
- Housing: 77.2
- Utilities: 87.3
- Transportation: 132.5
As you can probably guess, transportation is the most expensive aspect of living in New Orleans. When choosing a place to live, consider the distance from your home to your place of work. While walking distance isn’t always an option, keeping your commute shorter can help you save money on gas or fare for public transit.
Best NOLA Neighborhoods
We can’t talk about the best neighborhoods in New Orleans without mentioning the French Quarter! Known for its unbeatable bars, music venues, and stellar dining, the French Quarter is the pinnacle of NOLA culture. Enjoy a cup of café au lait at Café du Monde or celebrate your move on Bourbon Street!
Head a little farther south into town, and you’ll find the charming neighborhood of the Garden District. From historical homes and beautiful gardens to cafés and restaurants along Magazine Street, the Garden District is perfect for young professionals, retirees, and everyone in between. Other excellent neighborhoods in New Orleans include:
New Orleans Education
New Orleans’ public school district is NOLA Public Schools. The school district offers both early childhood development programs and K-12 education. If you’re moving to New Orleans with kids, reach out to NOLA-PS prior to your move! The district operates several family resource centers designed to assist families enrolling in New Orleans.
NOLA’s Major Industries
Just like its culture, New Orleans’ economy is diverse; as a city nestled between the Mississippi River and Chandeleur Sound, New Orleans is home to one of the world’s largest ports for international trade. Other major business industries in New Orleans include energy, manufacturing, healthcare, and of course, tourism.
Things to Do in New Orleans
You’ll never worry about a shortage of things to do in New Orleans. One of the biggest activities is obviously Mardi Gras, which occurs 47 days before Easter each year. Any other time of year, you can jump into the celebrations at a festival, explore iconic landmarks, or discover the city after dark on Bourbon Street. Other must-visit attractions in New Orleans include:
- Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
- The National WWII Museum
- Mardi Gras World
- Buckner Mansion
- The McKenna Museum of African-American Art
- Southern Food and Beverage Museum & Museum of the American Cocktail
Prep for Your New Orleans Move with Self Storage
Now that you have a better understanding of the city itself, learn how to prepare for your move to New Orleans with self storage. If you’re in temporary housing until you find the right home, or you’re moving all your belongings on short notice, self storage creates the additional space you need during a move.
At Safeguard Self Storage, we offer a wide range of self storage unit sizes and features on a month-to-month basis. Rent a 5x5 unit to store those winter clothes (just in case!) or grab a 10x20 unit to keep all your belongings.
Move to the Big Easy with Safeguard Self Storage
New Orleans is ready to welcome you home—and Safeguard Self Storage can help make your move to the Big Easy easier! We offer air-conditioned, heated, and humidity-controlled units and facility access seven days a week. Need more boxes or packing tape? No problem. We also have boxes and supplies available for purchase on-site. Other features and amenities at our Erato Street self storage facility include:
- Drive-in loading area
- Bluetooth security access
- Individual door alarms
- Delivery acceptance
- Digital video recording
Create more space in New Orleans with Safeguard Self Storage. Explore our space estimator to choose the right unit, or rent from our facility on Erato Street today