From Campus to Cajun Cuisine: Finding Your Perfect Student Apartment in New Orleans

Congratulations on getting into college! The next four years are going to be pretty exciting. If you got into a college in The Big Easy, just remember that it isn't always Mardi Gras. Not to say you can't laissez les bon temps rouler all year! Odds are, you're not just starting a new school but moving to a new neighborhood. What's more, you're moving out on your own for the first time. Welcome to adulthood! As one of my professors once said, "This is university, not you in a nursery!" This means accepting both the privileges and responsibilities of being out on your own. While exciting, it can be a little scary. If you know what you're getting into, it can be a little less scary. Here are a few descriptions of the great universities in New Orleans and the neighborhoods they're in. Wishing you all the best.

Tulane University

Tulane is trying to live down its reputation as a party school and focus a bit more on academics and volunteerism as per their motto non sibi sed suis. But being located near the French Quarter means students can still pass a good time! 

Broadmoor 

BedroomAverage RentCheapest RentHighest Rent
Studio Apartments$1,135$246$1,960
1 Bedroom Apartments$1,673$259$3,114
2 Bedroom Apartments$2,420$687$10,000+
3 Bedroom Apartments$2,130$313$4,920
4 Bedroom Apartments$1,658$335$2,337

Whether you are in the market for a townhouse or a studio apartment, the widely diverse neighborhood of Broadmoor is sure to be your home away from home. It's located in the heart of the city where you can be near all the places you both want and need to go to. 

Uptown 

BedroomAverage RentCheapest RentHighest Rent
Studio Apartments$1,456$600$2,500
1 Bedroom Apartments$1,767$500$3,114
2 Bedroom Apartments$2,504$687$10,000+
3 Bedroom Apartments$2,370$313$7,569
4 Bedroom Apartments$2,526$335$4,400

This residential area is renowned for spreading oak trees, picturesque houses and, of course, the gorgeous setting of Audubon Park. The apartments in this area are definitely on the classy side. This may mean classy prices, but you get what you pay for. 

Touro 

BedroomAverage RentCheapest RentHighest Rent
Studio Apartments$1,452$1,101$1,863
1 Bedroom Apartments$1,767$1,025$2,619
2 Bedroom Apartments$2,279$1,550$3,794
3 Bedroom Apartments$2,880$1,595$5,256
4 Bedroom Apartments$2,900$2,000$3,800

If you're majoring in the medical field, then Touro is a great place to be with the historic Touro Infirmary. If you'd like to try the world-famous Cajun cuisine, Toro is also the place to be! It's not too far from the Mississippi if a weekend by the riverside sounds good to you. 

Dillard University

Dillard University has a rich history going all the way back to just after the Civil War, when it got its start educating former slaves in New Orleans. Whether you're going into STEM, creative arts or political science, Dillard U will help you be your best! 

Dillard

BedroomAverage RentCheapest RentHighest Rent
Studio Apartments$1,205$800$1,785
1 Bedroom Apartments$1,582$847$2,389
2 Bedroom Apartments$1,806$1,008$2,901
3 Bedroom Apartments$1,877$1,200$2,620
4 Bedroom Apartments$2,225$1,900$2,550

Let's start with the neighborhood DU was named for! You'll find a lot of your neighbors here are attending Dillard as well. You'll also find the place very pedestrian-friendly as well as ethnically diverse. The apartments here are very nice looking. 

Gentilly

BedroomAverage RentCheapest RentHighest Rent
Studio Apartments$800$800$800
1 Bedroom Apartments$1,177$847$1,350
2 Bedroom Apartments$1,542$1,008$1,923
3 Bedroom Apartments$1,741$1,300$1,950
4 Bedroom Apartments$2,550$2,550$2,550

Lake Pontcharain is just to the north if you like to spend your weekend on the water. For the rest of the week, there's a reliable bus service. The recently rebuilt Norman Mayer Branch of the New Orleans Public Library should serve the needs of any student.  

St. Roch

BedroomAverage RentCheapest RentHighest Rent
Studio Apartments$1,097$950$1,292
1 Bedroom Apartments$1,159$847$1,534
2 Bedroom Apartments$1,508$1,008$2,148
3 Bedroom Apartments$1,801$1,200$2,652
4 Bedroom Apartments$2,927$1,900$4,332

Named for the patron saint of bachelors, pilgrims and those who suffer, St. Roch is perfect for university students. Due to the anticipation of Super Bowl LIX, much of the neighborhood has received some much-needed refurbishing.

Fairgrounds

BedroomAverage RentCheapest RentHighest Rent
Studio Apartments$1,276$800$3,000
1 Bedroom Apartments$1,684$847$2,988
2 Bedroom Apartments$2,099$911$4,238
3 Bedroom Apartments$2,073$1,200$4,300
4 Bedroom Apartments$4,348$1,900$10,000+

Fairgrounds is a lovely place to live with arts & crafts cottages, shotguns, townhouses and raised cottages. The streets are narrow, lined with shady palm trees. If you like to play the ponies (or just watch them run), Fair Grounds Race Course is right in the middle of it all. 

Xavier University of Louisiana

Xavier University is a private Catholic university dedicated to leadership, academics and service. Not that it's all work and prayer! They're very proud of their co-ed rowing team and other athletic endeavors. Their state-of-the-art library is the hub of intellectual growth and communication. 

French Quarter

BedroomAverage RentCheapest RentHighest Rent
Studio Apartments$1,004$246$2,216
1 Bedroom Apartments$1,648$259$4,687
2 Bedroom Apartments$2,982$911$10,000+
3 Bedroom Apartments$4,257$2,000$10,000+
4 Bedroom Apartments$6,900$4,332$10,000+

Here it is! The Crown Jewel of New Orleans! This is the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans and is the perfect blend of old and new. Marvel at the famous antique French architecture and take in the vibrant culture of savory Cajun cuisine and vivacious jazz bands. 

CBD

BedroomAverage RentCheapest RentHighest Rent
Studio Apartments$1,056$246$2,216
1 Bedroom Apartments$1,700$259$5,807
2 Bedroom Apartments$2,730$911$10,000+
3 Bedroom Apartments$3,541$1,280$10,000+
4 Bedroom Apartments$5,788$2,000$10,000+

That stands for Central Business District. As the name suggests, this is a bustling sector of the city where you're sure to find a nice bistro to grab a bite or a retail store to get needed supplies. Harrah's Casino is in this area if you want to try your luck on the weekend. 

Tremé

BedroomAverage RentCheapest RentHighest Rent
Studio Apartments$1,316$950$1,960
1 Bedroom Apartments$1,782$900$4,687
2 Bedroom Apartments$2,581$911$8,763
3 Bedroom Apartments$3,098$1,400$10,000+
4 Bedroom Apartments$15,019$10,000$10,000+

Founded by Haitian refugees and free people of color, Tremé is the oldest African American neighborhood in the United States. It's home to many popular restaurants where you can not only get a good meal but soak in the local culture and history. 

Delgado Community College

If you're looking to get your Associates or a stepping stone to a four-year university program, Delgado could be the dynamic experience you're looking for. You can rent a space to live on campus, but if dormitory life isn't for you, try one of these nearby neighborhoods. 

City Park

BedroomAverage RentCheapest RentHighest Rent
Studio Apartments$1,213$775$3,000
1 Bedroom Apartments$1,522$775$2,389
2 Bedroom Apartments$1,842$1,008$2,901
3 Bedroom Apartments$1,949$1,500$2,620
4 Bedroom Apartments$8,282$5,872$10,000+

This neighborhood is named for nearby City Park, home of some of the oldest oak trees in the United States, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park. Whether your idea of a good time is relaxing in nature or spinning around on wild rides, this is the place to be. 

Bayou St. John 

BedroomAverage RentCheapest RentHighest Rent
Studio Apartments$1,096$246$3,000
1 Bedroom Apartments$1,627$259$4,687
2 Bedroom Apartments$2,470$911$10,000+
3 Bedroom Apartments$2,623$1,200$10,000+
4 Bedroom Apartments$4,890$1,370$10,000+

This historical neighborhood is steeped in a rich history reflected by many homes and buildings of antique architectural design and the local museum. As the name suggests, it's right by the bayou, so you can spend your weekends boating, fishing or just picnicking by the waterside. 

Fillmore

BedroomAverage RentCheapest RentHighest Rent
Studio Apartments$1,148$800$1,454
1 Bedroom Apartments$1,332$847$1,900
2 Bedroom Apartments$1,645$1,008$2,137
3 Bedroom Apartments$1,905$1,300$2,500
4 Bedroom Apartments$2,550$2,550$2,550

Fillmore has a sparse suburban feel with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreational activities. Most people who live here are homeowners, but you're sure to find a space for rent if you look. It's pedestrian-friendly, but you'll find it easy to get around in a car as well. 

Loyola University

Loyola Univeristy is a private, co-educational Jesuit with a dedication to educating the whole person. They have a varied array of majors to choose from, whether it be science, business, music, law and much more! The students here are encouraged to live by the ideas of truth, justice, faith and service. 

Central City

BedroomAverage RentCheapest RentHighest Rent
Studio Apartments$1,136$246$2,216
1 Bedroom Apartments$1,686$259$5,807
2 Bedroom Apartments$2,560$687$10,000+
3 Bedroom Apartments$2,908$313$10,000+
4 Bedroom Apartments$3,443$335$10,000+

Here's a neighborhood abundant in history and culture. It is the birthplace of many jazz and rap artists. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once spoke at the First African Baptist Church and a bronze statue of the civil rights leader can be found at the intersection of Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard.

Garden District 

BedroomAverage RentCheapest RentHighest Rent
Studio Apartments$1,452$1,101$1,863
1 Bedroom Apartments$1,687$1,250$2,489
2 Bedroom Apartments$2,143$1,550$2,600

Despite the name, this neighborhood is better known for its Victorian-style houses with gingerbread trim than any sort of flora. Not that you won't find any, but it will be well cultivated. A streetcar can take you where you want to go, and it's home to a very cozy bookshop. 

Milan

BedroomAverage RentCheapest RentHighest Rent
1 Bedroom Apartments$1,337$500$2,050
2 Bedroom Apartments$1,894$687$3,794
3 Bedroom Apartments$2,185$313$5,256
4 Bedroom Apartments$1,171$335$2,324

It may have been named after a fashionable Italian city (though the locals pronounce it my-lan) but it's really a small neighborhood of camelbacks, shotguns, Victorian cottages and a few condos. It's a diverse neighborhood, great for young professionals starting out. 

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center

This university is large enough to necessitate two campuses; one downtown on Bolivar Street and one uptown on State Street. If your passion is caring for the sick or finding a way to stop illness before it happens, here is where you can learn what you need to pursue it. 

Uptown New Orleans

BedroomAverage RentCheapest RentHighest Rent
1 Bedroom Apartments$1,331$995$1,500
2 Bedroom Apartments$2,033$1,800$2,500
3 Bedroom Apartments$2,225$1,950$2,500
4 Bedroom Apartments$3,800$3,800$3,800

This historic and vibrant neighborhood is a great place to live. If you have friends attending Loyola or Tulane, you can meet up in Audubon Park, a picturesque place to enjoy nature without getting too far from the city. Speaking of Audubon....

Audubon

BedroomAverage RentCheapest RentHighest Rent
Studio Apartments$1,800$1,100$2,500
1 Bedroom Apartments$1,236$995$1,500
2 Bedroom Apartments$1,837$1,330$3,000
3 Bedroom Apartments$2,471$1,571$3,300
4 Bedroom Apartments$3,730$2,750$4,400

Named after the nearby Audubon Park (itself named after ornithologist John James Audubon), Audubon is known as the University District due to its proximity to so many great Louisianan universities. If you're going into veterinary medicine, you may want to check out the Audubon Zoo. 

Black Pearl

BedroomAverage RentCheapest RentHighest Rent
Studio Apartments$1,400$600$2,500
1 Bedroom Apartments$1,344$900$1,750
2 Bedroom Apartments$1,864$1,000$3,000
3 Bedroom Apartments$2,106$1,150$3,300
4 Bedroom Apartments$3,441$2,000$4,400

Here's a charming neighborhood with a vibrant community and rich history. Black Pearl lives up to its name, being rare and exquisite. The Seven Three Distilling Company recently released a brand of rum named after the neighborhood if you're partial to cocktails. 

Downtown New Orleans

BedroomAverage RentCheapest RentHighest Rent
Studio Apartments$1,154$246$3,000
1 Bedroom Apartments$1,591$259$5,807
2 Bedroom Apartments$2,255$687$10,000+
3 Bedroom Apartments$2,442$313$10,000+
4 Bedroom Apartments$3,729$335$10,000+

Here's where all the excitement is! From the bustling Canal Street to the famous French quarter, you are sure to find all the amenities you expect in a modern urban area. If you need the quiet study of a library, the Alvar Street Branch is the place to be. 

East Carrollton

BedroomAverage RentCheapest RentHighest Rent
Studio Apartments$1,400$600$2,500
1 Bedroom Apartments$1,383$500$2,159
2 Bedroom Apartments$1,872$687$3,794
3 Bedroom Apartments$2,050$313$5,256
4 Bedroom Apartments$2,429$335$4,400

You'll find the perfect blend of residential and commercial in this lovely neighborhood with its tree-lined streets. You will find East Carrollton to be both historic and modern. Nix Library is sure to help with all your studying needs and Maple Street, well, everything else! 

Southern University at New Orleans 

You will find a great range of undergraduate and graduate programs at Southern University at New Orleans. You'll enjoy the close-knit learning environment with opportunity for one-on-one instruction. SUNO has a history of perseverance that can be passed down to students striving to be their best, to give their best. 

Milneburg

BedroomAverage RentCheapest RentHighest Rent
Studio Apartments$1,148$800$1,454
1 Bedroom Apartments$1,301$847$1,539
2 Bedroom Apartments$1,640$1,008$2,137
3 Bedroom Apartments$1,932$1,300$2,500

This suburban area with its curving streets has become immortalized in jazz, but the real jewel of the area is a 200-year-old lighthouse. It's just a fifteen-minute trip from Downtown New Orleans, but you're sure to find what you're looking for in this eclectic town.

Oak Park

BedroomAverage RentCheapest RentHighest Rent
Studio Apartments$822$775$875
1 Bedroom Apartments$1,009$710$1,305
2 Bedroom Apartments$1,186$925$1,650
3 Bedroom Apartments$1,465$1,030$1,843
4 Bedroom Apartments$1,867$1,835$1,900

Whether you like shopping or spending time outdoors, Oak Park is sure to have something for you. You will find it a diverse neighborhood and pedestrian family. It's quiet and peaceful, but you're sure to find a place with some of the live music New Orleans is famous for. 

Edgelake

BedroomAverage RentCheapest RentHighest Rent
Studio Apartments$1,256$1,126$1,350
1 Bedroom Apartments$849$700$950
2 Bedroom Apartments$1,046$865$1,400
3 Bedroom Apartments$1,278$1,050$1,337

Like the name suggests, Edgelake is located just two blocks from Lake Pontchartrain. If you love catching fish, this is the place to be. If you prefer someone else to catch and cook your fish, there are some popular restaurants nearby. This lakeside neighborhood has something for everyone. 

In Conclusion

So, have you decided where you're going to go? When it comes to great neighborhoods to live in, New Orleans can be quite the embarrassment of riches. Trying to narrow things down to what you want can be a challenge. Do you like to live by the water, or would you prefer something closer to the streetcar line? If you're taking a history class (even if it's not your major, many colleges will insist you take one to be more well-rounded), living in a historical town will help you get more in touch with the subject. If you're majoring in music, you couldn't have picked a better city to live in! Just about all of these neighborhoods have a proud musical tradition. And let's not forget the food! Cajun cuisine is the backbone of Louisiana culture. Whichever New Orleans neighborhood you decide is the best fit for you, we at apartmenthomeliving.com hope you find a place where you can call home and make some fond memories while learning lessons that will last a lifetime.