Is New Orleans as interesting 'for living' outside of the French Quarter?

[annie_himself]

Originally Posted by rcp11889

I think the difference is that the French Quarter is still a viable part of the fabric of the city. Just look at the numerous local establishments that are still frequented by locals (old-line creole restaurants, bars, etc.) Just because the neighborhood is full of tourists, I would hardly call it Disney. It is definitely an entertainment district but it is one that locals and tourists use. We just don't go to Bourbon, but the FQ is WAY more than Bourbon Street and hand grenades.

Good post. Another issue is that when people think French Quarter, Bourbon St instantly comes to mind for many people.

[WhoDatInMD]

Originally Posted by Neworleansisprettygood

I'm a native and wouldn't want to live in the Quarter. The stress of maintaining a "bohemian" lifestyle and still being able to afford rent would be too much for me. And I like having a car.

Same here. Growing up, I never really saw the appeal for living in the FQ. It's too congested for my tastes. And to the OP, the vibe is definitely different outside the FQ. For places like NO east and the west bank, they're not very walkable, and there aren't many restaurants, bars, clubs, shopping within close proximity of each other, even before Katrina. Definitely more suburban

[5Lakes]

From an outsiders perspective I liked how the French Quarter maintained the local flavor considering how many tourist are there at all hours. Not many places can pull this off. It's like you can find hole-in-the-wall restaurants and dive bars filled with locals right around the corner from the tourist trap type places.

To answer Tiger Beer's question: Yes, I think there is a certain vibe throughout the city (just not as chaotic). Also, New Orleans is very walkable within the historic neighborhoods. It's one of the more pleasant cities in the US to walk around.

[rcp11889]

Originally Posted by WhoDatInMD

Same here. Growing up, I never really saw the appeal for living in the FQ. It's too congested for my tastes. And to the OP, the vibe is definitely different outside the FQ. For places like NO east and the west bank, they're not very walkable, and there aren't many restaurants, bars, clubs, shopping within close proximity of each other, even before Katrina. Definitely more suburban

Right, but NO East and Algiers are not the only neighborhoods outside the FQ. Around 200,000 people live in the older, walkable urban neighborhoods built from the 1800s-1940. Not to mention, of course, Lakeview and Gentilly. NO East and Algiers really don't make up a huge portion of the rest of the city.