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New Orleans: A City of Rich History and LGBTQ Diversity

New Orleans is a colorful city full of history and French influence. It’s not just home to Mardi Gras but a region with rich culture, diverse people, and excellent entertainment.  

A Brief History of New Orleans

The real name of New Orleans is La Nouvelle-Orléans and it was founded in the spring of 1718. Following France’s defeat by Great Britain in the Seven Year’s War, it was ceded to the Spanish Empire in the Treaty of Paris.

As a French Colony, the city struggled with Native American influence and also has a history of slavery. The economic zenith occurred in the antebellum period. Today, New Orleans is a post-industrial thriving city with arts and culture like no other.

Quick Stats on New Orleans

  • New Orleans was the first city to host the opera in 1796.
  • It’s named after French ruler Orléans.
  • The Superdome is the largest enclosed stadium in the world.
  • It’s one of the most historical cities in the United States.
  • The submarine sandwich is known as "po'boy.

Here are some more fun facts about New Orleans.

The LGBTQ New Orleans Community

LGBT Community Center of New Orleans

Their mission and vision is to combat prejudice for every shape and type of person in the city. The center supports community-driven projects and organizations in the greater New Orleans area. The goal is to empower gender and sexual minorities and ensure everyone is equitable.

Gulf South LGBT Chamber

The chamber is a group of LGBT and ally businesses, leaders, and corporate partners that work together to advocate for the community and support business development.

New Orleans Weather Year Round

The climate in New Orleans is humid and subtropical. Winters are short and mild, while summers can be hot and sticky. The average precipitation is 62.5 inches annually with summer months being the wettest and October being the driest.  

Key LGBTQ Events in the City

New Orleans Pride – June

New Orleans is voted the second most welcoming city in the country so you can be sure Pride is full of all kinds of people. The city is the number one festival destination for LGBTQ travelers and Pride promises to always be a memorable time.

The Best New Orleans Neighborhoods Money Can Buy

Anywhere you go in New Orleans is welcoming to the LGBTQ community. After all, this is home to Mardi Gras, one of the biggest parties in the country. It’s a vibrant, French-inspired culture that has a lot to offer. If you want to start with a few of the more common gayborhoods, consider these:

Mid-City

This is one of NOLA’s most accessible and central neighborhoods. The vibe in the area is hip and young with streetcar lines intersecting from both uptown and downtown. There is a large Vietnamese population with excellent Asian-inspired cuisine.

The median list price for homes in Mid-City is $395,000 and the average price per square foot is $202. The neighborhood currently has 51 active listings with an average of 85 days on the market.

Mid-City is also home to the city’s largest park, City Park. That’s where the New Orleans Museum of Art is located. The Drifter Hotel is also in the area, which has one of the best LGBTQ pool parties around.

Uptown

This is a bustling neighborhood that has families and college students alike. It’s a charming area that’s overflowing with shopping, restaurants, music, and all kinds of entertainment. Uptown has a laidback vibe with impromptu front porch gatherings and a real sense of community.

The median list price for homes in Uptown is $399,500 and the average price per square foot is $218. The neighborhood currently has 432 active listings with an average of 82 days on the market.

This part of town is perfect for a casual stroll or bike ride. It’s lined with classic Victorian homes that come in a rainbow of colors. Property has elegant gardens with large verandas that beckon you for sweet tea. This area is also home to Audubon Park, which has lush manicured grounds and paved bike paths.

The French Quarter (Vieux Carre)

This is the neighborhood everyone has heard of and easily the most well-known. From the gorgeous balconies to the secret gardens, it has a historic appeal like nothing else in the city. The French Quarter is teeming with LGBTQ culture, from gay bars to cafes.

The median list price for homes in the French Quarter is $499,000 and the average price per square foot is $475. The neighborhood currently has 122 active listings with an average of 118 days on the market.

Whether you’re wig shopping or enjoying an early evening cocktail, the French Quarter is the liveliest place to live in New Orleans.

The Marigny

Located right outside of the French Quarter, the Marigny is a tad quieter. The stylish and charming neighborhood has a revival of old and decadent homes with a culture of people that march to their own beat.

The median list price for homes in Uptown is $499,900 and the average price per square foot is $321. The neighborhood currently has 39 active listings with an average of 59 days on the market.

The Marigny is also home to Crescent Park, which has local vegetation and a fantastic view of the New Orleans skyline.

Honorable Mentions

  • The Bywater
  • Downtown/Warehouse District
  • Irish Channel
  • Central City

Ready to look at some "for sale" homes in New Orleans? Connect with a top New Orleans Gay Realtor today!

Check out This Nightlife

Vessel

A hip cocktail lounge that is actually located in a repurposed church. They specifically serve drinks made from local ingredients.

The 700 Club

Located in the French Quarter, the 700 Club has the perfect mix of a diverse crowd. It’s never dead but never so busy you can’t get a drink.

Phoenix Bar

The best leather bar in New Orleans, the Phoenix Bar has some of the best cocktails and most welcoming staff in the city.

New Orleans is a city of rich history and unparalleled diversity. The architecture is beautiful, the people are welcoming, and any LGBTQ transplant is sure to know they made a great choice!

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