New Orleans is a vibrant and culturally rich city, famous for its music, food, and festive atmosphere. Yet despite its charm, many people still wonder, āIs New Orleans safe?ā With shifting crime patterns and ongoing improvements across the city, itās important to look at the facts before visiting or settling down.
In this report, we break down the latest crime trends to give you a clear, updated picture of safety in New Orleans. Youāll learn which neighborhoods are the safest, which areas to avoid, and the most useful safety tips for both visitors and residents. Dive in now!
New Orleans Safety Landscape: Key Safety Considerations and Current Crime Trends
IsĀ New Orleans safeĀ today?
New Orleansā safety profile in 2025 is shaped by some of the largest crime drops the city has seen in years. Violent crime improved dramatically throughout 2024, highlighted by a major decline in homicides. The city recorded 124 homicides, a 35% decrease from 2023. Non-fatal shootings also dropped by 44%, signaling real progress in reducing serious violence across neighborhoods. These shifts reflect focused policing strategies, community programs, and improved coordination with federal partners.
Property crime also moved in a strongly positive direction. Residents and visitors benefited from major reductions across vehicle and business-related crimes. According to the most recent data:
- Vehicle burglaries fell 54%
- Auto theft dropped 16%
- Carjackings decreased 49%
Together, these improvements contributed to an overall 26% decrease in citywide crime, showing that safety gains were widespread rather than limited to isolated categories.
However, not every trend moved in the right direction. Domestic and interpersonal crimes remain notable concerns. Domestic violence incidents rose 19%, and third-degree rape increased 16%, highlighting safety challenges that happen behind closed doors rather than in public spaces.
When evaluating safety in New Orleans, itās important to recognize both the cityās momentum and its remaining vulnerabilities. New Orleans crime rateĀ is down significantly, and many areas are safer than theyāve been in years. Still, visitors and residents should stay informed and mindful.
The Safest Places to Stay in New Orleans
Is New Orleans a safe city?Ā Although the answer is often negative, this does not mean every neighborhood is dangerous. In fact, several neighborhoods consistently rank well in terms of safety.
Lake ShoreāLake VistaĀ is often considered one of the most secure areas in the city, known for its quiet residential streets, well-maintained homes, and calm lakeside atmosphere. Its reputation for safety makes it a strong choice for families, solo travelers, and anyone who prefers a peaceful home base while still staying within a short drive of major attractions.
Lakeview offers a similarly comfortable experience. This neighborhood has undergone steady improvements over the years, resulting in cleaner streets, active community involvement, and a general feeling of security during both day and night. Travelers who prefer a suburban-style environment within city limits often enjoy staying here.
West End is another appealing option, particularly for visitors drawn to the waterfront. Its marinas, green spaces, and steady foot traffic contribute to a relaxed environment that feels welcoming and safe.
Gentilly Woods also provides a quiet residential experience with a stable atmosphere and easy access to the rest of the city, making it a practical and comfortable area for visitors who want a more local feel.
Areas to Avoid in New Orleans
Although the crime rate in New OrleansĀ has dropped significantly in 2024, some neighborhoods still experience higher levels of incidents and are best avoided by visitors, especially after dark.
Central CityĀ remains an area where crime can be unpredictable, with certain blocks experiencing more activity than others. While there are ongoing revitalization efforts, the neighborhoodās conditions can vary significantly, and it is not the ideal place to stay for someone unfamiliar with the city.
The Seventh Ward and parts of St. Roch face similar challenges. These areas contain a mixture of residential streets and abandoned properties, creating pockets that feel more isolated and less secure, particularly late at night.
Hollygrove and sections of New Orleans EastĀ can also be inconsistent in terms of safety, with some streets feeling stable while others experience a higher rate of incidents.
Because these neighborhoods can change quickly from block to block, visitors often find it difficult to tell which areas are safe and which are not. For this reason, most travelers choose accommodations in more established and consistently secure neighborhoods, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable stay.
Safety Tips for Visitors and Residents in New Orleans
While New Orleans has made significant progress in reducing crime, being proactive about safety can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Whether youāre exploring as a visitor or living here as a resident, these practical tips can help you stay confident and prepared.
Visitor Safety Tips
- Stick to well-lit, busy streets at night and avoid walking alone in quieter areas.
- Keep your phone, wallet, and valuables secured, especially in crowded places like the French Quarter.
- Use registered taxis, rideshares, or streetcars rather than walking long distances after dark.
- Choose accommodations in stable, well-patrolled neighborhoods to reduce risk.
- Stay aware of your surroundings when taking photos or using your phone in public.
Resident Safety Tips
- Install Security Cameras
Installing security camerasĀ around key entry points, such as front doors, side gates, and driveways, provides constant visibility and deterrence. High-quality footage can help identify suspicious activity and support police investigations if incidents occur.
The eufyCam S4Ā is an excellent choice for homeowners. This PTZ camera instantly locks on, tracks, and zooms in to capture crucial details up to 164 feet away in full 4K clarity. It also features smart human tracking, auto-framing capabilities, and built-in spotlights for vivid color night vision.
For indoor choices, consider the eufy Indoor Cam S350. Its 4K wide-angle lens and 2K telephoto lens work together to deliver an impressive 8Ć hybrid zoom, allowing you to capture both broad coverage and fine detail. The advanced AI detection system helps reduce false alerts, ensuring you only receive notifications that truly matter.
- Use Video Doorbells
A video doorbellĀ allows you to monitor who approaches your home in real time, even when youāre away. Motion alerts, two-way audio, and saved video clips add strong layers of protection and everyday convenience.
If youāre choosing one for your home, the eufy Video Doorbell E340Ā is an excellent option. Its dual-camera design, clear color night vision, and instant two-way audio make it highly effective for monitoring your entryway and enhancing overall home security.
- Improve Exterior Lighting
Keeping porches, pathways, driveways, and side yards brightly lit reduces hiding spots and discourages unwanted behavior near your home. Motion-activated lights are especially effective because they startle intruders and immediately draw attention.
- Secure Doors and Windows
Regularly checking and reinforcing locks on doors, windows, garage entrances, and backyard gates helps prevent break-ins. Adding deadbolts, window pins, and smart locks increases security and ensures your home stays protected day and night.
- Protect Your Vehicle
Never leave bags, electronics, tools, or valuable items visible inside your vehicle, even for a short stop. Criminals often target cars for quick thefts, and keeping interiors empty dramatically reduces the likelihood of becoming a target.
- Stay Informed Locally
Staying engaged with neighborhood groups, safety apps, and community alerts helps you anticipate risks and respond quickly to unusual activity. In addition to investing in high-quality security systems like the eufy ExpertSecure System, strong communication among neighbors provides an additional line of defense, creating a more connected and secure community environment.
Conclusion
Is New Orleans safe? New Orleans has made significant progress, with major drops in violent and property crime today. While certain neighborhoods remain higher-risk, many areas are stable, walkable, and well-patrolled, offering visitors and residents a safer experience than in recent years.
To ensure you stay safe in New Orleans, you can take practical measures such as investing in security systems like the eufy PoE NVR Security System S4 Max, choosing accommodations in reliable neighborhoods, and staying alert in unfamiliar areas. With the right precautions, New Orleans can be enjoyed comfortably and responsibly.
FAQs
Is it safe to walk in New Orleans at night?
Walking in New Orleans at night is generally not recommended, especially in quieter or unfamiliar areas. While many tourist zones are well-patrolled and busy, crime can be unpredictable, and staying in well-lit, crowded places or using rideshares offers a safer experience.
Where not to go in New Orleans?
Certain neighborhoods still experience higher crime levels and are best avoided, particularly after dark. Areas such as Central City, parts of the Seventh Ward, St. Roch, Hollygrove, and sections of New Orleans East can feel inconsistent block to block, making them less suitable for visitors unfamiliar with local conditions.
When to not go to New Orleans?
Itās best to avoid wandering the city late at night or during times when streets are unusually empty, such as very early mornings. These quieter periods reduce visibility and foot traffic, increasing the likelihood of petty theft, vehicle break-ins, or opportunistic crime.
Is New Orleans safe for tourists now?
Yes, New Orleans is safer for tourists now than in recent years, thanks to major drops in violent and property crimeĀ nowadays. Most popular areas remain busy, well-patrolled, and welcoming, but visitors should still stay alert, choose stable neighborhoods, and follow basic safety precautions during their trip.
