New Orleans is one of the most distinctive cities in the United States, a place where the food, music, and architecture tell a story unlike anywhere else in the country. Situated along a sweeping bend of the Mississippi River in southeastern Louisiana, the city has served as a major port and cultural crossroads for centuries. Today, New Orleans draws renters with its storied neighborhoods and year-round festival calendar, but this can mean higher prices.
Renters who explore beyond the well-known French Quarter and Garden District can find solid value in quieter corners of the city. From the residential streets of the West Bank to the lake-adjacent communities in New Orleans East, there are pockets of affordability that still offer convenient access to everything that makes the city worth living in. The five most affordable neighborhoods in New Orleans are:
West Lake Forest
- Average 1-bedroom rent in New Orleans: $1,272/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in West Lake Forest: $807/month
- Median home list price in West Lake Forest: $210,000
West Lake Forest is a residential neighborhood tucked in the middle of New Orleans East. It's a largely suburban-feeling community that sits well outside the tourist-heavy areas of the city, about 15 miles from the French Quarter, which helps keep daily life quieter and more affordable. The neighborhood is close to the Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge, one of the largest urban wildlife refuges in the country, giving the area an outdoor character you won't find in most urban neighborhoods. Renters here will find a mix of single-family homes and apartment communities set along tree-lined streets, with grocery stores reachable within a 15-minute walk.
Things to do in West Lake Forest
For everyday needs and entertainment, residents are a short drive from the shopping and dining options along Read Boulevard and Crowder Boulevard, as well as in the surrounding New Orleans East area. Joe W. Brown Memorial Park is a neighborhood gathering spot for outdoor activity, featuring trails, tennis courts, an indoor heated pool, baseball fields, picnic shelters, and playground equipment. The Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, next to Joe W. Brown Memorial Park, has been renovated to include educational exhibits, a planetarium, classroom pavilions, and boardwalk trails.
The Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge, a 23,000-acre marsh and wetland system that offers fishing, birdwatching, and nature trails, draws wildlife enthusiasts year-round and gives residents a rare opportunity to experience Louisiana's natural landscape right from their own neighborhood. Lake Pontchartrain's southern shoreline is also within reach, where residents can enjoy lakefront walking paths and open water views.
Transportation in West Lake Forest
West Lake Forest is primarily a car-dependent neighborhood, and most residents rely on personal vehicles for daily errands and commutes. I-10 is the main artery connecting the neighborhood to Downtown New Orleans, with a typical drive of about 20–25 minutes during off-peak hours. The Regional Transit Authority (RTA) provides bus service to the area with limited frequency. Residents typically only walk or bike for local travel, such as trips to Joe W. Brown Park or restaurants.
Read Boulevard East
- Average 1-bedroom rent in New Orleans: $1,272/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Read Boulevard East: $825/month
- Median home list price in Read Boulevard East: $255,000
Read Boulevard East sits just south of I-10 and west of the Chef Menteur Highway corridor. It's a residential community that draws renters who want space, affordability, and proximity to nature without leaving the city limits. Grocery stores are reachable within a 15-minute walk, and the neighborhood carries a walk score of 50 — the highest among this list of affordable neighborhoods — making everyday errands more manageable on foot than in many comparable East New Orleans communities. Its location near the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge adds natural appeal, and the area offers a lower-key alternative to the denser, pricier neighborhoods closer to downtown.
Things to do in Read Boulevard East
Residents of Read Boulevard East have easy access to a collection of local restaurants, shops, and markets along Read Boulevard, Bullard Avenue, and shopping centers just off the highway. Parks are a notable highlight, with Joe W. Brown Park in neighboring West Lake Forest offering numerous recreational amenities, while Audubon Louisiana Nature Center provides nature trails and wildlife exhibits. Arrive at Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge and its tens of thousands of acres of marsh and wetland by heading northeast on US-90 for about 10-20 minutes.
The broader New Orleans East area hosts regular community events, and Jazzland-area landmarks are part of the neighborhood's history. Lake Pontchartrain's southern shoreline is also accessible for fishing, boating, and lakeside recreation, giving residents an outdoor lifestyle that's hard to match in more urban parts of the city.
Transportation in Read Boulevard East
Read Boulevard East residents primarily get around by car, with I-10 running along the neighborhood's northern edge and providing direct access to downtown New Orleans in roughly 20 minutes. Chef Menteur Highway (US-90) also cuts through the area and offers an additional east-west corridor. The RTA operates bus routes through New Orleans East, providing some public transit availability. Sidewalks make short trips via bike or foot practical, though a vehicle is recommended for longer distances.
Little Woods
- Average 1-bedroom rent in New Orleans: $1,272/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Little Woods: $844/month
- Median home list price in Little Woods: $195,000
Right on Lake Pontchartrain, Little Woods combines lakeside living with residential quiet and affordability. The neighborhood has a quieter pace of life compared to areas closer to the New Orleans’ core. For renters who prioritize space, quiet, and proximity to nature over walkability, Little Woods is a place to consider.
Things to do in Little Woods
The main draw in Little Woods is Lake Pontchartrain itself. The lakefront offers fishing, boating, and scenic walks along the levee with panoramic views of the water. This stretch of the southern lakeshore is less developed than the more polished Lakeview or West End waterfront areas, giving it a more natural, laid-back character. Renters who enjoy fishing, kayaking, or simply watching the lake at sunset will find plenty to appreciate here.
For shopping and dining, residents typically drive south to the retail lining I-10, where there's a broader range of grocery stores, restaurants, and everyday shops. The Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge borders the neighborhood to the east, adding another layer of outdoor recreation for those who enjoy birding, nature photography, or exploring Louisiana's wetland ecosystems.
Transportation in Little Woods
Little Woods is best navigated by car. The neighborhood has multiple entrances to I-10, with downtown New Orleans accessible in approximately 20–25 minutes under normal traffic conditions. Public transit options are minimal, and bus service is limited in this far-northern area of the city. The neighborhood’s distance from amenities means that cycling and walking are better suited for recreation rather than travel.
Behrman
- Average 1-bedroom rent in New Orleans: $1,272/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Behrman: $888/month
- Median home list price in Behrman: $159,000
Behrman is located in the Algiers section of the city across the Mississippi River from Downtown New Orleans. It stands out for having dedicated bike infrastructure on major roads like Wall and Peace Boulevard, helping residents navigate the neighborhood on two wheels. Behrman has a neighborhood feel that's distinctly separate from the bustle of the East Bank, with tree-lined residential streets, corner stores, and a strong sense of community identity. Renters who want an affordable base with solid everyday convenience and a quick connection to downtown will find Behrman a compelling option.
Things to do in Behrman
The commercial strip along the Westbank Expressway and nearby streets puts everyday dining, shopping, and services within easy reach. Morris FX Jeff Sr. Park is suited for many outdoor activities with large green spaces and sports fields, all surrounded by a paved trail. For a trail that stretches the length of New Orleans and beyond, residents can head to the Mississippi River Trail, which is only a short drive, walk, or bike ride away from Behrman.
Local spots for Creole and Southern cooking are scattered throughout the broader region, and the encompassing Algiers community is home to the Algiers Point neighborhood, known for its charming 19th-century architecture and the free Algiers Ferry that runs across the river to Canal Street in the French Quarter.
Transportation in Behrman
Behrman benefits from multiple ways to get around. The Algiers Ferry provides a scenic and practical connection to Canal Street and the French Quarter, running daily at regular intervals. The Westbank Expressway (U.S. Route 90) and the Crescent City Connection bridge link the neighborhood to the East Bank and the broader New Orleans metro area by car. The RTA operates bus routes through Algiers and the West Bank. Decent bike lanes and sidewalks mean that cycling and walking are not just a way to get active, but also a way to get around.
Old Aurora
- Average 1-bedroom rent in New Orleans: $1,272/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Old Aurora: $866/month
- Median home list price in Old Aurora: $235,000
Right next to Behrman is Old Aurora, another West Bank neighborhood in the Algiers district. It's one of the more spread-out communities in the city, with a mix of ranch-style homes, modest apartment communities, and neighborhood streets that see little of the foot traffic common in busier areas. For renters looking for a low-profile, affordable address on the West Bank with access to the river corridor, Old Aurora is worth considering.
Things to do in Old Aurora
Old Aurora is close to the shopping and dining corridor along the Westbank Expressway, where residents can find grocery stores, fast-casual dining, retail, and even the regional library. The neighborhood’s north side bumps up against the Mississippi River, meaning that the river trail and lakefront parks are part of everyday life for residents. Locals living in the southern part have just as plentiful outdoor opportunities, thanks to Brechtel Park and Lakewood Golf Club.
Transportation in Old Aurora
Old Aurora connects to the rest of New Orleans primarily via the Westbank Expressway (U.S. Route 90) and the Crescent City Connection, the twin-span bridge that crosses the Mississippi River into downtown New Orleans. The RTA provides some bus service in the area. The neighborhood's bike-friendly layout makes cycling a reasonable choice for shorter trips, and the levee paths along the Mississippi offer a car-free route to neighboring Algiers communities.
Find the Perfect Place with Apartments.com
Whether you're drawn to a lakeside setting in Little Woods, the West Bank convenience of Behrman, or the suburban calm of Read Boulevard East, Apartments.com makes it easy to find apartments and apartment communities that match your budget and lifestyle. Use the price filter to search within your range, compare neighborhoods side by side, and explore photos, floor plans, and amenities, all in one place.
No matter which corner of New Orleans you're considering, Apartments.com has the tools to help you narrow down your options and make a confident decision. Browse current listings in New Orleans today and find the neighborhood that feels like home.
FAQs
Where is the cheapest place to live in New Orleans?
The cheapest place to live in New Orleans is West Lake Forest, where the average rent is $805/month, compared to the city average of $1,272/month.
What salary do you need to live in New Orleans?
According to Apartments.com’s cost of living data, a salary of $83,000 is recommended to live comfortably in New Orleans as a single adult with no dependents.
