Orleans is the historic heart of the city. With a rich history of
nearly 300 years, it is a city of diversity unparalleled in America. French,
Spanish,
Italian, Haitian, African, Irish, German, Creole, American and many more
cultures have left their
mark. While the surrounding parishes are very similar to the rest of American, Orleans stands apart. Understanding
the difference starts with an understanding of Orleans itself.
Studies have identified 10 super-neighborhoods made of 73 distinct neighborhoods in Orleans.
People from these areas tend to identify themselves as coming from their
neighborhoods by name.
The
Greater New Orleans Community Data Center
is a great resource for information about these neighborhoods. The map
shown on this page is from their site. Their treatment of the westbank
(my curent home) is rather rudimentary.
Census DataAs New Orleans rebuilds itself after Katrina, city planning has divided the city into 13 planning districts. Roughly like the super neighborhoods they also correspond to the five city council districts. Read the
UNOP Plan for the details.
A new super neighborhood seems to be emerging. Recently called the "Sliver by the River" it includes all the properties in the high ground close to the river. Protected by its height above sea level, the only levees needed to protect this area are along the river front. Properties in this area could become the most sought after in the city as densification strategies replace parking lots with high rise condo units. Historic preservation will continue to be an issue.