So you’re thinking about moving to the Big Easy? Excellent choice. For the most part, New Orleanians are a friendly, amazing group of people who would love to welcome you to the best city in the country. Just so you don’t run into any surprises, we’ve got some of the best insider tips you may need to know before packing up and moving to New Orleans.
- There will be traffic.
Bart Everson/Flickr Pretty standard in any major city, but you’ll quickly learn the peak times and streets to avoid.
- And construction
Eric Fischer/Flickr Is there any city that doesn’t have construction?
- There’s more to the city than just the French Quarter.
Wayne Hsieh/Flickr The Quarter to New Orleanians is much like how New Yorkers view Times Square. Sure, it’s great to go every now and then, but there is so much more to New Orleans than just the French Quarter, and you really should take the time to explore all of our amazing neighborhoods.
- Our street names can be difficult to pronounce.
Joe Dykes/Flickr Don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it in no time.
- Our food is amazing.
Andrew Huff/Flickr This one should go without saying, but it’s true. We have a wonderfully unique culinary background, and people travel from near and far to sample it. Try the same food at different restaurants to get the full experience and see how similar yet different everyone cooks.
- Summers can be brutal.
Bark/Flickr High 90s and jam packed with humidity, every day. All day. And you never really get used to it.
- Be prepared for rain showers.
Marcy Leigh/Flickr They can happen without any notice. One moment it will be sunny and lovely, the next minute the sky falls in and you’re stuck in a torrential downpour.
- Have a hurricane plan.
Jazz Guy/Flickr The hurricane season officially lasts from June 1—November 30. We’re smack dab in the middle of the season right now, and it makes sense to have a plan. Make sure your home is stocked with the necessities, have an evacuation route, list of phone numbers, etc. You never know when they will come in handy, but it’s always good to be prepared.
- Football is big down here.
Praline3001/Flickr College, NFL, even high school football—it’s a big part of our culture down here. Tailgating, cheering your team on, and sporting the jerseys are all part of the fun.
- Keep an eye out for potholes.
Kevin O’Mara/Flickr They are basically little sink holes set to destroy your car.
- There’s no other city like it.
Jason Mrachina/Flickr New Orleans has a special way about getting into your heart, and you’re going to love it here.
What are your tips for newcomers to New Orleans? Let us know in the comments below!
Bart Everson/Flickr
Pretty standard in any major city, but you’ll quickly learn the peak times and streets to avoid.
Eric Fischer/Flickr
Is there any city that doesn’t have construction?
Wayne Hsieh/Flickr
The Quarter to New Orleanians is much like how New Yorkers view Times Square. Sure, it’s great to go every now and then, but there is so much more to New Orleans than just the French Quarter, and you really should take the time to explore all of our amazing neighborhoods.
Joe Dykes/Flickr
Don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it in no time.
Andrew Huff/Flickr
This one should go without saying, but it’s true. We have a wonderfully unique culinary background, and people travel from near and far to sample it. Try the same food at different restaurants to get the full experience and see how similar yet different everyone cooks.
Bark/Flickr
High 90s and jam packed with humidity, every day. All day. And you never really get used to it.
Marcy Leigh/Flickr
They can happen without any notice. One moment it will be sunny and lovely, the next minute the sky falls in and you’re stuck in a torrential downpour.
Jazz Guy/Flickr
The hurricane season officially lasts from June 1—November 30. We’re smack dab in the middle of the season right now, and it makes sense to have a plan. Make sure your home is stocked with the necessities, have an evacuation route, list of phone numbers, etc. You never know when they will come in handy, but it’s always good to be prepared.
Praline3001/Flickr
College, NFL, even high school football—it’s a big part of our culture down here. Tailgating, cheering your team on, and sporting the jerseys are all part of the fun.
Kevin O’Mara/Flickr
They are basically little sink holes set to destroy your car.
Jason Mrachina/Flickr
New Orleans has a special way about getting into your heart, and you’re going to love it here.
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