Is Faubourg St. John safe?
New Orleans, Louisiana · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Faubourg St. John as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Faubourg St. John
“Go. Faubourg St. John is one of New Orleans' most charming and relatively tranquil historic neighborhoods, offering scenic bayou views and fantastic dining. While significantly safer than neighboring Tremé or the 7th Ward, visitors should still maintain basic urban situational awareness, particularly regarding property crime and walking alone late at night.”
About the area
Situated along the historic Bayou St. John, Faubourg St. John is a serene, tree-lined enclave known for colorful Creole cottages, outdoor recreation, and cozy neighborhood bistros. It sits adjacent to City Park and the Lafitte Greenway, serving as a peaceful residential retreat from the busier tourist corridors.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Waterfront Charm
- Walkable Dining Hub
- Relaxed Residential
Walking and biking in Faubourg St. John
Walk score: 83/100 · Bike score: 91/100
Blue Bikes NOLA bikeshare stations are situated along Bayou St. John and near the Lafitte Greenway, an asphalt multi-use trail offering a safe, off-street cycling connection straight to downtown.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates compared to broader New Orleans averages
- High rates of owner occupancy, strong civic engagement, and well-maintained historic housing
- Above-average median household income and high educational attainment levels for the region
- Direct pedestrian and cyclist access to the Lafitte Greenway and City Park
Cons
- Opportunistic property crime, especially vehicle break-ins and bicycle thefts, remains persistent
- Proximity to higher-crime corridors along Broad Street and towards Tremé requires vigilance
- Poorly lit side streets at night can feel desolate and pose isolated safety risks
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is generally minimal within the residential core of Faubourg St. John, though occasional individuals or encampments may be seen along the Lafitte Greenway corridor and near the North Broad Street overpass.
What Faubourg St. John is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and highly active with joggers, dog walkers, and residents grabbing coffee along the bayou.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Pleasant and lively with paddlers on the water, patio diners, and cyclists traversing the greenway.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Warm and inviting around the commercial hubs along Ponce de Leon and Moss Street, though side streets quiet down quickly.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very quiet and sparsely populated; visitors should stick to well-lit main corridors and use rideshares rather than walking secluded streets.
Transit, parking and getting around
The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) operates the #91 Jackson/Esplanade bus route providing direct access to the French Quarter, as well as the #84 and #9 Broad routes. The Canal Street Streetcar line (City Park branch) is roughly a 10-to-15 minute walk south along Carrollton or North Jefferson Davis.
Street parking is largely free, unmetered, and relatively easy to find on residential streets, though parking tightens near popular restaurants on weekend evenings.
Things to do in Faubourg St. John
- Kayak or paddleboard along the calm waters of historic Bayou St. John
- Stroll along moss-draped mossy streets to admire centuries-old Creole cottages and Greek Revival architecture
- Walk or bike along the Lafitte Greenway toward the French Quarter or City Park
Local favorites
- Cafe Degas · French Bistro · 4.6★ (1250)An intimate, long-running French bistro featuring a tree growing through the covered dining patio.
- Liuzza's by the Track · Cajun / Creole Restaurant · 4.6★ (1650)Famous neighborhood corner tavern known for spicy gumbo, po'boys, and cold beers.
- Swirl Wine Bar & Market · Wine Bar · 4.8★ (230)A cozy neighborhood wine shop and patio bar hosting regular tastings and community events.
Neighborhoods near Faubourg St. John
Common questions about Faubourg St. John
Is Faubourg St. John safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Faubourg St. John a good place to live?
On safety, Faubourg St. John scores 72/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Faubourg St. John?
Walk score 83/100 and bike score 91/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Faubourg St. John are safer?
Lakeshore (New Orleans) (87), Lakeview (New Orleans) (85) score higher nearby.
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