Is Gentilly safe?
New Orleans, Louisiana · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Gentilly as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Gentilly
“Go with care. Gentilly is a pleasant, largely residential slice of New Orleans offering historic architecture, university campuses, and neighborhood dining far from tourist crowds. While daytime visits are generally relaxed and safe, property crime remains elevated across the city, so standard urban precautions are advised.”
About the area
Gentilly is an expansive, tree-shaded New Orleans district characterized by 1920s California bungalows, suburban post-war ranch homes, and historic institutions like Dillard University. Located just north of Mid-City and south of Lake Pontchartrain, it gives visitors an authentic look into local middle-class New Orleans community life.
- Residential
- Historic Architecture
- Car-Dependent
- University Campus
Walking and biking in Gentilly
Walk score: 48/100 · Bike score: 56/100
Blue Bikes bikeshare has limited coverage in the district, though designated bike lanes exist on major arteries like Elysian Fields Avenue heading towards the Lakefront.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Stable residential subdivisions like Gentilly Terrace and Pontchartrain Park maintain high rates of long-term homeownership.
- Lower levels of violent crime compared to inner-city neighborhoods closer to Downtown.
- Quiet, community-focused ambiance anchored by collegiate campuses and neighborhood parks.
Cons
- High rates of opportunistic property crime, particularly vehicle break-ins and theft.
- Certain commercial avenues, including Chef Menteur Highway and Franklin Avenue, suffer from localized blight and occasional incidents.
- Wide, car-centric thoroughfares can feel poorly lit and desolate after dark.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in Gentilly's interior residential neighborhoods, though occasional unhoused individuals or panhandling can be observed near interstate underpasses along I-610 and busy Chef Menteur Highway intersections.
What Gentilly is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with dog walkers, morning joggers, and commuters heading to work across quiet residential avenues.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Safe and relaxed around university hubs, local eateries, and parks, though basic situational awareness is wise at gas stations on main roads.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and low-key as businesses close; neighborhood blocks remain generally calm, but pedestrian traffic drops off noticeably.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Dim lighting on side streets and desolate commercial corridors heighten vulnerability to opportunistic theft; late-night walking is not recommended.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is operated by the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) through bus lines such as the 51 (St. Bernard), 52 (Paris Ave), and 55 (Elysian Fields); there is no direct passenger rail connection.
Parking is very easy throughout Gentilly, consisting primarily of free, unrestricted curbside street parking and dedicated private surface lots for businesses.
Things to do in Gentilly
- Admire the historic California Craftsman bungalows and Spanish revival homes throughout the Gentilly Terrace historic district.
- Stroll along the historic Avenue of the Oaks on the Dillard University campus.
- Play a round of golf at the historic Joseph M. Bartholomew, Sr. Golf Course in Pontchartrain Park.
Local favorites
- Toast Fairgrounds · Breakfast & Brunch Restaurant · 4.6★ (1200)Popular local spot serving house-made breads, crepes, aebleskivers, and artisanal breakfast fare.
- Zimmer's Seafood · Seafood Market & Restaurant · 4.7★ (750)Beloved neighborhood seafood counter famous for generous boiled crawfish and dressed po' boys.
- Original Fiorellas Cafe · Southern Restaurant · 4.4★ (950)Casual eatery renowned for award-winning fried chicken, gumbo, and classic Creole sides.
Neighborhoods near Gentilly
Common questions about Gentilly
Is Gentilly safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Gentilly a good place to live?
On safety, Gentilly scores 62/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Gentilly?
Walk score 48/100 and bike score 56/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Gentilly are safer?
Lake Oaks (84), Lake Terrace (New Orleans) (84), Pontchartrain Beach (78) score higher nearby.
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