Is Gentilly Terrace safe?
New Orleans, Louisiana · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Gentilly Terrace as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Gentilly Terrace
“Go with care. Gentilly Terrace is a stable, architecturally rich residential enclave that offers a tranquil contrast to downtown New Orleans, though it experiences elevated property crime common to the broader city. A visit is safe and rewarding for architecture enthusiasts or those visiting family, provided you practice standard urban awareness and have a car.”
About the area
Gentilly Terrace is an established, tree-shaded neighborhood famous for its early 20th-century California Craftsman bungalows and Spanish Revival homes built atop the elevated Gentilly Ridge. Far removed from typical tourist traps, it functions primarily as a quiet middle-class residential community with deep multigenerational roots.
- Historic Architecture
- Residential
- Quiet
- Tree-Lined
Walking and biking in Gentilly Terrace
Walk score: 44/100 · Bike score: 53/100
Blue Bikes bikeshare hubs are scarce in Gentilly, and while low-speed residential streets are bike-friendly, dedicated protected bike lanes connecting to the Lafitte Greenway are limited.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Lower violent crime rates compared to many neighboring New Orleans wards
- Strong neighborhood association and a high rate of owner-occupied housing
- Scenic, distinctive architecture with unique terraced lawns and broad oak canopies
Cons
- Frequent property crimes, notably catalytic converter theft and car break-ins
- Sparse retail and dining options directly inside the residential core
- Aging street and sidewalk infrastructure that can suffer localized flooding during heavy downpours
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is uncommon within interior residential blocks, with occasional panhandling or unhoused individuals mostly confined to commercial corridors along Gentilly Boulevard and Chef Menteur Highway.
What Gentilly Terrace is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Very calm and inviting, with residents jogging and walking dogs along quiet residential streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Remains peaceful with low residential traffic, making it pleasant for daytime sightseeing.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity tapers off quickly as businesses close; streets stay quiet but require standard awareness.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet and dark with limited pedestrian presence; walking alone late at night is not recommended.
Transit, parking and getting around
New Orleans RTA operates bus routes 55 (Elysian Fields) and 51 (St. Bernard) along the neighborhood periphery, offering straightforward bus links into Downtown and the French Quarter without rail service.
Curbside residential street parking is free and readily available throughout the neighborhood, though off-street driveway parking is recommended overnight.
Things to do in Gentilly Terrace
- Take a self-guided architectural driving or walking tour along Gentilly Boulevard and Arts Street to admire historic bungalow craftsmanship
- Grab authentic Louisiana boiled seafood and po-boys from beloved neighborhood counters
- Visit the nearby historic campuses of Dillard University and Southern University at New Orleans just across the neighborhood boundaries
Local favorites
- Zimmer's Seafood · Seafood Market & Po-Boys · 4.6★ (1250)No-frills staple serving boiled seafood, stuffed crabs, and classic overstuffed po-boys.
- Cafe Gentilly · Southern Diner · 4.4★ (460)Cozy breakfast and brunch joint offering hearty omelets, fried catfish platters, and grits.
- Daddy's Bakery · Bakery & Soul Food · 4.7★ (380)Neighborhood gem known for homestyle pastries, breakfast plates, and savory soul food lunches.
Neighborhoods near Gentilly Terrace
Common questions about Gentilly Terrace
Is Gentilly Terrace safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Gentilly Terrace a good place to live?
On safety, Gentilly Terrace scores 66/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Gentilly Terrace?
Walk score 44/100 and bike score 53/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Gentilly Terrace are safer?
Lake Terrace (New Orleans) (84), Spanish Fort (84), Lake Oaks (84) score higher nearby.
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