Is Lake Terrace (New Orleans) safe?
New Orleans, Louisiana · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Lake Terrace (New Orleans) as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Lake Terrace (New Orleans)
“Go. Lake Terrace is one of the safest and most affluent residential communities in New Orleans, boasting tranquil lakefront views and dedicated security patrols. While there is little commercial activity within the residential streets, visitors can comfortably enjoy outdoor recreation along Lake Pontchartrain.”
About the area
Lake Terrace is a quiet, mid-century residential neighborhood nestled along the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain adjacent to the University of New Orleans. Designed with curvilinear streets and lush green spaces, it offers scenic lakeside walking paths and an insulated suburban ambiance within city limits.
- Quiet & Residential
- Waterfront Views
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Lake Terrace (New Orleans)
Walk score: 28/100 · Bike score: 62/100
Dedicated off-street multi-use paths run along Lakeshore Drive offering pleasant recreational cycling, though Blue Bikes bikeshare hubs are generally sparse in this outer residential zone.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent and property crime rates compared to citywide New Orleans averages
- High median household incomes and high rates of homeownership that support well-maintained properties
- Direct access to scenic Lake Pontchartrain walking and jogging paths along Lakeshore Drive
Cons
- Virtually no commercial amenities or dining within immediate walking distance inside the neighborhood
- Occasional vehicle break-ins or opportunistic property thefts reported along edge corridors
- High car dependency for dining, shopping, and accessing city attractions
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is virtually nonexistent within Lake Terrace residential streets, with no active encampments or regular panhandling in the neighborhood.
What Lake Terrace (New Orleans) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and serene, with neighborhood joggers and dog walkers taking advantage of the lakefront breezes.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and quiet residential setting with light local traffic and excellent pedestrian visibility.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet streets with neighbors returning home and pleasant sunset strolls along the Lakeshore seawall.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and low-traffic; generally safe due to active security patrols, though typical nighttime awareness is advised.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is operated by the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA), primarily via the 51 (St. Bernard) and 55 (Elysian Fields) bus routes connecting to UNO and downtown; there is no direct rail connection.
Street parking throughout the residential streets is free, plentiful, and unmetered, with dedicated parking bays available along Lakeshore Drive.
Things to do in Lake Terrace (New Orleans)
- Stroll, jog, or picnic along the scenic Lake Pontchartrain waterfront on Lakeshore Drive
- Explore the quiet, mid-century modern and ranch-style architecture along the winding tree-lined avenues
- Catch a concert or collegiate athletic event at the nearby UNO Lakefront Arena
Local favorites
- Felix's Restaurant & Oyster Bar (Lakefront) · Seafood Restaurant · 4.4★ (2350)Waterfront dining spot serving classic chargrilled oysters and Louisiana seafood with lake views.
- The Blue Crab Restaurant & Oyster Bar · Seafood Restaurant · 4.4★ (4200)Popular open-air lakefront eatery offering boiled seafood, po'boys, and sunset views over the water.
- PJ's Coffee (UNO Campus) · Coffee Shop · 4.3★ (115)Local New Orleans coffee chain serving cold brews, espresso drinks, and pastries near the university.
Neighborhoods near Lake Terrace (New Orleans)
Common questions about Lake Terrace (New Orleans)
Is Lake Terrace (New Orleans) safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Lake Terrace (New Orleans) a good place to live?
On safety, Lake Terrace (New Orleans) scores 84/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Lake Terrace (New Orleans)?
Walk score 28/100 and bike score 62/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Lake Terrace (New Orleans) are safer?
Lake Terrace (New Orleans) scores as high as or higher than its closest neighbors.
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