Is Lakeshore East safe?
New Orleans, Louisiana · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Lakeshore East as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Lakeshore East
“Go. Lakeshore East is one of the quietest and safest residential pockets in New Orleans, nestled along the southern shore of Lake Pontchartrain. It offers scenic lakefront views, leafy suburban streets, and very low violent crime rates compared to the rest of the city. While it has very little commercial activity within its residential core, it is a serene and secure destination for waterfront walks and recreation.”
About the area
Lakeshore East is an upscale mid-century residential enclave bordered by Lake Pontchartrain to the north and Bayou St. John to the east. The area is defined by manicured lawns, ranch and modernist homes, and linear green parkways. Visitors primarily come to enjoy the breezy Lakefront Trail and open waterfront parks rather than bustling dining corridors.
- Quiet Residential
- Waterfront Views
- Car-Dependent
- Family-Friendly
Walking and biking in Lakeshore East
Walk score: 28/100 · Bike score: 58/100
City bike-share kiosks (Blue Bikes) are generally unavailable here, but the area connects directly to the paved Lakefront Trail running for miles along the Pontchartrain seawall.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are among the lowest in Orleans Parish, supported by active neighborhood patrols.
- Affluent economic profile with high homeownership rates exceeding 80% and strong property values.
- Immediate access to the open green spaces and multi-use paths of the Lake Pontchartrain seawall.
Cons
- Virtually no commercial amenities or restaurants within the interior residential blocks.
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes, such as vehicle break-ins in lakefront parking turnouts.
- Heavily car-dependent layout with minimal public transportation options.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Lakeshore East due to its strictly residential zoning, low commercial foot traffic, and absence of social service facilities.
What Lakeshore East is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Very peaceful with brisk breezes as local joggers, cyclists, and dog walkers make use of the lakefront paths in high safety.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Pleasant and active with families relaxing along the seawall and green space, feeling completely secure.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and quiet as commuter traffic winds down and visitors gather along the lake for scenic sunsets.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Subdued and dark along residential lanes; while violent crime is rare, standard vigilance is wise around unlit parking bays.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is very limited; the New Orleans RTA operates bus route 45 along nearby Robert E. Lee and Canal Boulevards, but there is no direct rail or streetcar access.
Parking is abundant and free throughout the neighborhood, including dedicated surface parking bays along Lakeshore Drive and unrestricted curbside parking on residential streets.
Things to do in Lakeshore East
- Walk, jog, or watch the sunset along the paved Lakefront Promenade on Lakeshore Drive.
- Relax with a picnic in the open grassy parks facing Lake Pontchartrain.
- Explore the historic mouth of Bayou St. John and the nearby ruins of Old Spanish Fort.
Local favorites
- The Blue Crab Restaurant & Oyster Bar · Seafood Restaurant · 4.4★ (5200)Popular waterfront dining spot just west of the neighborhood serving boiled seafood and oysters overlooking the water.
- Felix's Restaurant & Oyster Bar - Lakefront · Seafood Restaurant · 4.4★ (3800)Casual lakefront staple known for charbroiled oysters, po'boys, and outdoor deck seating with water views.
- Russell's Marina Grill · Breakfast & Brunch · 4.5★ (2100)Beloved long-standing diner near the marina serving hearty Southern breakfast plates, pancakes, and eggs benedict.
Neighborhoods near Lakeshore East
Common questions about Lakeshore East
Is Lakeshore East safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Lakeshore East a good place to live?
On safety, Lakeshore East scores 85/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Lakeshore East?
Walk score 28/100 and bike score 58/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Lakeshore East are safer?
Lakeshore (New Orleans) (87) score higher nearby.
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