Is Lakeshore West 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 West as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Lakeshore West
“Go. Lakeshore West is one of the safest, quietest, and most affluent residential neighborhoods in New Orleans. It offers scenic green spaces and direct access to the Lake Pontchartrain waterfront trail. Visitors should take normal precautions like locking car doors, but violent crime is exceedingly rare.”
About the area
Lakeshore West is an upscale mid-century residential neighborhood situated along the southern shore of Lake Pontchartrain. Known for its ranch and contemporary architecture, linear parkways, and levee paths, it offers a tranquil suburban atmosphere inside the Orleans Parish line. It is primarily residential, with waterfront dining and marinas located just moments to the west.
- Waterfront
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet Residential
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Lakeshore West
Walk score: 32/100 · Bike score: 58/100
The Lake Pontchartrain Levee Trail offers miles of paved, separated cycling paths along the water, though city-managed Blue Bikes bike-share stations do not reach this far north.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Consistently among the lowest violent crime rates in the city of New Orleans
- High household median incomes and exceptionally high homeownership rates
- Immediate access to the Lake Pontchartrain paved levee path and recreation areas
- Well-maintained streets with minimal through-traffic and ample tree cover
Cons
- Strictly residential layout requiring a vehicle for almost all shopping and dining
- Occasional opportunistic car break-ins around public lakefront parking lots
- Susceptible to localized street flooding during severe tropical storms
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Lakeshore West, with no encampments or panhandling located within the residential grid.
What Lakeshore West is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Very safe, bright, and active with dog walkers, joggers, and cyclists enjoying the lake breeze.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Peaceful and secure, with light local traffic and families using the neighborhood parks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and safe for walking as residents gather along the levee to watch the sunset.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet and dark with almost no pedestrian foot traffic; remains safe, though quiet streets require standard awareness.
Transit, parking and getting around
New Orleans RTA operates bus route 45 (Lakeview) along perimeter roadways like Allen Toussaint Boulevard, but service is infrequent and the area lacks rail or streetcar access.
Street parking is free, abundant, and unrestricted throughout residential streets, with large free public surface lots along Lakeshore Drive.
Things to do in Lakeshore West
- Stroll or run along the Lake Pontchartrain Levee Trail for expansive water views and sunsets
- Take an architectural walk to admire the neighborhood's mid-century modern and custom ranch homes
- Picnic on the grassy parkways and waterfront green spaces along Lakeshore Drive
Local favorites
- The Blue Crab Restaurant, Oyster Bar · Seafood Restaurant · 4.4★ (4850)Lively waterfront eatery adjacent to the neighborhood serving boiled seafood and classic po'boys with marina views.
- Felix's Restaurant & Oyster Bar - Lakefront · Oyster Bar · 4.4★ (2650)Historic New Orleans institution offering charbroiled oysters and Creole fare overlooking the municipal harbor.
- Landry's Seafood House · Seafood Restaurant · 4.2★ (3200)Longstanding lakefront dining spot known for Gulf catches and panoramic views of Lake Pontchartrain.
Neighborhoods near Lakeshore West
Common questions about Lakeshore West
Is Lakeshore West safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Lakeshore West a good place to live?
On safety, Lakeshore West 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 Lakeshore West?
Walk score 32/100 and bike score 58/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Lakeshore West are safer?
Lakeshore (New Orleans) (87), Bucktown (85), Lakeshore East (85) score higher nearby.
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