Is Pontchartrain Beach safe?
New Orleans, Louisiana · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Pontchartrain Beach as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Pontchartrain Beach
“Go. Pontchartrain Beach and the adjacent UNO lakefront area offer a quiet, scenic, and comparatively safe environment within New Orleans. Violent crime is relatively low here compared to the citywide average, though standard urban precautions against vehicle break-ins along public parking lots and shoreline access points are recommended.”
About the area
Pontchartrain Beach is a relaxed lakefront district along the southern shore of Lake Pontchartrain, anchored by the University of New Orleans campus and research technology parks. Visitors come to enjoy scenic lake breezes, waterfront multi-use paths, and quiet suburban-style residential and institutional pockets.
- Lakefront Views
- Quiet / Academic
- Car-Dependent
- Suburban Feel
Walking and biking in Pontchartrain Beach
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 62/100
The neighborhood connects directly to the Lakefront Trail along Lakeshore Drive; Blue Bikes sharing stations have limited coverage this far north compared to downtown.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates than core urban New Orleans neighborhoods
- Presence of university police and campus security augmenting standard NOPD patrols
- Scenic, well-maintained shoreline green spaces with expansive views of Lake Pontchartrain
- Stable surrounding middle-to-upper income residential and academic developments
Cons
- Frequent opportunistic car burglaries along Lakeshore Drive and public parking lots
- Substantially isolated and poorly lit areas after dark along the water's edge
- Car dependency with limited commercial walkable amenities within immediate reach
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in Pontchartrain Beach, with no established encampments due to university security and regular lakefront park patrols.
What Pontchartrain Beach is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with local joggers, dog walkers, and cyclists active along the lake wall and campus grounds.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Pleasant and quiet, with moderate vehicle traffic and visitors enjoying the lakefront breezes.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and generally safe around university facilities, though caution is advised as outdoor recreational areas quickly empty out.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very quiet and sparsely populated; walking along unlit sections of the shoreline or empty parking lots is not advised.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is operated by the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA), with bus routes such as the 51 (St. Bernard) and 55 (Elysian Fields) connecting to UNO and downtown; no direct rail or BRT services reach the lakefront.
Parking is abundant and largely free in open surface lots along Lakeshore Drive and within designated university visitor parking areas.
Things to do in Pontchartrain Beach
- Walk or cycle along the scenic Lake Pontchartrain seawall path
- Visit The Beach at UNO research park to explore campus events and innovation spaces
- Catch a college basketball game or concert at the nearby Lakefront Arena
Local favorites
- Castnet Seafood · Seafood Restaurant · 4.6★ (1280)Popular no-frills neighborhood counter serving boiled crawfish, po'boys, and fresh gulf seafood nearby.
- Russell's Marina Grill · Breakfast & Brunch Restaurant · 4.5★ (2150)Beloved lakefront-adjacent diner known for hearty classic Southern breakfasts and fresh seafood platters.
- Felix's Restaurant & Oyster Bar (Lakefront) · Seafood Restaurant · 4.3★ (1840)Scenic waterfront venue serving charbroiled oysters and Creole staples with views over the marina.
Neighborhoods near Pontchartrain Beach
Common questions about Pontchartrain Beach
Is Pontchartrain Beach safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Pontchartrain Beach a good place to live?
On safety, Pontchartrain Beach scores 78/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Pontchartrain Beach?
Walk score 38/100 and bike score 62/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Pontchartrain Beach are safer?
Lake Oaks (84), Lake Terrace (New Orleans) (84), Spanish Fort (84) score higher nearby.
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