Is Pontchartrain Park safe?
New Orleans, Louisiana · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Pontchartrain Park as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Pontchartrain Park
“Go with care. Pontchartrain Park is a quiet, historically significant residential neighborhood centered around a premier public golf course and Southern University at New Orleans. While it is considerably safer and more stable than many parts of Orleans Parish, standard urban precautions regarding vehicle security apply.”
About the area
Pontchartrain Park is a landmark mid-century suburban community originally developed for African American homeowners, characterized by single-family ranch homes and a sprawling central park. Located just south of Lake Pontchartrain, the neighborhood provides a peaceful, tight-knit residential atmosphere distinct from the tourist center. Visitors typically visit to play golf, attend university events at SUNO, or appreciate its rich cultural history.
- Historic Suburb
- Quiet / Residential
- Park-Centric
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Pontchartrain Park
Walk score: 28/100 · Bike score: 52/100
Blue Bikes share hubs are sparse in this area, but the neighborhood's wide, flat residential streets offer easy cycling connections north to the scenic Lake Pontchartrain shoreline trail.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates compared to overall New Orleans averages.
- High rate of homeownership (exceeding 70%) and active neighborhood associations foster strong community stability.
- Expansive green space centered on the well-maintained Joseph M. Bartholomew Sr. Golf Course.
Cons
- Property crime, particularly vehicle break-ins and theft from vehicles, remains a recurring issue.
- Almost completely car-dependent with virtually no walkable retail or dining within neighborhood boundaries.
- Sparse street lighting along park perimeters and dead-end streets can feel isolated after dark.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Pontchartrain Park, as the area consists exclusively of residential homes, university facilities, and maintained parkland.
What Pontchartrain Park is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Pleasant and quiet, with golfers heading to the links and residents walking dogs along the park perimeter.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Low-key and peaceful, with steady local traffic around Press Drive and the SUNO campus.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and residential, though foot traffic drops rapidly once daylight begins to fade.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very quiet and sparsely lit; while violent crime is rare, unmonitored walking through park grounds is not recommended.
Transit, parking and getting around
New Orleans RTA serves the perimeter via bus routes such as the 51 (St. Bernard) and 55 (Elysian Fields); there is no streetcar or light rail connection, making transit into downtown slow and transfer-heavy.
Curbside street parking is free, abundant, and unrestricted throughout residential streets, with ample dedicated surface lots available at the golf course clubhouse and SUNO.
Things to do in Pontchartrain Park
- Play a round of golf or practice on the driving range at the historic Joseph M. Bartholomew Sr. Golf Course.
- Take a self-guided architectural walk to explore historic mid-century ranch-style homes and civil rights heritage markers.
- Attend cultural exhibits, athletic games, and campus events at Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO).
Local favorites
- Joseph M. Bartholomew Sr. Municipal Golf Course · Golf Course · 4.4★ (490)A historic, fully renovated 18-hole municipal course named in honor of the pioneering Black golf architect.
- Original Fiorella's Cafe · Southern Restaurant · 4.4★ (850)Beloved nearby Gentilly institution famed for award-winning fried chicken and traditional New Orleans comfort plates.
- Castnet Seafood · Seafood Restaurant · 4.6★ (1300)A popular local counter-service staple just north of the park serving heaping boiled seafood and overstuffed po'boys.
Neighborhoods near Pontchartrain Park
Common questions about Pontchartrain Park
Is Pontchartrain Park safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Pontchartrain Park a good place to live?
On safety, Pontchartrain Park scores 72/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Pontchartrain Park?
Walk score 28/100 and bike score 52/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Pontchartrain Park are safer?
Lake Oaks (84), Lake Terrace (New Orleans) (84), Pontchartrain Beach (78) score higher nearby.
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