Join InterNations

The world's largest expat community

A Comprehensive Guide about Living in New Orleans

  • Connect with fellow expats in New Orleans

  • Join exciting events and groups for expats

  • Get information in our expat guides

  • Exchange tips about expat life in New Orleans

  • Brian Norris

    When first moving to Washington, D.C., I didn't know many people outside of the office. InterNations has changed that with some exciting events.

An amazing community is waiting for you!

Meet international people at local events

Socialize, enjoy hobbies, and make friends

Get info, and feel at home abroad!

Life in New Orleans

The world famous city of New Orleans is located in Louisiana; it is the largest city in the state and also one of the United States’ most important ports. New Orleans is a popular city for expats and others to live in; it also boasts affordable living costs, excellent healthcare and a great sense of community.

Healthcare in New Orleans

New Orleans has an excellent healthcare program, with a number of hospitals, clinics and specialist hospitals for children serving the city. The local healthcare system has seen much change and improvement over the last ten years, providing more effective healthcare than ever before. It is worth noting that the majority of hospitals in New Orleans, like the rest of the US, are a part of the private sector; therefore it is important to make sure you have the right health insurance to cover any medical expenses. In many cases, you and your family’s medical insurance costs will be covered by your employer and you can also choose to take out your own policy. For locals who may not be covered by, or are unable to afford, medical insurance, there are also community-based healthcare options available in New Orleans.

Education in New Orleans

Expats living in New Orleans will find that the education system offers a number of excellent schools and universities. Those with families will benefit from the changes made to the New Orleans public schools system, which now boasts high quality education for elementary and high school children. Those seeking a private education for their children will also find there are plenty of schools of this kind available too.

Thanks to its diverse nature, the city has many international schools, including the International School of Louisiana and the International School of New Orleans; all of which provide excellent education opportunities for expat children living in New Orleans. For those who are interested in religious education, there are a number of such schools present in the city, providing education suited to a number of different denominations.

New Orleans has a number of universities, including well-known institutions such as Tulane University, which is one of the top 50 universities for research in the United States. Other higher education institutions include the University of New Orleans, which offers a wide range of courses for those seeking higher education, whilst there are other, smaller universities and colleges offering education in various disciplines.

Culture and Leisure in New Orleans

New Orleans is one of the most diverse and interesting cultural cities in the US, providing some excellent leisure opportunities for expats living in New Orleans, as well as being named as one of the top 10 locations in the US to visit. People travel from all over the world in order to sample the great cuisine, music and arts, as well as take in its unique architecture.

New Orleans is an excellent destination to enjoy some live music across a range of genres, and is particularly well-known for its jazz scene. The city also offers other musical delights, including classical, country, pop and rock music, providing a variety to suit all tastes. There are numerous opportunities for those who enjoy the theater and cinema, too.

The city is furthermore well-known across the world for its culinary offerings. Those living in New Orleans can enjoy the French Quarter and its French Market, as well as try a number of other cuisines from around the world. All these dishes combine to give a flavor of the interesting city New Orleans has become. It is essential that you sample some of its most famous dishes – including creole food, beignets and seafood – as a great way to get to know the city and all that it offers.

New Orleans plays host to a number of annual events that attract crowds of visitors, from the Carnival or Mardi Gras through to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, which celebrates the history of the city; these events are filled music, food, open air dancing and more.

Sport fans can look forward to watching the New Orleans Saints, a major US NFL team, at their home, the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Besides American football, there are also many sports to be enjoyed in the city, such as roller derby and soccer.

In addition to its culture and cuisine, New Orleans is also known for being the birthplace of a number of famous people, including Anne Rice, Tennessee Williams, Ellen DeGeneres, John Goodman, Reese Witherspoon, and Louis Armstrong. It was also the home of the notorious Bonnie and Clyde.

Let’s get Elfed up! & have a jolly good time at the Sazerac Bar located inside the Roosevelt Wear your holidays outfit and enjoy taking picture in the magical hotel lobby. We hope everyone can mak
Nov 22, 2024, 2:00 AM
7 attendees
Please join us for pre - Thanksgiving get together at Santa Fe on beautiful Esplanade Ave. 🥂 A friendly Southwestern eatery with a Spanish flair ! Extensive menu, fresh Margaritas 🍹, lighte
Oct 19, 2024, 2:02 PM
8 attendees
Dear Member's, It's Halloween time to get spooky. Lets wear our favorite costumes and meet at the Hot Tin Club on Saturday the 19 at 7:00 PM Hot Tin it’s a cute rooftop bar with great city view. P
Dear members This month we’re gathering at the Observatory Eleven Club at the top of the Westin hotel Serves great cocktails · Has live performances · The Observatory Eleven Bar is a beautiful p

See all upcoming events for expats in New Orleans

Our Global Partners

  • Brian Norris

    When first moving to Washington, D.C., I didn't know many people outside of the office. InterNations has changed that with some exciting events.

  • Caroline Stiles

    In such an international city such as Washington, D.C. InterNations holds great events for everyone to network and enjoy themselves.

Our Global Partners

Other Communities in United States of America

Like-Minded Expatriates in New Orleans

United States Guide Topics