New Orleans isn’t just a city—it’s a rhythm. You feel it in the shutters, the sidewalks, and the laughter from a porch at dusk. If you're drawn to starting a short-term rental here, chances are you’re not just chasing income. You're chasing meaning—beauty, history, a little something wild and rooted.

As someone studying restoration and slowly building a creative business in this space, I’ve walked these neighborhoods with curious eyes and a sketchbook in hand. These five areas hold both possibility and presence for thoughtful STR hosts who want to offer guests something real.

1. French Quarter

Historic, iconic, and always alive

The Quarter is what people picture when they dream of New Orleans: wrought-iron balconies, gas lamps, jazz spilling into the streets. It’s high energy and high demand—but also high responsibility. STR regulations are strict here, and for good reason. This place matters.

Hosting here? Treat your guests like keepers of history. Highlight the stories behind your space, and encourage them to explore early mornings, when the streets feel timeless.

2. Marigny

Creative, musical, and full of color

Just beyond the Quarter, the Marigny feels like New Orleans exhaling. Frenchmen Street’s live music scene mixes with eclectic homes and local cafés. It’s full of flavor, without the frenzy.

Hosting here? Let your space reflect the rhythm. Local art, vintage finds, and handwritten guides to nearby gems make all the difference.

3. Garden District

Grand, serene, and quietly powerful

Oak-lined streets, historic mansions, and antique boutiques—this is the Garden District. It’s for travelers who want to live inside a storybook, with just enough Southern mystery in the air.

Hosting here? Emphasize ease and elegance. Porch moments, streetcar rides, and nearby parks help guests settle into the magic.

4. Bywater

Quirky, artistic, and defiantly local

The Bywater pulses with color and character. Murals, pop-up restaurants, and community gardens define this neighborhood, which attracts curious and creative travelers.

Hosting here? Think playful, thoughtful, and locally rooted. Guests appreciate a space that reflects the neighborhood’s spirit—not just its zip code.

5. Mid-City

Friendly, flexible, and deeply NOLA

Mid-City is where neighbors wave from porches, streetcars hum, and po’boys are serious business. It’s accessible, comfortable, and great for guests who want to move between worlds—local and downtown.

Hosting here? Highlight walkability, nearby food spots, and City Park. It’s a “home base” kind of neighborhood—ideal for rest and reconnection.

Honorable Mentions

Treme: Historic, culturally rich, and deeply resilient
Uptown: Ideal for longer stays and neighborhood calm
Lakeview: Lakeside, family-friendly, and residential

Finding Your STR Flow

Whether you're buying, restoring, or simply dreaming of hosting one day, where you choose matters. Not just for your bottom line—but for your guests’ experience, your day-to-day energy, and the legacy of the city itself.

I’m still learning, still listening, still sketching—and if you are too, you’re not alone.

If you want help choosing a neighborhood, planning a soulful STR, or restoring a small space with a big heart, I offer freelance design consults and project support. I’m walking the path too, and would be honored to walk it beside you.

📩 Reach out via kaylalovesnola.com/contact
💌 Or DM me anytime on @KaylaLovesNOLA

Fair Housing Note

At KaylaLovesNOLA, I believe soulful travel should be welcoming to all. This guide is intended to celebrate neighborhoods—not to define who belongs in them. Every traveler deserves a place to feel at home, and every host has the opportunity to create that feeling with care and inclusivity.