New Orleans

Explore historic homes and more in one of the most culturally significant cities in the nation.

HISTORY OF THE CITY

New Orleans sits nestled along the banks of the Mississippi River in southeastern Louisiana. This city is known internationally for its vibrant history that reflects a diverse cultural heritage. Named in 1718 by the French, the area has been graced by the influence of various European, African, and Caribbean cultures throughout the last 300 years. 

The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 marked the year New Orleans came under American control and the city diversified even further. The 19th century enjoyed the rise of Creole and Cajun cultures, each contributing unique elements to the city’s music, cuisine, and social fabric. Creole culture is characterized by unique language, music, and food, while Cajun culture is rooted in the Acadian traditions of French-speaking settlers and puts an emphasis on rural life, folk music, and hearty, flavorful dishes.

The result of all this rich variety? Today, New Orleans stands as a cultural gem. Known as the birthplace of jazz, the city is famous for its live music scene and vibrant festivals and parties like Mardi Gras. Homes and properties in New Orleans showcase a blend of French, Spanish, Creole, and American architecture. The French Quarter is renowned for its charming, wrought-iron balconies, narrow streets, and colonial-era buildings. Nearby, the Garden District showcases elegant antebellum mansions surrounded by lush gardens. This architectural diversity reflects the city’s eclectic past and contributes to its unique, captivating atmosphere.

Featured Stories in New Orleans

Hermann-Grima House room

Hermann-Grima House/Museum, 820 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA

First, a luxurious private residence, then a boarding house for single women, and finally a museum, this Federal-style mansion known as the Hermann-Grima House, in the French Quarter of New Orleans, encapsulates the essence of the 19th century. It’s no wonder that its meticulously...

One of the historic homes in New Orleans, The Presbytère is pictured here on a blue-sky day.

The Presbytère

The Presbytère, also known as The Presbytère houses, were originally funded by a Spanish philanthropist to resemble Louisiana’s Cabildo in 1791. The Cabildo was a Spanish Colonial building used by the local government and remains Louisiana’s most important historical building. While the Presbytère portrayed...

An old drawing of the LaLaurie mansion showss the original state of the historic home.

The LaLaurie Mansion, 1140 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA

A popular tourist destination, the LaLaurie mansion is high on the list of New Orleans’ most haunted houses of all time. If you love the Halloween scaries, horror movies, thrillers of all sorts, and Nicolas Cage, you should definitely spend some time learning about...

One property for house history is Solange Knowles' past home, sold in 2022, she originally purchased it as a creative space for fellow artists. The space was actually a church!

Knowles Creative Space and First Christian Church property in NOLA

Solange Knowles, sister to Beyonce, bought this gorgeous church in New Orleans after stating her plans to turn the space into a home for her arts promotion company. A Church Turned into a Recording Studio Although this space would have been an incredible addition...

HISTORICAL TOURS in new orleans

This city tells some of the most enchanting stories in the entire country. Take a look at some of our favorite New Orleans historical tours below – there is something for everyone!

Historical tour in the city of New Orleans shows an image underneath a bridge of the rich visual culture of New Orleans - the bottoms of the bridge is covered in colorful street art and grafiti.

All Bout Dat Tours/Black Heritage & Jazz

You haven't been to New Orleans if you haven't experienced a tour exploring the history of African and Black culture and its influence on American music. On this tour, visitors get to know Congo Square, Armstrong Park, the Treme, and more legendary haunts where locals turned music into history... and vice versa.

Featuring a lush garden and a historical home featured on the tour of the New Orleans Garden District.

Homes of the Rich & Famous Gardens District Tour in New Orleans

For those who appreciate detailed architecture, manicured lawns, and gorgeous gardens, this is not a tour to miss! On top of the incredible views, you'll hear a few stories about the famous people who have lived within the walls of these breathtaking properties.

Featuring people gathering in the streets of historic downtown New Orleans to tour historical homes and pubs on the haunted pub crawl.

New Orleans Haunted Pub Crawl

Unlike other haunted walking tours in New Orleans, this one invites you to come inside the city's historical properties and listen to the stories they're known for. Plus, delicious drinks and good company are two more experiences New Orleans is known for!

outstanding stays in New orleans

Visitors will be hard-pressed to find more colorful homes than the ones seen in NOLA. In addition to the incredible original architecture of these classical homes, each has a unique feel to it. Stay in one of New Orleans’ atmospheric historical homes to get a deeply authentic experience of the city.

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Watching the River Flow in Historic Holy Cross

This enchanting all-blue apartment is perched right on the curve of the Mississippi River and is only 10 minutes away from the French Quarter and Frenchman Street. It's the perfect place for anyone looking to stay directly in the fray of all that's happening in and around the city center. The apartment itself is made even sweeter with original woodwork and is comfortably equipped with modern amenities.

Another gorgeous historical home in New Orleans to enjoy, this is a great spot for visitors and tourists to stay in the French Quarter.

Historic Algier's Point Treehouse

One of the oldest homes in the neighborhood, this historic Greek Revival-style property sits on the opposite shore of the French Quarter. This home is a great option for young families looking for a safe, quiet area of the city to relax in. The 200+ year-old live oak tree protects the property from the southern heat with year-round shade. The best part? Drinks and dinner on the picturesque treehouse-style deck out back.

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The Magic Cottage - Heart of Uptown New Orleans

Built in 1890, this Victorian Double offers guests a stay in a quiet, safe historic neighborhood. Although this home is a bit further out of the city center, it's a wonderful option for visitors who want to escape the tourism of downtown NOLA and still enjoy the surrounding bars, restaurants, and proximity to the streetcar and zoo. The gorgeous interior is just one more thing that makes this property an obvious choice for visitors.

check out fascinating stories in New orleans

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