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What You Need to Know When You’re Moving to New Orleans

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  • 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.

Relocating to New Orleans

About New Orleans

New Orleans is known for being unlike any other city in the US, both culturally and aesthetically. With its heavy French influences, it has a far less ‘structured’ appearance than some US cities, giving it a great character. Lively and exciting, the city has a fantastic buzz and a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere, making it a great city to settle in.

On moving to New Orleans, expats may find the city is very easy to navigate on foot, and there are also some excellent transportation links to get around town. Expats living in the city will also get the chance to experience its famous Streetcars, which were featured in the Tennessee Williams play A Streetcar Named Desire. Thanks to its mostly flat land, it is also an excellent city for cycling.

New Orleans is famous internationally for its likeable, welcoming and friendly people, who go out of their way to help. There is a great sense of community in the city and residents are more than happy to help newcomers settle in – ask them about their city and for directions and you’re sure to get an enthusiastic and welcoming response.

The Climate in New Orleans

New Orleans is described as having a ‘humid subtropical’ climate involving mild winters, which are relatively short, and particularly hot and humid summer periods. Temperatures can dip over the winter months, although instances of snow and freezing temperatures are rare, with the lowest ever recorded temperature being 6°F (-14°C), way back in 1899. While the summers bring with them the warmest months, they also tend to bring the wettest weather, and the driest days of the year tend to occur during the fall, particularly in October.

One thing that concerns expats moving to New Orleans is the threat of hurricanes, especially after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. It is worth noting, however, that incidents of severe hurricanes are extremely rare, and it is their sensationalism and prevalence in the international media that makes them appear more common than they truly are. Today, the city’s hurricane defenses are better than ever.

Overall, those living in New Orleans can enjoy a warm climate throughout the year, making it a great choice for expats wishing to enjoy a pleasant climate.

Getting to New Orleans

With a number of excellent transport routes, it is not only easy to get around New Orleans itself, but also to travel to other neighboring cities in Louisiana, nearby states, and international destinations.

Louisiana is a relatively small state, especially in comparison to its neighbor, Texas. This means that traveling around the state is easy by bus, car and rail, providing plenty of opportunities for expats moving to New Orleans to explore other parts of Louisiana. Many major roads pass through Louisiana and New Orleans, including the US 61 (which begins in Minnesota and ends in the city), providing a clear cut path to the north of the country. The US 90 (which begins in nearby Florida) also passes through the city, while the US 11 connects New Orleans all the way to the US-Canada border.

New Orleans is home to its own airport; the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport provides travel from the city to a number of destinations, including New York, Los Angeles, Washington, Miami, Cancun in Mexico, Toronto in Canada, and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.

Rail travel is provided by Amtrak and lines go to places such as New York City, Chicago, Orlando and Los Angeles; it is therefore possible to travel to both coasts of the US easily by rail, with many journeys crossing the Mississippi River.

Mar 9, 2024, 1:00 AM
12 attendees
Let's Dublin our fun by kicking off the St Paddy season at the historic Eliza Jane Hotel. A very inviting atmosphere ! A restored 19th Century building with a stylish blend of vintage and modern. Coz
Happy New Year ! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and happy New Year celebration with your family and friends. This month we’re going to start the new year dancing away and having fun at the
Dec 21, 2023, 2:00 AM
19 attendees
It’s Christmas Season! Lets get together and enjoy a beautiful evening at the Sazerac Bar located inside the Roosevelt Hotel. Wear your holidays outfit and enjoy taking picture in the magical hotel l
Nov 17, 2023, 2:00 AM
18 attendees
Please join us for pre - Thanksgiving get together at Sante Fe on beautiful Esplanade Ave. A friendly Southwestern eatery with a Spanish flair. Extensive menu, fresh Margaritas 🍹, great vibe, l

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  • 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.

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