Between the Fairgrounds and the Marigny, you’ll find the Seventh Ward neighborhood in New Orleans. It’s long been a working-class neighborhood and while it may not have the same sexy reputation as Treme, which is right next door, that’s only because it didn’t get a television show named after it. What the Seventh Ward can definitely boast about, though, is that it’s the home of St. Augustine High School. If you’re new to the city, you’ll quickly learn about the Marching 100 – it doesn’t matter what part of town you’re from, everyone loves this band!
The tree-lined streets are filled with narrow lots that contain a mix of new(er) construction and homes that are over 100 years old. Camelbacks, raised Creole cottages, shotguns…you’ll find every bit of the traditional architecture that you think of when you think New Orleans.
If beige is your favorite hue, this may not be the neighborhood for you. Plenty of homeowners here have chosen some of the most vibrant and Caribbean influenced house colors around.
What residents say about the Seventh Ward
We spoke to our friend Megan Braden-Perry, a lifelong Seventh Ward resident and author of Crescent City Snow: The Ultimate Guide to New Orleans Snowballs, and here’s what she had to say:
I love the old architecture: the box steps, shutters, gingerbread and lots of doubles. Pretty trees that often make canopies from one side of the street to the other. Lots of places to get really good food, like seafood and gumbo. And you’re just 15 minutes from everywhere! Gentilly, Metairie, Uptown, the East, the West Bank, and Arabi are all a quick ride.
Seventh Ward Picks
- Mid City Seafood – great po-boys
- McHardy’s Chicken & Fixin’ – old school soul food classic
- Buttermilk Drop Bakery
