Neighborhood: Mid-City

Neighborhood Overview

Mid-City, as its name suggests, occupies a central location in New Orleans, bounded by Broad Street, City Park Avenue, the Pontchartrain Expressway, and Orleans Avenue. This position at the crossroads of the city has shaped its development as a diverse, mixed-use neighborhood with rich cultural traditions and increasing development pressure. Heavily flooded during Hurricane Katrina with 3-8 feet of water throughout most areas, Mid-City has experienced dramatic physical, economic, and demographic changes during its recovery, creating both opportunities and tensions.

Quick Facts

• Population: Approximately 14,000 residents (returned to about 90% of pre-Katrina levels)
• Demographics: Increasingly diverse population (approximately 45% white, 40% African American, 10% Latino, 5% other groups) with significant demographic shifts post-Katrina
• Housing: Mix of historic doubles, single-family homes, small apartment buildings, and new multi-family developments
• Historic Significance: Home to historic Canal Street streetcar line, site of significant Creole and multicultural heritage, location of the annual Bayou Boogaloo festival, and center of significant post-Katrina redevelopment

Free Spaces

City Park

1 Palm Dr., New Orleans, LA 70124
One of the largest urban parks in the U.S., City Park borders Mid-City and offers 1,300 acres of green space, walking paths, centuries-old oaks, and free access to the Peristyle, Big Lake, and the Singing Oak. A must-visit for locals and travelers alike.

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Lafitte Greenway

Entrance at Jefferson Davis Pkwy. & Lafitte Ave.
A 2.6-mile landscaped trail connecting Mid-City to downtown, featuring public art, gardens, and rainwater management projects. Great for walking, jogging, or biking through the city’s “green spine.”

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Bayou St. John Walking Paths

Moss St. between Esplanade Ave. & Lafitte Ave.
While technically bordering Bayou St. John, this stretch is part of the Mid-City lifestyle — a peaceful spot for picnics, kayaking views, and sunset strolls along the waterway.

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Banks Street Corridor Murals

Banks St. between Carrollton Ave. & Broad St.
This vibrant stretch of Mid-City features community-painted murals, colorful façades, and plenty of local charm. It’s a self-guided outdoor art walk showcasing the area’s creative pulse.

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Norman Playground

2700 S. Lopez St., New Orleans, LA 70119
A quiet, family-friendly park with open fields, basketball courts, and shaded benches. Locals use it for gatherings and exercise — a great place to unwind after exploring the Greenway or nearby restaurants.