Neighborhood Overview
St. Roch, nestled between the Marigny, Bywater, and the 7th Ward, represents a complex tapestry of New Orleans history, culture, and contemporary urban change. Named after the patron saint invoked during a yellow fever epidemic in the 1800s, this historic neighborhood developed primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a working-class area with strong Creole influences. Bounded by Franklin Avenue, North Claiborne Avenue, St. Claude Avenue, and Florida Avenue/I-10, St. Roch has experienced both significant challenges and promising revitalization in recent decades. Its proximity to rapidly changing neighborhoods has placed it at the crossroads of preservation, gentrification, and community-centered development approaches.
Quick Facts
- Population: Approximately 6,300 residents (about 75% of pre-Katrina population)
- Demographics: Predominantly African American (75%), with increasing diversity in recent years
- Housing: Mix of shotgun homes, Creole cottages, doubles, and new construction
- Historic Significance: Home to the St. Roch Market (established 1875), the St. Roch Chapel and Cemetery with its unique ex-voto offerings, significant musical heritage, and site of notable post-Katrina community organizing
Free Spaces
St. Roch Market & Courtyard
2381 St. Claude Ave., New Orleans, LA 70117
Originally built in 1875, the beautifully restored St. Roch Market is a public gathering place where visitors can admire the architecture, enjoy outdoor seating, and experience a key piece of neighborhood history. The exterior courtyard and front portico are freely open to the public.
St. Roch Chapel & Cemetery
1725 St. Roch Ave., New Orleans, LA 70117
Founded in the 1870s, this sacred site features unique ex-voto offerings — tokens left by those healed through prayer. Free to visit during daylight hours, it’s one of New Orleans’ most spiritual and historic cemeteries.
St. Roch Avenue Murals & Cultural Corridor
Along St. Roch Ave. between N. Claiborne & St. Claude
This stretch of street features vibrant murals and public art reflecting the neighborhood’s heritage, faith, and jazz traditions. It’s ideal for a self-guided art walk or photography outing.
Hardin Playground & Park
2500 St. Ann St., New Orleans, LA 70119
A welcoming community park with open fields, a basketball court, and shaded picnic areas. Local families gather here year-round, and it’s a great place to unwind outdoors.
St. Roch Cultural Center (Exterior Art & Courtyard)
1738 St. Roch Ave., New Orleans, LA 70117
This restored community center offers free public access to its outdoor murals, courtyard installations, and community garden. It often serves as a hub for free neighborhood events and art workshops.
Leave a comment
All comments are moderated before being published.
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.