New Orleans Real Estate: Homes in the French Quarter

You only have to visit the French Quarter in New Orleans to get a sense of the community spirit among the residents of this part of the city. The residents appear to known each other, and there is a true spirit of neighborliness about the place. This is a thriving community, and commercially strong, with active neighborhood associations putting pressure on their city leaders to provide an increasing number of amenities. Where in other large cities there is a disconnect between generations, not so in the French Quarter, and anybody deciding to move in here will rapidly become part of a ready-made community of people and will not have to spend too much time making new friends.The condos here are large and spacious, although outside of these living space is a bit tight, and New Orleans is not a cheap city in which to live, particularly the French Quarter. However, the community more than makes up for any negatives, and many move here simply because of what it is. So what is it about this part of New Orleans that attracts people? Visually, the French Quarter can be described as unique, provoking a great deal of interest on behalf of the tourists: and that is something that this area is never short of. It was spared most of the damage suffered by other parts of New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina, and completely escaped the flooding. One thing you have to keep in mind is that there is a lot more to the French Quarter than just Bourbon Street, although even that rather tacky area is still somebody's home. In fact you can't walk anywhere in the Quarter without passing somebody's doorstep, which is one reason for the neighborliness around here.The residential areas are more towards Rampart Street and Esplanade Street. In the business areas the apartments are on upper stories above the commercial premises, but in the residential areas it is all homes. The Vieux Carré Commission is doing its best to retain the character and history of this part of New Orleans, and restoration of the old buildings and courtyards is encouraged. Traffic lights are restricted to side-streets, and the street lighting is in the style of the old gaslights. You won't find a large bus here, and the modern department stores have been strictly regulated, helping to maintain the traditional style of shopping in the French Quarter.That is what you get when you decide to buy real estate here. The tradition, the preservation and the friendship of the residents. But what of the housing? You have a wide choice of condos, but there are also more traditional homes available, set in courtyards with fountains and potted flowers. If you have renovation in mind, keep in mind that restoration is the n