Find the perfect New Orleans apartments for rent and make America's favorite Mardi Gras city your new home. New Orleans still has many Creole traditions today that are vastly different than other American cities. Through the centuries, New Orleans has guarded its culture and way of life, prevailing French language of the city, its dominant Catholicism and its deeply rooted Creole or native population and their traditions. New Orleans is known as America's birthplace of Jazz music, and according to the city's history, New Orleans was the only place in the new world where slaves were allowed to own drums. With collaboration between musicians over the years, jazz was born. You may have to discover this historic music for yourself, but residents of New Orleans apartments will attest that no one does jazz better than New Orleans.

When you begin your search for New Orleans apartments for rent, explore some of the city's most historic and unique neighborhoods before making your selection. Start in the French Quarter, which sits on a crescent in the Mississippi River on some of the highest ground in New Orleans. It's known as the city's cultural hub and also a community where residents take time to reminisce with neighbors about times gone by and to welcome visitors in the streets. Next, head to the Garden District, made up of Uptown and Carrollton as well. This neighborhood is known by locals as a dynamic community grounded in a strong sense of tradition. Some of its homes are still known by the names of the families that built them over a century ago, and official flags designating Mardi Gras Royalty are a common sight here during Carnival season. Finally, head to the Central Business District to take in live musical performances. People come to historic Lafayette Square for free concerts. The Orpheum, home to the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, this area comes to life for nighttime performances that residents of apartments for rent in New Orleans attend after work. Canal Place for shopping and the Aquarium of the Americas have also been added in recent years to bring in crowds.

Consider looking for New Orleans apartments for rent if you want a low cost of living with lots of local amenities and sunny weather. AreaVibes notes that the cost of living in New Orleans is 3.6 percent less than the national average, making it an affordable place to settle down. As for rental rates, beware that they are slightly higher than national numbers, with median rental rates falling at 12.2 percent greater than the national average, according to AreaVibes.

If you're trying to find apartments in New Orleans to start a new career, consider some of the city's top employers, including the U.S. Postal Service, North Oaks Health System, Dow Chemical Co. and Northrop Grumman Ship Systems. New Orleans also has institutes of higher education that meet its top employers list, including Louisiana State University, Tulane University and Loyola University. According to Greater New Orleans Inc. there are currently eight private colleges and universities, three public institutions and two seminaries that serve the Greater New Orleans region. There are also four professional schools that function in the area.