Why I’ve Lived in New Orleans the Longest as a Digital Nomad
Ahh, the Big Easy. I’ve been a digital nomad for over 3 years now, and I’ve been in New Orleans for the last year plus. If you’re looking for a lively, warm-weather spot in the U.S. to stay awhile, you might want to call Nola home. Here’s why I’ve stayed so long.
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The Weather
New Orleans for the weather, say whaaat? Yeah, hurricanes happen, and summers are scorching hot with humidity that will make you feel like you’re suffocating. But the winters are warm, and after living in Minnesota for 12 years and traveling with a now 14-year-old dog, it’s worth the trade off for the warm winters. I haven’t done a “real” winter in so long, I don’t know if my bones could take it at this point.
The People
People are friendly here. I find that the further south you get in the U.S., the friendlier the people are. Talking to strangers is definitely a thing here (which, to be honest, I have kind of a love/hate thing with). Whatever activity you’re interested in, just go do it, and you’re bound to make friends. I’ve made friends at parades and events here, and honestly, you could probably make a friend in the check-out line at a grocery store. And when I’m out and about, I’ll often overhear conversations between other people who have obviously just met. It’s kind of crazy!
The Culture
Culture, culture, culture. It’s everywhere. From the jazz you hear on the streets to Congo Square to all the old, allegedly haunted buildings, New Orleans has culture and personality unlike any other city. None of that watered-down, corporatey mess here.
The Fun
So many festivals, parades, and other things going on. I originally came to New Orleans for Mardi Gras solo but have since been to countless parades and festivals.’
Also, bonus: post-holiday blues isn’t a thing here. As soon as Christmas ends, Mardi Gras season begins!
The Food
Let’s be real, New Orleans has some of the best food in the world. The main staple is Creole food–think gumbo, etouffees, and red beans and rice. But really, everything is exceptionally good here, even food you wouldn’t expect to be better than any other place, like Indian and Vietnamese food, for instance.
Where to Work in New Orleans as a Digital Nomad
I’m a big fan of working at home about 95% of the time and occasionally venturing out to a different environment when I need a change of scenery. Here are a few of my favorite spots to work:
Coffee Shops
There are so many great coffee shops – it depends on what kind of vibe you’re looking for and in which neighborhood. Oh, and they put chicory in their coffee here. It’s delicious.
Trumpet and Drum 3642 Magazine St This spot is cozy with great coffee, decor, and cinnamon rolls.
French Truck Multiple locations Any time you see a French Truck, it’s always a good idea to stop in. Try the Nola Iced Coffee–it’s so good, and I don’t even go for iced coffee most of the time. This is probably my favorite coffee shop overall in the city.
Mojo 4700 Freret St Great uptown spot, and the coffee is consistently good. Plus Shut Up and Write meets here each week!
Envie 1241 Decatur St Staying in the French Quarter? Here’s your spot. All the standard coffee shop fare here, plus a full bar and lunch food options!
Sacred Grinds 5055 Canal St, This place is a vibe for sure. It’s right by a cemetery, and you can enjoy views while you sip and work.
Treme Coffee House 1501 St Philip St New Orleans, LA 70116 This place has some of the best coffee I’ve ever had, plus they have sno-balls!
Coworking Spaces
Nomad in Algiers. You can get a monthly pass or a punch card if you’re like me and only get out to work every now and then.
Common House. This isn’t just a coworking space–it’s more of a club with working space. It has a bar, a rooftop pool, a gym, plenty of space to work, plus planned events. If you’re looking for a “third place” or want to make friends while you work, this is the spot.
Hotel Lobbies
Plenty to choose from, especially downtown! Hotel Monteleone is a good spot–everyone’s too busy enjoying the Carousel Bar, and no one will notice you hanging out in the lobby working. If you’re in Uptown, try Marsh Hotel, an underrated spot with a cute outdoor area, plus coffee shop and bar (my favorite combo).
Negatives of Being a Digital Nomad in New Orleans
Being a digital nomad does come with its downsides, like anything else. Here are some in New Orleans:
Hot summers and hurricanes. I know I said the weather was a plus earlier, but I have to mention the hurricanes and the hot summers. You may have to evacuate if a hurricane hits, and summers can be so hot and muggy you feel like you can’t breathe. Plus, it floods often–New Orleans is below sea level after all.
Infrastructure. Hello, potholes. I thought the North had bad roads, but they’re nothing compared to the ones here. The roads can be so wavy that it feels like you’re on a roller coaster with potholes half the size of your car that never get repaired.
Crime. I’ve never felt unsafe, personally, but you can’t deny the fact that crime rates are high..
Cost of Being a Digital Nomad in New Orleans
While it’s not exactly cheap to live here, for a major metropolitan area, it’s not that bad. For homeowners, insurance rates can be outrageous, but hey, you’re a digital nomad and you won’t have to worry about that!
I would say I live a pretty mid-range lifestyle here. I drive a paid-off car and tend to go for the most budget-friendly apartments that are in the fun neighborhoods. I don’t always have fancy niceties like off-street parking, but I don’t live with roommates either. So let’s get to it.
Rent
Like anywhere else, rent is the biggest expense. If you want to be in walkable neighborhoods like the Marigny, Bywater, or Uptown, expect to pay $1,600–$2,200 for a furnished one-bedroom apartment (that usually includes utilities too). Go a little farther out, and you can find something a little cheaper, but you’ll trade convenience for that savings, and you’ll have to drive to most places or spend more on Ubers.
Food
New Orleans has some of the best food in the world, but for most of us, eating out every day is just not sustainable. The temptation is real, though, because everything is so delicious. You’ll want to set a food budget so you don’t go overboard.
For groceries, I love Aldi, and honestly, you’re probably not going to find much better of a deal. The local chain here is Rouse’s, and we have exactly one Trader Joe’s, so when you want a little something different, those are options.
Fun
Here’s the thing about New Orleans: you don’t have to spend much to enjoy it. You can catch free live music and parades without spending a dime. But if you love festivals (and who doesn’t?), keep a little “fun money” aside–$100-$300+/month.
Average Monthly Budget for Digital Nomads in New Orleans
(based on a mid-range, solo lifestyle in 2025)
Rent (1BR apartment): $1,600–$2,200
Coffee shops & coworking: $100–$300
Groceries & eating out: $500–$700
Transportation: $100–$300
Entertainment & festivals: $100–$300
Phone: ~$150
Estimated total: $2,550 – $3,950/month
Plus any extra expenses, like vet and food bills if you’re traveling with a pet. So yeah, it’s kind of pricey, but it’s no NYC or LA.
FAQ: Being a Digital Nomad in New Orleans
Is New Orleans Dog-Friendly?
Yes! A lot of the shops have water bowls outside for dogs and allow them to come in with you. Plus, we have nice parks, like City Park, Audubon Park, and Crescent Park.
How do you get around in New Orleans?
If you live in a walkable neighborhood, and I recommend that you do, you won’t have to drive much. You can walk, Uber/Lyft, or take the streetcar if it’s convenient.
Driving here can be a pain because of the constant construction, potholes, and “Louisiana lefts,” which means that the thing you want to get to is on the other side of what the rest of the world calls a “median,” and New Orleanians call “neutral ground.” And so many of the streets have neutral grounds. I still haven’t gotten used to U-Turns being part of my everyday driving. I would almost rather drive in Manhattan.
So yeah, long-winded way of saying walk everywhere you can, or at least avoid driving if possible.
Is New Orleans Safe to Live in for Digital Nomads?
I would say yes. I’ve never felt unsafe personally, despite high crime statistics. Keep your head on a swivel, don’t overdo it on the alcohol, and avoid desolate streets at night.
Final Thoughts on Being a Digital Nomad in New Orleans
Few big cities have personality like New Orleans does, and that alone makes it worth living in despite its problems. Will I live here forever? I don’t know. But I”m enjoying it for now!
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