Tulane-Gravier - New Orleans, LA

In the early 1700s, settlers from the Order of Jesuits arrived to the area that is now Tulane-Gravier. France expelled them in 1763 after dissolving their order and sold the land at auction. Several different individuals owned the land during that time, including brothers Bertrand and Jean Gravier. In 1806, a portion of the land was granted to the Marquis de Lafayette.

One of the neighborhood's landmarks is the Deutsches Haus. Established in 1928, this organization dates back to 1848. It was established to help German immigrants moving to New Orleans. It has grown into a rich cultural center complete with festivals like Oktoberfest and Volksfest.

St. Joseph Church is another landmark. This large church opened in 1892 after it took 27 years to build. This church can hold up to 1,600 people and is one of the largest churches in New Orleans.

Several restaurants are scattered through the neighborhood, with a wide selection along Tulane Avenue. Avery's on Tulane is the place to go for po-boys, seafood gumbo, catfish, and shrimp. For breakfast, you'll want to go to Anita's Restaurant.

Pho Tau Bay Restaurant serves Vietnamese cuisine that even local celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse loves. Pho Tau Bay dates back to the 1960s and is family owned and operated. Or, if you would like a grilled cheese and some soup, head to the Big Cheezy. Of course, this isn't your typical grilled cheese -- try the Crazy Old Goat (goat cheese and Monterey Jack), the Turkey Presto with smoked turkey, or the Crawgator with alligator and crawfish.

Tulane-Gravier is adjacent to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. New Orleans is passionate about their Saints -- get in on the fun and the tailgating on game night, when football takes over the "Who Dat" nation. Even if you don't attend the game, be sure to head to Champions Square, which is an outdoor plaza connected to the Superdome. This square hosts special events and festivals, including live musical performances. If you prefer basketball, the New Orleans Pelicans play next door at the Smoothie King Center. This venue also hosts special events and concerts, including R. Kelly and Def Leppard.

With a streetcar running directly through the center of the neighborhood, getting around Tulane-Gravier is very easy. This is a pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of sidewalks, and it's just a short distance to the streetcar, which takes you to the French Quarter or to the ferry, which crosses the Mississippi River to Algiers Point.

Bus stops are everywhere in Tulane-Gravier, so living car-free is very possible once you move here. If you do want to drive, I-10 extends along the neighborhood's southern and western border. Tulane Avenue runs through the neighborhood, as well.

The Laffite Greenway is a linear park with a 2.6-mile, multi-use trail. The park connects the French Quarter to Bayou St. John, and the park runs along the east side of Tulane-Gravier. In addition to the hiking and biking trail, the park has open green space ideal for picnics. The Greenway follows the route of the historic Carondelet Canal, which was constructed in 1794 and ordered by Louisiana's governor at the time, Baron Carondelet. It was in use up until the early 20th century, but in the late 1920s it was too narrow to accommodate the larger ships, and it was filled in in 1938.

While not a park, the Saint Louis Cemetery is located on the south end of the neighborhood. While you can't visit the cemetery without a guide, it is well worth taking the tour of this historic location. The cemetery dates back to the original French Quarter settlement and is filled with above-ground vaults, many dating back to the 1700s. Marie Laveau -- the famous voodoo priestess who died in 1881 at the age of 86 -- is buried in the cemetery.

Even though Tulane-Gravier is just two miles from the French Quarter, it is worlds away in terms of price. You can rent an apartment in Tulane-Gravier for less than $600; the average for New Orleans is $760, while the French Quarter costs about $1,000. And with a streetcar that will whisk you to the French Quarter in minutes, Tulane-Gravier is a fantastic option for living near the nightlife and excitement but for a much cheaper price tag.

Tulane-Gravier is definitely a live-work-play community. It is home to LSU Medical Center, Grainger Industrial Supply, DS waters of America, the New Orleans Municipal Court, and other employers.

While there are a few specialty shops scattered throughout Tulane-Gravier, many residents head to the French Quarter to go shopping. The boutiques, galleries, antique stores, and gift shops that line the streets provide endless entertainment -- not to mention the sidewalk cafes and bakeries.

Head to the Shops at Canal Place to find Saks Fifth Avenue, J. Crew, Michael Kors, the French Connection, Tiffany's, and more. Since 1791, the French Market has attracted shoppers. This historic destination is the oldest continually-operating market in the US. The original market was located where the Cafe du Monde is today, and the market is part of the Louisiana African American Heritage Trail. In addition to the boutiques, antique stores, and galleries in the market, you'll find a daily flea market and a bi-weekly farmer's market. On weekends, the market features free events and live music.