In New Orleans, your ward isn’t just where you live—it’s part of who you are. Whether it’s repped in a second line chant, tattooed across your arm, or shouted out in a bounce track, the city’s 17 wards carry serious weight.
Originally created as voting districts in the 1800s, the wards have evolved into markers of identity, pride, struggle, and culture. From the 3rd Ward’s hip-hop royalty to the Lower 9th’s resilience, each ward holds a story worth telling—and reppin’.
Here’s your guide to all 17 wards of New Orleans, what makes them unique, and some of the artists and icons who helped put them on the map.
1st Ward
Overview:
Established in 1852, the 1st Ward is one of New Orleans’ oldest districts, encompassing parts of the Central Business District and the historic French Quarter. Its boundaries are defined by Canal Street to the north, the Mississippi River to the south, and stretch from the riverfront to Rampart Street.
Neighborhoods:
• French Quarter: Known for its vibrant nightlife, historic architecture, and as the birthplace of jazz.
• Central Business District (CBD): The city’s commercial hub, featuring skyscrapers, hotels, and cultural institutions.
Cultural Highlights:
The 1st Ward is home to iconic landmarks such as Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and the bustling Bourbon Street. It’s a melting pot of cultures, reflecting the city’s French, Spanish, and Creole heritage.
Notable Figures:
• Louis Armstrong: While born in the 3rd Ward, Armstrong’s early performances in the 1st Ward’s French Quarter helped catapult him to fame.
2nd Ward
Overview:
Adjacent to the 1st Ward, the 2nd Ward also dates back to 1852. It encompasses parts of the Central City neighborhood and stretches towards the Mississippi River, bordered by Canal Street and Felicity Street.
Neighborhoods:
• Central City: A historic area known for its role in the civil rights movement and vibrant cultural scene.
Cultural Highlights:
Central City hosts the annual Mardi Gras Indians’ Super Sunday, a vibrant display of African-American culture and tradition.
Notable Figures:
• Buddy Bolden: Often regarded as the first jazz musician, Bolden’s influence permeated the early 20th-century music scene in areas like Central City.
3rd Ward
Overview:
The 3rd Ward is a culturally rich area that has significantly influenced New Orleans’ musical and social landscape. Its boundaries include parts of Uptown and the Garden District, stretching from the Mississippi River to Broad Street.
Neighborhoods:
• Treme: Recognized as the oldest African-American neighborhood in the U.S., renowned for its jazz heritage.
• Garden District: Known for its well-preserved antebellum mansions and oak-lined streets.
Cultural Highlights:
The 3rd Ward is home to the historic Congo Square, where enslaved Africans gathered to play music and dance, laying the foundation for jazz.
Notable Figures:
• Louis Armstrong: Born and raised in the 3rd Ward, Armstrong became an international jazz icon.
• Juvenile: A prominent rapper who has frequently referenced his 3rd Ward roots in his music.
4th Ward
Overview:
The 4th Ward encompasses parts of the Treme and Mid-City neighborhoods, bordered by Esplanade Avenue, Broad Street, and the Mississippi River.
Neighborhoods:
• Treme: A neighborhood steeped in African-American and Creole culture.
• Mid-City: Known for its diverse communities and the famous Canal Street.
Cultural Highlights:
The 4th Ward is home to Armstrong Park and the Mahalia Jackson Theater, celebrating the area’s musical heritage.
Notable Figures:
• Mahalia Jackson: The renowned gospel singer performed frequently in the 4th Ward.
5th Ward
Overview:
Established in the mid-19th century, the 5th Ward includes parts of the Bywater and Marigny neighborhoods, located downriver from the French Quarter.
Neighborhoods:
• Bywater: An artsy enclave known for its colorful Creole cottages and bohemian vibe.
• Marigny: Famous for Frenchmen Street, a hub for live music and nightlife.
Cultural Highlights:
The 5th Ward boasts a thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries, music venues, and the annual Bywater Mirliton Festival celebrating local culture.
Notable Figures:
• James Booker: The legendary pianist was a frequent performer in the Marigny.
6th Ward
Overview:
The 6th Ward is synonymous with the Treme neighborhood, bordered by Esplanade Avenue, North Rampart Street, and St. Bernard Avenue.
Neighborhoods:
• Treme: Celebrated for its rich African-American heritage and as a cradle of jazz.
Cultural Highlights:
Home to the historic St. Augustine Church and the Backstreet Cultural Museum, the 6th Ward is central to New Orleans’ cultural identity.
Notable Figures:
• Kermit Ruffins: A jazz trumpeter and co-founder of the Rebirth Brass Band, Ruffins is a Treme native.
7th Ward
Overview:
The 7th Ward is a historically significant area known for its Creole heritage, bounded by Esplanade Avenue, North Broad Street, Elysian Fields Avenue, and the Mississippi River.
Neighborhoods:
• 7th Ward: A tight-knit community with a rich cultural and architectural legacy.
Cultural Highlights:
The ward is renowned for its Creole-style architecture and as a center for skilled craftsmen, particularly in carpentry and masonry.
Notable Figures:
• Big Freedia: The Queen of Bounce hails from the 7th Ward and continues to put it on the map through her music and public presence.
• Leah Chase: The legendary chef behind Dooky Chase’s Restaurant was a proud resident, and her restaurant served as both a culinary and civil rights landmark.
8th Ward
Overview:
The 8th Ward is a largely residential district located between the 7th and 9th wards, stretching from Elysian Fields Avenue to the Industrial Canal, and from the river to Lake Pontchartrain. It includes parts of Gentilly and the lakefront areas.
Neighborhoods:
• Gentilly: Known for its bungalow homes, community spirit, and historically Black colleges and universities like Dillard University.
Cultural Highlights:
The 8th Ward blends lakefront calm with deep neighborhood roots. It’s the site of iconic churches, schools, and a strong tradition of family-owned businesses.
Notable Figures:
• Sidney Bechet: The jazz saxophone pioneer lived and played in the area during his early years.
9th Ward
Overview:
Perhaps the most internationally recognized ward, the 9th Ward is divided into the Upper 9th Ward and the Lower 9th Ward, separated by the Industrial Canal. This area was heavily impacted by Hurricane Katrina and remains a symbol of both devastation and resilience.
Neighborhoods:
• Lower 9th Ward: A historic working-class neighborhood that suffered catastrophic flooding in 2005.
• Bywater (Upper 9): An arts-driven district that has seen a rise in galleries, cafés, and renovated homes.
Cultural Highlights:
The 9th Ward has birthed legendary musicians and inspired artists and activists worldwide. It continues to be a center of grassroots organizing, rebuilding, and cultural pride.
Notable Figures:
• Fats Domino: The rock ‘n’ roll pioneer was born and lived in the Lower 9th Ward.
• Mia X: The “Mother of Southern Rap” and the first female rapper signed to No Limit Records, repping the 9th Ward with pride.
10th Ward
Overview:
This ward covers parts of the Irish Channel and sections of Uptown. It’s bordered by Magazine Street, Napoleon Avenue, and the Mississippi River.
Neighborhoods:
• Irish Channel: Known for its working-class roots, vibrant St. Patrick’s Day parades, and tight-knit blocks.
• Lower Garden District: A mix of historic homes and boutique-style commercial growth.
Cultural Highlights:
The 10th Ward represents a rich mix of cultural traditions, including German, Irish, and African American legacies. It’s also home to Mardi Gras Indian tribes and second-line groups.
Notable Figures:
• While not widely promoted through celebrities, the ward is known for its grassroots Mardi Gras organizations and social aid and pleasure clubs.
11th Ward
Overview:
A smaller ward that runs between Napoleon and Jefferson Avenues, from St. Charles Avenue to the river. It includes parts of Uptown and some sections of Magazine Street.
Neighborhoods:
• Uptown Residential Corridor: Primarily residential, with local shops, schools, and historic churches.
Cultural Highlights:
It’s less commercial than neighboring wards, but valued for its historic homes and strong neighborhood identity.
Notable Figures:
While not tied to major celebrities, the ward is known for its contributions to parish life, education, and preservation of Uptown architecture.
12th Ward
Overview:
Encompassing much of Broadmoor, parts of Uptown, and the Milan neighborhood, the 12th Ward stretches from Napoleon Avenue toward Washington Avenue.
Neighborhoods:
• Broadmoor: A diverse and historically underserved neighborhood that has undergone significant post-Katrina recovery efforts.
• Milan: A residential area rich in community culture.
Cultural Highlights:
Broadmoor is a symbol of grassroots recovery and education reform. It’s also home to churches, parks, and a renewed emphasis on literacy and resilience.
Notable Figures:
The ward has strong ties to local educators, faith leaders, and community organizers who led post-Katrina rebuilding initiatives.
13th Ward
Overview:
Includes the Freret Street corridor, which has seen one of the most significant revitalizations in the city post-Katrina, along with parts of the Uptown and Milan areas.
Neighborhoods:
• Freret: A growing commercial and cultural hub with restaurants, music venues, and the annual Freret Street Festival.
Cultural Highlights:
The 13th Ward is a beacon of what community-led development can look like—mixing local business growth with cultural preservation.
Notable Figures:
• Solange Knowles: Though originally from Houston, she lived in the 13th Ward for years and highlighted it in her music and arts initiatives.
14th Ward
Overview:
Spanning parts of Carrollton, Uptown, and including Audubon Park, the 14th Ward is leafy, residential, and full of cultural institutions.
Neighborhoods:
• Carrollton: Known for the streetcar line, oak-lined streets, and neighborhood charm.
• Audubon: Home to Audubon Park, Zoo, and the golf course.
Cultural Highlights:
The 14th is home to Tulane University and Loyola University, and is a hub for student life, green spaces, and higher learning.
Notable Figures:
Many university leaders, academics, and local politicians call this ward home.
15th Ward
Overview:
Located entirely on the West Bank of the Mississippi River, the 15th Ward is Algiers—a distinct, historic part of New Orleans that predates the Louisiana Purchase.
Neighborhoods:
• Algiers Point: One of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, known for its walkable streets, ferry access, and Victorian homes.
• Old Algiers & Behrman: Historic, deeply rooted communities.
Cultural Highlights:
Algiers maintains a small-town feel with deep traditions in music and education. It’s home to the NOMMA military academy and Behrman Stadium.
Notable Figures:
• D.J. Jubilee: The “King of Bounce” is often associated with the West Bank music scene.
16th Ward
Overview:
Includes parts of Hollygrove, Leonidas, and Carrollton. This is a residential ward with blue-collar roots, deep community ties, and strong New Orleans identity.
Neighborhoods:
• Hollygrove: Once known for crime and blight, now known for resilience, revitalization, and musical history.
Cultural Highlights:
Hollygrove has gained recognition for its grassroots transformation and as the hometown of major cultural icons.
Notable Figures:
• Lil Wayne: One of the most globally recognized rappers, Lil Wayne often references his Hollygrove upbringing and the 16th Ward in his music.
17th Ward
Overview:
This ward includes parts of Hollygrove, Gert Town, and sections of Carrollton. It overlaps areas deeply affected by economic disinvestment but full of cultural richness.
Neighborhoods:
• Gert Town: Home to music, education (Xavier University), and local organizing.
• Hollygrove (north of Palmetto): Known for its spiritual centers and tight-knit blocks.
Cultural Highlights:
The 17th Ward has contributed heavily to New Orleans’ bounce music, second line traditions, and modern street culture.
Notable Figures:
• Numerous brass band and bounce artists trace their roots to this ward, even if they’ve not reached mainstream fame like their 16th Ward neighbors.
To know New Orleans is to know its wards. These 17 districts are more than voting lines or geographic markers—they’re living, breathing reflections of the people who built this city and continue to shape it. Whether you’re reppin’ the 3rd, walking the levees in the 9th, or raising your kids in the 14th, your ward carries a legacy.
So we ask again, and this time with a little more weight behind it:
What ward are you reppin’?
