If you’re looking for some slow-paced small towns near New Orleans where life is still simple, here are some of the most special towns near NOLA for you to explore. From hosting great local festivals to offering interesting historical architecture, these small towns really pack a punch. We’re pretty sure that if you’re anything like us, you’ll never want to leave – and we don’t blame you. Check these little towns out ASAP:

1) Ponchatoula
Ponchatoula, LA, USA
Wikipedia / wikicommons / Terin Barrios
This adorable and sweet small town outside of New Orleans has some amazing historic architecture and is home to the annual Louisiana Strawberry Festival.
2) Belle Chasse
Belle Chasse, LA, USA
Wikicommons / Infrogmation
Belle Chasse, outside of New Orleans, offers some of the best citrus farms near NOLA as well as the greatest seafood!
3) Thibodaux
Thibodaux, LA 70301, USA
Wikicommons / ian munroe
The fascinating history of this small town near New Orleans gives you a peek into the past of Louisiana.
4) Gonzales
Gonzales, LA 70737, USA
Facebook.com / City of Gonzales, Louisiana 70737
On the way to Baton Rouge on I-10, you'll discover this sweet town near where Zapp's chips are processed and home to the annual Jambalaya Festival that grows bigger each year.
5) Kentwood
Kentwood, LA 70444, USA
Wikicommons / Richard David Ramsey
There's so much to enjoy and see in Kentwood that has one big claim to fame - it's the hometown of Britney Spears! You can explore her career and history at the museum in the town.
6) Prairieville
Prairieville, LA 70769, USA
panoramio.com
There's a lot of beauty and history to explore in this town that offers visitors a chance to tap into small town life in Louisiana.
7) Abita Springs
Abita Springs, LA, USA
Wikicommons/ infrogmation
This amazing northshore town gives everyone who visits the opportunity to explore their unique parks and museums. Abita Springs is somewhere you'll never want to leave!

How many of these small towns near New Orleans have you experienced? Let us know what your favorites are, and most importantly, where do you like to eat? Let us know in the comments; we love to hear from you!

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More to Explore

Small Towns Near New Orleans

Tori Jane | September 16, 2022

What are some beautiful, safe towns near New Orleans?  

New Orleans is a lovely city filled with rich history and lots of stories; its suburbs, of course, tend to be as delightful as it is, and there are lots of small towns near New Orleans that are both lovely and safe. Eunice is an excellent starting point, as it has the distinction of being the home of the Courir de Mardi Gras tradition. About an hour away from the city is the town of Ponchatoula, which is famous for hosting the annual Louisiana Strawberry Festival and is as visually beautiful as it is peaceful and historic.  

What are the cutest small towns near New Orleans?  

The list goes on, of course, and there are many options when it comes to small towns near New Orleans. Albita Springs is less than an hour’s drive away from the city, and there are plenty of fun, offbeat attractions in Louisiana packed into this little town all at once, making it fun and worth visiting. Only an hour and a half away from the magical city of New Orleans is the adorable town of Biloxi, a fun ocean town that has casinos, plantations, and plenty of museums.  

What neighborhoods in New Orleans are the best?  

New Orleans is an old city that, like any other metropolitan area, has its fair share of safer neighborhoods and more dangerous ones. As of the time of this writing, the safest neighborhood in New Orleans is Lake Shore/Lake Vista, with a population of under 3,000 and just 176 violent crimes for every 100,000 residents. Another safe neighborhood is Audubon, which is larger than Lake Shore/Lake Vista with 18,000 residents and just 269 violent crimes per 100,000. Other neighborhoods in the top safest places in New Orleans list include West End, Village De’Lest, Lakewood, Algiers Point, and Lakeview.  

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