The Curbed Cup 2015, our third annual award to the New Orleans Neighborhood of the Year, is kicking off with eight 'hoods battling it out for the honor of a prestigious fake trophy and obviously, bragging rights. Voting for each match-up ends 24 hours after it begins. We'll showcase a neighborhood face-off through the week with results and the full tourney bracket reviewed on Friday. Let the eliminations begin!
Today's match-up: Bywater versus the Warehouse District/CBD, the two-time defending champion versus a previously nine-to-five only 'hood that's gotten a jolt.
Bywater. It's our two-time defending champion and while many of its major growth happened in previous years—the influx of several hip restaurants, the opening of Crescent Park and the Rice Mill Lofts—neighborhood development continues, with three high-end residential projects in the works. Although some of the neighborhood's post-Katrina hotspots have changed or closed—the Country Club is no longer clothing optional, and Maurepas Foods closed this year—this "hipster" locale is still where you might find Solange riding her bike.
On the market: This adorable olive green sidehall cottage asking $375K.
Warehouse District/CBD. This previously nine-to-five oriented part of town, where the most interesting thing about it was a cool lunch place you found near your office, has finally found its work-life balance. Spearheaded by the South Market District, the neighborhood has seen a ton of residential development and the opening of a cluster of hip eateries and shops—plus amenities residents actually need, like a CVS and fitness studios. Even before that, Rouses moved into the 'hood, providing the area with an affordable local supermarket. With the nearby Civic Theater and fun restaurants like Johnny Sanchez, the nightlife is pretty hot, too. For a young, well-do-to urbanite, this is the place to be.
On the market: You're mostly going to find loft-style apartments and condos here; this big, airy one on Julia Street asking $897,000 is eye candy.
And this winner of yesterday's bout: Central City!
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