Contributed by Info Guru Aurora LaJambre

Life in New Orleans is never bland.

This spicy city lives the art of turning up the heat on cuisine, music, business and every other bit of culture that passes through the fingertips.

Places to live in New Orleans are wildly different from one another. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful spot apart from the chaos or longing to be right in the heart of the action, a little poking around proves there’s a place here for anyone who wants to come.

10. Uptown

The Uptown District is one of the more self-contained sections to live, which means you don’t have to go far from home to run errands and enjoy an active social life. Though primarily residential, the neighborhood has a handful of small, welcoming bistros and handcrafted jewelry shops.

9. Bywater

Bywater is the Big Easy’s hipster haven, a magnet for many young transplants. The shotgun homes and Creole cottages are charming choices to call home sweet home. This area borders the river, right where it turns the sharp corner, and has a pleasant, relaxed feel.

8. Treme

Treme sits north of the French Quarter and is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. Creole and African-American culture thrive throughout, but especially here. If it sounds familiar, you may have seen HBO’s series by the same name about the community’s many artists, musicians and personalities and the process of re-building after Hurricane Katrina. The atmosphere here is very positive and community centered.

7. Central Business District

The great thing about the Central Business District is that you really don’t need a car to do any of your errands. From here you can walk to great New Orleans shops or the Superdome for football or live music. Plus it borders the French Quarter, so an unpredictable night out is only a short distance away.

6. Esplanade Ridge

Extending from City Park to the River, Esplanade Ridge is one of the most elegant places to live in New Orleans. Enormous oak and sycamore trees shade the wide boulevards and historic structures. Families can find more affordable white-columned, 19th-century homes here.

5. The Garden District

For a real taste of New Orleans history, take a look at the stunning homes in The Garden District. With front columns and ornate wrought iron fences, these are the kind of old southern homes that still carry the name of original owners. Walking around you get this wonderful mix of old (fountains and canals) and new (the main commercial drag, Magazine Street’s art studios, vintage-inspired home goods and offbeat restaurants).

4. The French Quarter

One of the first areas that come to mind when most of us think of this city is The French Quarter. Visitors flock to the well known landmarks on Bourbon Street and stay for the world class cuisine, entertainment and coffee. Oh, the delicious coffee. Merci beaucoup! But the best part is that this highly walkable neighborhood is among the safest and the living spaces are so very pretty.

3. Algiers Point

Algiers Point has a river town feel with beautiful Victorian homes and it sits across the Mississippi River, opposite The French Quarter. The stunning views and lower rents are a huge draw for students and young professionals. Imagine no-hassle parking and getting to take the ferry to the more bustling parts of New Orleans.

2. Marigny

Live in Marigny and you’ll never tire of walking around the tree lined streets packed with small, colorful homes. The area borders the French Quarter and the Mississippi River, and radiates a strong community atmosphere. Costs are slightly lower here, which is surprising considering all of the artisanal food, venues and other hidden gems.

1. Mid-City

Of all the fun places to live in New Orleans, Mid-City has a distinct neighborhood feel that allows you to see yourself there long term. Bars and restaurants are walkable and the central location makes it easy to catch many festivals and events on the fly. Kayakers get their fix on the local Bayou St. John, or you can join one of the local kickball leagues to help work off all those fine southern sweets.