For the times they are a-changin’.

Known for its commercial corridor, the Freret neighborhood has changed dramatically since the 1990s. The area was named after a former mayor, William Freret, and it sits on two former plantation locations. In the 1920s and 30s, the namesake street was filled with open businesses and even had a streetcar. After people flocked to the suburbs of New Orleans and large retailers were putting mom-and-pop shops out of business, Freret declined greatly.

In 2001, the National Trust for Historic Preservation Main Street Program adopted Freret Street, and the City of New Orleans promised $300,000 to help revitalize this commercial corridor. Since then, we have seen this neighborhood become an in-demand location in the city. With its easy access to many different neighborhoods, the street filled with restaurants again, and the monthly Freret Street Market  – the neighborhood is blossoming again. It’s always been a family-oriented section of New Orleans by their own resident’s accounts, but now others are seeing the full potential again. 

When heading to the Freret area now, it’s a hotspot for some of the hippest restaurants and bars! Living in this area means walkability to great food and drinks, but there is also a grocery store nearby. Trader Joe’s will be coming in the next couple of years, too.

House styles range from much larger homes to small shotguns and raised cottages and even some new construction.

Lagniappe: The Freret streetcar line ran from the early 1920s to approximately 1939.