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Holy Cross

Holy Cross

Suburban Neighborhood in New Orleans, Louisiana

Orleans Parish 70117

$217,718 Average Value
$162 Average Price per Sq Ft
32 Homes For Sale

Some changes downriver creating opportunities

Named after a boys' Catholic school, Holy Cross is distinguished from the rest of the Lower Ninth Ward by its landmarks, whether it's the storybook-esque Doullut Steamboat Houses or the museums and historical markers that immortalize the lost lives of residents. In the years following Hurricane Katrina, the community had to rebuild itself practically from the ground up and many residents never returned. Over the years, new homes, services and parks have entered the area, leading to many changes for this historic downriver community. "Now, you have a mixture of people in the community – white, Black Hispanic, Asian – the whole nine," says Realtor Troy Lee of Keller Williams Realty. "Where before you would not have come in contact with someone, now you do. And to me, in my opinion, that's just good for the community in general. It gives everyone an opportunity to grow."

Holy Cross also has its own river walk, great for nice views of the New Orleans skyline.
Holy Cross also has its own river walk, great for nice views of the New Orleans skyline.
The Saint Claude bridge in Holy Cross is a draw bridge for local cargo ships.
The Saint Claude bridge in Holy Cross is a draw bridge for local cargo ships.
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New facilities and wetland hikes

Residents can stay east of the Industrial Canal and still find plenty of places to stay active or enjoy the outdoors. Continuous relief efforts since Katrina have brought in multiple new recreation facilities for locals, including play spots for local children, as well as a new library branch and an indoor recreation center on St. Claude Avenue. Residents can also hike just over a mile north to the end of Tupelo Street to reach a serene hideaway beneath the fragrant bald cypresses at Sankofa Wetland Nature Trail.

Holy Cross has a river walk-like trial great for afternoon strolls along the river.
Holy Cross has a river walk-like trial great for afternoon strolls along the river.
The Sanchez Center in Holy Cross is great for after school activities among Holy Cross students.
The Sanchez Center in Holy Cross is great for after school activities among Holy Cross students.
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Mercedes is a staple in the Holy Cross neighborhood, and it is a favorite bar amongst residents.
Mercedes is a staple in the Holy Cross neighborhood, and it is a favorite bar amongst residents.

Tea time at Mercede's Place

There aren't many options in the way of commercial activity in Holy Cross, but like the rest of the neighborhood, that is slowly changing. "Anytime you've got redevelopment, you have new buildings, new housing, new stores, new restaurants, and all that speaks to the quality of life in that community," Lee says. "After Katrina, you had a lot of grant money, revitalization money, that sort of stuff really stimulated the area." A quick trip to the 9th Ward hotspot of Bywater reveals many buzzing businesses across the Industrial Canal, such as the popular Southern brunch spot Elizabeth's. To the east in Arabi, residents can make trips to a Walmart Supercenter or the St. Bernard Parish Hospital. And for happy hour specials, or a hardy breakfast and morning tea, residents can stay local by hitting up Mercede's Place, a longstanding bar in Holy Cross.

Guerilla Gardens in Holy Cross is a community garden kept by the local residents.
Guerilla Gardens in Holy Cross is a community garden kept by the local residents.

A proud and preserving community

Service is an important aspect of the community fabric. Residents frequently organize with local groups like the Holy Cross Neighborhood Association for events such as food distributions and meetings to discuss local preservation projects. Although the demographics have changed over time, several Black cultural institutions, such as the TEP Center, help preserve the neighborhood's history with frequent events such as "TEP Talks" on anti-racism and Black history in New Orleans.

Gradual development for lower prices

Single-family cottages and bungalows make up most housing options in Holy Cross, although developers have tried to build denser options near the abandoned Holy Cross School in the past. Prices tend to remain very low for New Orleans, with most properties selling for between $125,000 and $550,000. There is ongoing revitalization happening in Holy Cross, "but it's not really that fast," Lee says. "There's a lot more development happening in the Bywater than in the Holy Cross area." Damage from Katrina left behind many homes that have since been renovated, which tend to make up the higher end of the price range. The storm also left behind many empty lots up to a quarter-acre that typically sell for anywhere between $24,000 to $35,000.

Though homes in Holy Cross are close in proximity, they are very spacious inside.
Though homes in Holy Cross are close in proximity, they are very spacious inside.
This home is a blend of Cottage and Colonial Revival architectural styles in Holy Cross.
This home is a blend of Cottage and Colonial Revival architectural styles in Holy Cross.
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Buses cross the Industrial Canal

While Holy Cross does have sidewalks and bike lanes on some streets, the St. Claude Avenue Bridge limits options for leaving the neighborhood. Buses are the main alternative for residents who do not own a car. The reliability of this service has improved over the years. "They've got the city services back there because of the influx of people to the community," Lee says. "When you don't have the people, they don't serve the area."

The Saint Claude bridge in Holy Cross is a draw bridge for local cargo ships.
The Saint Claude bridge in Holy Cross is a draw bridge for local cargo ships.
You will typically find cargo ships in Holy Cross waiting to cross the Saint Claude bridge.
You will typically find cargo ships in Holy Cross waiting to cross the Saint Claude bridge.
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Staying local at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Charter School

Public school students in Holy Cross spend their entire K-12 journey in the neighborhood at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Charter School. K-8 students attend the campus on Claiborne Avenue while high school students head a bit further north to a newly-built campus on Rocheblave Street, and the school provides transportation. The school earns a C-minus rating from Niche and has class sizes well below the national average of 17 students per teacher.

Holy Cross students can start their primary education at MLK elementary.
Holy Cross students can start their primary education at MLK elementary.
Holy Cross students can then head to MLK Charter School for Science Tech High School.
Holy Cross students can then head to MLK Charter School for Science Tech High School.
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Sankofa Wetlands in Holy Cross features a swamp like enviroment.
Sankofa Wetlands in Holy Cross features a swamp like enviroment.

Things to consider

While high water can be an issue in New Orleans even after a small rainspout, Holy Cross is fairly resilient. Most of the neighborhood, except for along St. Claude Avenue, is of high enough elevation that flooding does not occur frequently. Crime is also an issue for some residents, with a CAP Index score one point above the national average of 4. This is mostly due to higher rates of violent crime.

Tom Jakob
Written By
Tom Jakob
Paul Ayala
Photography Contributed By
Paul Ayala
Anthony Pesa
Video By
Anthony Pesa

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Eddie Breaux, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International

30 min drive

Bus

St Claude & Jourdan

Bus

Fats Domino & Royal

Bus

St Maurice & Dauphine

Bus

Fats Domino & Burgundy

Bus

Chartres & Tupelo

Bus

St Maurice & N Rampart

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Holy Cross US
Homicide 7 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 6 4
Robbery 6 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$209,000
Median Single Family Price
$225,000
Median Townhouse Price
$265,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$162
Number of Homes for Sale
32
Last 12 months Home Sales
41
Months of Supply
9.40
Median List Price
$250,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
17%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
1%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
499
Median Year Built
1960
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,571
Below the national average
1,936
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,356

Open Houses

  • Tuesday, Apr 29
    12am - 1:30pm

    4826 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70117

    $434,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,211 Sq Ft
    • 4826 Dauphine St
    • New 17 days ago

    Beautifully renovated home in Holy Cross neighborhood. Open kitchen with waterfall island, stainless steel appliances, modern high end renovation. Back yard made for entertaining a private oasis with hot tub and wet bar (cold water only) bar under patio roof. 12x12 Storage shed with garage door great for storage or hobbies, outdoor shower (hot and cold water) nestled in the bamboo

    BILL TRAPP McEnery Residential, LLC

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  • Saturday, May 3
    10:30am - 12:30pm

    5453 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70117

    $344,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,630 Sq Ft
    • 5453 Chartres St
    • New 2 days ago

    Brand New Historically built home, featuring a transitional design is garanteed to amaze it's new owners. With details showcasing the careful craftsmanship of the reputable builder. This beauty is strategically located in the historic Holy Cross neighborhood. Offering 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and 1 half-bath in 1,630 square feet of living space, this home features beautifully curated hardwood

    KAI LYMON Royale Ruby Realty DBA All About Real Estate LLC

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Eddie Breaux, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
3,447
Median Age
42
Population Density
8 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$41,950
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$53,553

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
87.6%
College Graduates
23.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
13.9%
% Population in Labor Force
56%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
67''
Average Winter Low Temperature
46°F
Average Summer High Temperature
93°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

62 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

34 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

34 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Holy Cross