Louisiana: New Orleans historic areas

Score: 47

"Most areas that tourists see—the French Quarter, the Garden District, Faubourg Marigny, etc.—are intact, and as appealing or appalling (depending on one's point of view and mood) as they were before Hurricane Katrina. Vast areas of the 'unseen' city, however, remain severely deteriorated and/or completely abandoned. These areas will never be the same—and that's a tragedy on many levels."

"The long and painfully slow climb back from Hurricane Katrina depresses the city's scores on all criteria. It continues to be a place like no other, though."

"The French Quarter suffers from inundation of the tourist kind. The amount of 'kitsch' hawked in what seems like every storefront significantly robs the area of dignity."

"Poor, predominantly black neighborhoods are clearly not benefiting from the tourism."

"New Orleans is touristy if you act like a tourist. If you're willing to look beyond the superficial, you'll find wonderful historic buildings, an active community of preservationists, and a fascinating history."

"The range is broad, from deeply historical to commercially seedy."

"A transient population, riotous entertainment, and a certain level of abandon are part of the city's history and identity, so the tourist-trap French Quarter doesn't feel inauthentic or inappropriate. It's not for everyone, but as tourism management goes, much of the wilder, sillier stuff is really confined and doesn't affect the rest of the city's beauty, significance, and livability."

"Preservation is tough in this climate, with termites and molds. Made worse by poor flood control."

"New Orleans's cultural mix, music, and wonderful historic buildings in the Vieux Carré, Charles Street area, and Garden District are outstanding. Poverty, crime, shabbiness, loss of population all threaten this special city."