The 16th Ward neighborhood known as Gert Town is home to Xavier University. The college has a big influence on the neighborhood as a whole, including its small but thriving arts and culture scene. Gert Town was once an industrial hub in the early days of New Orleans, which explains its erratic street layout since the area was once a large swamp. Today, it’s a bustling neighborhood just four miles northwest of the French Quarter. There are plenty of dining options along Washington Avenue and South Carrollton Avenue, along with well-maintained parks and greenways with miles of walking trails that extend into Mid-City New Orleans. Proximity to Interstate 10 makes commuting in and out of the city easy. Rentals in Gert Town range from student-friendly apartments along Washington Avenue to charming homes that exude the classic New Orleans style along Earhart Boulevard.