As a fresh New Orleans local, you know the Big Easy is more than Mardi Gras.

Filled with freewheeling musicians, dazzling street performers, festivals for days, and crawfish for miles, NOLA is in a league of its own, and New Orleanians like it that way.

Of course it's no secret that New Orleans offers one of the largest free parties in the country 47 days before Easter, but for an "in" on the local scene every other season, skip the tourism of Bourbon Street and head to local-friendly Frenchmen Street. Grab a Go Cup of Sazerac and sway to some blues or let loose with some free-spirited dance moves to some live jazz. You certainly won't be the only one.

After you've lindy hopped under the stars, fill up on Creole cuisine at Jacques-Imo's or sip on some café au lait with beignets—al fresco—while you visit the Quarter. Whatever you do, kick back and relax while exploring the City that Care Forgot, where the rhythm of life is always a few paces behind the Yankees.

Although crime rates in New Orleans are better than they once were, you'll see from our stats below that it's still wise to invest in protecting your property, especially in a city that's under sea level.

An ADT monitored security system gives you 24/7 monitoring, fast response times, and remote control home automation, so you can enjoy your new scene without fussing about your security. Mais yeah.