Last month I made my way to New Orleans, Louisiana. I wasn't sure what to expect since I had not been there since before Katrina. I was pleasantly surprised to see the city just as I remembered it.
I spent a lot of time in the tourist areas, including the French Quarter (which was never flooded) and everything looked terrific. Even the locals say the French Quarter looks better than before the storm. Most of the city has been repainted and repaired. There are some areas that are in despair, but as a visitor it is unlikely you will see those sections.
Spring is a nice time to visit New Orleans. There are many festivities and events and nearly all of the attractions are back on their feet. The city is about 3/4 back in population. I felt safe and comfortable wandering the Quarter on my own but as a woman I would never walk alone at night, but that goes for any city.
In May I will be featuring New Orleans in the USATourist News Magazine, so stay tuned for more on New Orleans.