I reside just a half hour’s drive from New Orleans, I avoid it entirely. The place is out of control and I see no realistic way for it ever to rebound to any degree. The comment made is not an insult but a sad commentary on the crime and lack of consistent law enforcement. It is run by incompetent people and a shrinking police force. (No one wants to join the New Orleans department) It is like this in all metropolitan areas with demographic and political similarities.
New Orleans is alright if you stick to the music festivals (not Mardi Gras), then get the heck out. As long as there’s a good band playing, everyone still seems to get along alright. Beyond that, not so much.