Bywater, bounded by Press Street, St. Claude Avenue, Poland Avenue, and the Mississippi River, is just downriver from the French Quarter. Some naysayers call this region "backwater" because at first glance it seems like a wasteland of light industry and run-down homes. In fact, Bywater is in the midst of a renaissance. Originally, artisans, free persons of color, and immigrants from Germany, Ireland, and Italy called this area home. Now artists, designers, and residents who simply can't afford the Quarter or Marigny live in its Creole cottages and Victorian shotguns. Within this mix are some funky neighborhood restaurants and bars.

Most of the photos were taken of homes that had character, did not have trees or cars blocking the shots. They were chosen at random to give you ideas of the area and the type of homes that you will find.