Built in the 1800s, these five French Quarter pieds-à-terre all cost less than $250K

In New Orleans, $250,000 can get you a lot of house—or it can get you a lot of history. Nestled in the Vieux Carre, New Orleans’ oldest neighborhood and the one that most closely approximates a dense, walkable urban metropolis, these petite abodes may be short on square footage, but they’re long on 19th-century charm. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway spot or a full-time residence steps away from your service industry job, these five French Quarter condos under $250,000 are worth checking out.

This 531-square-foot, one-bedroom, one-bathroom condo at 514 Dumaine Street asks $219,900. We love the exposed ceiling beams, dormer windows and hardwood floors—plus, the high ceiling makes it feel more spacious than it actually is. Condo fees are $314 for this character-filled spot built in 1838.

At 608 square feet, this one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit at 1233 Decatur Street is a roomier option. Best of all, its bedroom is separated from the main living area by a flight of stairs. There’s also a walk-in closet, exposed brick walls, a tiled kitchen backsplash, and a shared courtyard in the circa-1868 building, where condo fees are $384/month. Its price is $220,000.

This 275-square-foot, one-bathroom studio at 734 Royal Street may be tiny, but it does come fully furnished, with a balcony and private courtyard. Built circa 1818, it asks $250,000, with condo fees clocking in at a reasonable $156/month.

This 435-square-foot ground floor condo at 1200 N. Rampart Street has one bedroom, one bathroom and a $239,000 price tag. Built in 1878, its luxe touches include exposed brick, French doors, available parking, and access to a shared patio. Condo fees are $291/month.

At 652 square feet and two stories, this one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit at 539 Toulouse Street is a relative steal at $249,000. Exposed bricks and overhead beams are nods to its 1838 construction date, while the kitchen has modern granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Each floor boasts its own covered balcony, and condo fees are $294/month.