Hi, I've recently been offered a high paying (upper middle class) job, located in downtown New Orleans. I'm unfamiliar with the area, especially post-Katrina. Where can I live within an hour's drive of downtown that offers the best safety and is relatively back to normal? I also have a wife who is a school teacher, so areas where the public schools are better would be helpful to me. NOLA historically has bad schools, and if I take this job it would be a very important consideration for us. Should she consider teaching in a parochial school? Should we live in Baton Rouge and just give me a long commute? Any recommendations are welcomed!
2006-08-28 07:36:26 · 6 answers · asked by YUP 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
I would suggest you look across Lake Pontchartrain in Covington or similar locations. South of Baton Rouge in places like LaPlace is another possibility. Metairie is ok but a last chance place to consider. We have relatives who still live there. Their home survived just fine.
My wife and I both grew up in New Orleans and the surrounding area. We would not live there again for any amount of money. I don't know your financial situation but I would think again about taking a job in New Orleans if I were you. If this is just a stepping stone and you expect to be out of there in a few years then it might be worth the trials and tribulations.
2006-08-28 09:29:43 · answer #1 · answered by oil field trash 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to really reap the benefits of living in a culturally diverse place with history that precedes the Declaration of Independence, you really need to live in Orleans Parish. This is where New Orleans is. The suburbs here are much like suburbs everywhere but they are also dirty, noisy, and not so safe. Your best best in the city is the Uptown area, where Tulane and Loyola University are. It is beautiful but can be expensive, depending on where you are coming from. Another options is Mid City, which flooded but is quickly in repair. In Mid City, look in Faubourg St. John or the Triangle. You can also look in Old Metairie, an area very close to Orleans Parish but in Jefferson Parish.
There's no other way to say it, schools suck. Even the 'good' private schools are really not great, but offer a greater chance for a real education. You should consider the private/parochial schools first for employment.
New Orleans is as diverse as it is weird. When you meet people they will ask you where you went to high school. They will be dead serious. It can be a tremendous culture shock, so come with an open mind in that respect.
One last word, if you are so totally afraid of crime or people not like you, you can always live on the north shore of Lake Ponchartrain. Good luck!
2006-08-28 15:07:14 · answer #2 · answered by sir velvet 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to live as far as Baton Rouge (which is where I live), consider Metairie or Kenner...just be cautious of the area you live in. The state police are really helpful about giving you advice on the local crime areas: http://www.lsp.org/troopb.html...
you would be in the Troop B area...
If not a parochial school, she may want to consider schools in Ascension Parish - they have some of the best schools in the state, it would be about an hour drive from where you would be...
http://www.kenner.la.us/
http://www.metairie.com/
Laissez Le Bon Temp Rouler
Best of luck...Marilyn
2006-08-28 14:48:19 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being that I'm from Lousiana. You need to research the schools and there are some areas where its safe to go back.You could live in Metarie or Kenner which arent as far away as Baton Rouge. ...As for going back there...good luck!! It's still a mess there is some areas, but it sounds like you havent done much research..As your employer, they could help you .....And right now Baton Rouge is a mess with all the people who are from New Orleans who WONT go back home and clean up THEIR mess. Our family had to clean up our homes and yards to get the place clean, and the New Orleans people want someone to take care of them...instead of them taking care of themselves.....So be Prepared to see it all..
2006-08-28 14:44:54 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check out: http://www.relocateneworleans.com/ if any of the great suggestions already offered do not help. Alternatively there are several most excellent rebuilding New Orleans Katrina resources on Yahoo Groups, they will be in the thick and able to comment on commute.
2006-08-28 15:05:42 · answer #5 · answered by Dawn M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you do figure out where you're going to be in the New Orleans area, you should go to GetMeAnAgent.com. They will put you in touch with a great real estate agent, and give you back $500 at closing. You can't beat it!!
2006-08-28 21:46:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋