Advice for doctor considering Baton Rouge (Parks: insurance, homes, neighborhoods)

[ojurop]

I have recently interviewed with Ochsner health in Baton Rouge. I am a doctor in the field of Gastroenterology. I have heard mixed messages as far as the cost of living, activities for kids etc in BR.
The job is located near Bluebonnet exit.
Any comments on:
Neighbourhoods to consider? suburban?
Cost of homes and auto and home insurance?
Activities for my children
Nature of education private vs public
future potential of Baton Rouge?
Are people there able to pay for healthcare?
Thank you for your comments in advance.

[BRMan]

Originally Posted by ojurop

I have recently interviewed with Ochsner health in Baton Rouge. I am a doctor in the field of Gastroenterology. I have heard mixed messages as far as the cost of living, activities for kids etc in BR.
The job is located near Bluebonnet exit.
Any comments on:
Neighbourhoods to consider? suburban?
Cost of homes and auto and home insurance?
Activities for my children
Nature of education private vs public
future potential of Baton Rouge?
Are people there able to pay for healthcare?
Thank you for your comments in advance.

Neighborhoods to consider: (1) Anything down "lower Highland" - Highland Road south of Staring. Lots of nice newer neighborhoods, (2) Santa Maria - down Old Perkins just south of the water park at I-10/Highland

Insurance - the "cost" depends on where you're moving from. Louisiana is relatively high, but in BR, you can still shop around and get good deals. I would not personally bother with the "big two" of Allstate and State Farm, unless you're already with them

School - if you live in EBR, I'd recommend private schools

Future potential - good. You have an effort to make BR marketable to the outside worls, and having government, education, and petrochemical plants brings in some outsiders.

Activities - Bluebonnet Swamp, Dixie Landing water slide/park, State Capitol (old and new), Tunica Hills, Tammany Trail, Plantation Homes, Mike the Tiger (LSU's mascot, who is kept in a nice cage)

Ability to pay for healthcare - If you're working for Ochsner, this shouldn't be an issue for you personally

[Caa]

I agree with the previous poster. I am married with a five year old daughter and there are so many things for kids here it is unreal. There are BREC Parks, LSU campus for walking around the lakes, tons of sporting events at LSU to attend, lots of indoor play places such as Bouncing Tigers, Chuck E Cheese and Monkey Bizz. There are also educational activities like the LASM(arts and science museum) and the Observatory. I love BR, and feel very safe here. The education-go private whatever you do! I am not sure about insurance, but it is fairly reasonable I believe. The people here are friendly and there are not a lot of rude people(only certain people can be rude on the roads). There are lots of restaurants and of course LSU tailgating is the most fun! Good Luck!