R U Happy in Baton Rouge? (Livingston, Atlanta: condo, violent crime, how much)

[osunshine]

We will moving there May 23rd.

I have some friends that were from there (they now live in AL) and all I keep hearing from them is how much I am going to hate living in B.R. How people there are snobby and resent outsiders. If you are not home grown then you are nothing in the eyes of the locals. That there is nothing to do. That crime is awful & I should be packing a gun just to attend church.

I have been very excited about moving there. I hope to meet lots of fine people. But I am disheartened some past locals feel so bad about B.R.

Is their view right on or are they just jealous they no longer live there?

What are your thoughts?

[darylwi]

I'll be honest. I've noticed the people that have that view of BTR are people who have kids and hate the schools within the city, hate city living, and/or hate commingling with other people and they have moved to places like Central and Livingston Parish, or they still live in the city but wish they could move to places like Central and Livingston Parish. I have nothing against their decisions to leave the city, but it's funny how much some of these suburbanites really hate BTR, but yet they do all (or most at least) of their work, shopping and entertainment within BTR. It's almost like me going down to NOLA every other weekend to have fun with friends but still proclaiming that I hate NOLA.
Nothing will change these people's minds. Where you live is what you make of it. And trust me, the city of BTR is a lot more "open" than most of the suburbs.

And violent crime in this city is pretty localized. It's generally easy to avoid (but knock on wood, any crime can happen anywhere at anytime). Property crimes are a little more sporadic and random, but if you follow the simple rules of living in a big city (like not leaving expensive looking stuff in the back seat of your car) I imagine most people get by just fine. I've never had any problems (knock on wood).

[blu banks]

Totally agree -life anywhere can be better if you want it to be better by knowing and socializing with all the good folks you can find. Blu

[osunshine]

Thanks.

I hope to meet many new people. We bought a home off S.Harrells Ferry past the catholic school. I can not wait to explore the city and get involved in the community.

[Caa]

Originally Posted by osunshine

We will moving there May 23rd.

I have some friends that were from there (they now live in AL) and all I keep hearing from them is how much I am going to hate living in B.R. How people there are snobby and resent outsiders. If you are not home grown then you are nothing in the eyes of the locals. That there is nothing to do. That crime is awful & I should be packing a gun just to attend church.

I have been very excited about moving there. I hope to meet lots of fine people. But I am disheartened some past locals feel so bad about B.R.

Is their view right on or are they just jealous they no longer live there?

What are your thoughts?

First of all, your friends must be very unhappy people! I love, I mean, love it here in Baton Rouge and I have lived in about 10 different cities. People snobby? I have met at least all the neighbors around our area, and they are the best and friendliest people I have ever met in my life and all of them are from here. They have invited us over for BBQ and to parties for the kids and would do about anything for us. Also, people here say hi just passing you by in the grocery store, now that is unheard if in almost all places these days! Now, don't get me wrong, I had a woman tailgating me the other day and people can be rude, but the majority of people here are very nice and open. I have heard there is "nothing to do" well, my list of activites here is too long, but for starters, LSU stuff. Not just football either. You can catch a baseball game, or a gymnasitcs meet, track or women;s softball. take a walk around the lakes at LSU or the Natural History Museum. Go to any of the BREC parks with your kids, or just alone to read a book and sit by the glorious oaks trees. Go to Blue Bayou and Dixie Landin in the summer months. Take in nature at Bluebonnet Swamp and head to lots of movies or the mall when it is too hot to go outside. There are also year round festivals all over this area. The bar scene, I have no idea, but I heard it is fun.
Crime..where does it not exist anymore? Even in Amish country, hideuos crimes have occured. It is all in how you act and where you are. Most crime is in North Baton Rouge. yes, crime is everywhere, but I feel safe here. Also Downtown is getting better every day and I just heard on the news that they are building a 600 million dollar condo complex down there. So, welcome home and you will love it here!!

[osunshine]

Is it exactly what the name is? Are there bunches of mosquitoes and bugs that would make a feast of my kids.

Here in Mobile, the bugs are awful from here until December, so I imagine since B.R is only 3 hours from here it would be no different.

Thanks

[Gil3]

Originally Posted by osunshine

We will moving there May 23rd.

I have some friends that were from there (they now live in AL) and all I keep hearing from them is how much I am going to hate living in B.R. How people there are snobby and resent outsiders. If you are not home grown then you are nothing in the eyes of the locals. That there is nothing to do. That crime is awful & I should be packing a gun just to attend church.

I have been very excited about moving there. I hope to meet lots of fine people. But I am disheartened some past locals feel so bad about B.R.

Is their view right on or are they just jealous they no longer live there?

What are your thoughts?

osunshine,

I rarely take the opinons of others to heart. It's best that we experience something personally, then we can draw a definitive conclusion ourselves. Who knows?..you may go there and have a great time. Ultimately, it's up to you.

I will say I was one of those who hated BR and left a long time ago.

I grew up in BR in the 60's and 70's. Back then, yes, it had a lot of the elements you described, but over the last 25 years, the area has grown and evolved tremendously, especially along the Southern edges of the city, namely the I-10 and I-12 corridors. The area has also become more diverse during that time as well with people from many countries. Probably not like the Atlanta area's diversity, but compared to 30 years ago, it is remarkably different.

There is a lot to do if you look. A new cultural center is dowtown, there is the LASC (LA. Arts and Science Center), State capital buildings and many other activities.

When I visit, I am truly amazed at how far the area has come. It's not perfect and there is a long way to go, but BR, IMO is on it's way to being a dynamic place. I wouldd't have said this 10-20 years ago.

Open yourself up and give it a shot. Good Luck.

[MetroBTR]

I am perfectly happy in Baton Rouge.

[Caa]

Originally Posted by osunshine

Is it exactly what the name is? Are there bunches of mosquitoes and bugs that would make a feast of my kids.

Here in Mobile, the bugs are awful from here until December, so I imagine since B.R is only 3 hours from here it would be no different.

Thanks

No, It is a nice trail walk, just bring insect repellent as you would anywhere else in the spring and summer months. There is really so much to do here, I hope you like it. There is also the Shaw Center downtown and numerous places to watch a great play. Yes, that is the name..LOL

[toyotaas]

I visited Baton Rouge for business last year, and I really liked it the people were really friendly. It really is not a bad place at all, I live in Lexington KY but could really see myself living in Baton Rouge and being quite happy. It has to be one of the friendliest places I have ever been, sure there is crime but there is crime here in Lexington, btw Lex. KY is much more snobby. Use your common sense and you should be fine and quite happy.
Your friends that said all the negatives must just be unhappy people, wherever you live you just have to make the best of it, granted some cities are a poor fit for some people but it doesnt make it a bad place.