Crime in Baton Rouge (Gardere: crime rate, safe area, allergies)

[alligatorboy]

I would like to live in Louisiana, and was looking for a place that won't be washed away by the hurricanes. I have considered Baton Rouge, but heard that there are a lot of murders in Baton Rouge. I would like to hear from someone currently living in Baton Rouge about the crime there.

[Caa]

Hi. I nall honestly, I really do not think the crime here is any higher than many other cities around the United States. I keep hearing that the crime rate is up, but then again, my inlaws in Florida say that people say the same thing about their city. I have no facts, but I feel very safe in almost all areas in Baton Rouge. I do not feel safe in certain areas, especially at night, but then again, just be smart about where you are at all times. A friend of mine has a husband who is a cop, and he has said the crime(violent) crime is pretty isolated to north Baton Rouge or in areas that are considered questionable. Although a violent crime can happen anywhere at any time, I think most is gang/drug related and in certain areas more than others. I love it here and hope you consider moving here!

[alligatorboy]

Thank you for your response. That is exactly what I wanted to hear. I live in Lincoln, Nebraska, which is a bigger city, and can be very dangerous in certain areas. I will consider moving to Baton Rouge in the future.

[Caa]

I am sure you will love it here. We are getting new and exciting things here in Baton Rouge and it only is going to get better!

[darylwi]

Crime can and does happen anywhere at anytime. But violent crime in this city is predominately localized. It won't take long for you to figure out those locations.

[alligatorboy]

Thank you for the responses. I have mild asthma, and I was wondering what Baton Rouge would be like for someone with asthma. I would also like to know this: Do alligators ever come down the Mississippi River? I see that Baton Rouge is real close to the Mississsippi River.

[darylwi]

Baton Rouge is on the river, but the river is leveed off, and it is not common to find alligators floating along in the river. You'd be more likely to find them coming from the Amite River on our eastern border or Blind River and Spanish Lake to the south. On occasion, an alligator will show up in City Park Lake, but it would seem more plausable that most of those are caught and released in places they should not have been released in the first place. I've heard of them eating small dogs, but I've never heard of an attack on an actual person, around here.

As far as asthma, know that Baton Rouge generally has high ozone days in the late spring, summer and early fall. Only you can determine how bad that will affect you. That's where a few short 3-4 day visits might help to determine that. Seasonal allergies to pollens and grasses are common here. I have my share.

[buildings_and_bridges]

Hi alligatorboy. I just wanted to chime in and say that I too think that Baton Rouge is no worse than any other city in terms of crime. And like the other poster said, you'll be able to identify the areas you don't want to be stuck walking around in at night, and since you've been living in the city already, I think you're prepared in that respect.

[MetroBTR]

In my opinoin, almost everything North of Florida Boulevard inside the city is either questionable or bad. Other areas besides that chunk that are not great include Gardere, Boulevard de Province, and the area between the North Gates of LSU and Downtown.

[alligatorboy]

So, MetroBTR, what do you think are the safe areas of Baton Rouge?