Tara Subdivision (neighborhoods, safe, best)

[MetroBTR]

Originally Posted by BRMan

Are you optimistic about Hammond Aire ? I remember when it was nice and new back in the 80s (for a brief period of time, I recall that it was called the Galleria) and it was anchored by one of the first Home Depots in town. But over the years, I've seen the place (like many on Airline between Florida and I-12) go downhill.

I'm a naturally optimistic person, so I hope it won't turn into another Colonial Shopping Center...

But on the other hand, I don't think it will ever be what it used to be. I'm still a frequent visitor (mostly because it's close and convenient to where I'm at). Now that Town Center is a stone's throw down Old Hammond, they have more odds against them than ever. My guess is that's why they decided to do the renovations to the exterior. I really hated the way it looked...Can you say DRAB! Hopefully it will look more enticing when the new facade is finished.

[darylwi]

Originally Posted by laleh

thank you so much for all of your help brman. i am going to really investigate those neighborhoods you mentioned.

do you think that i am right about the upper end housing market being out of control? i just can't bring myself to spend crazy money in baton rouge right now.

I completely agree with this. The real estate market went crazy here after Katrina. For now, this will keep me from buying in this market, at least before the whole thing crashes.
I haven't really ever looked for houses here (save the handful of homes I've come across online or from friends), although if I did I'd definitely check out WBR first (Brusly, and the western sections of Port Allen perhaps). I do agree that Kenilworth is a good location with good homes. I liked Westminster too, but I hate the limited access. For it to go so far back and not have an outlet to United Plaza and Essen is a mess. To come out and turn left onto Jefferson in the mornings might give you a fit.

[BRMan]

Originally Posted by darylwi

I completely agree with this. The real estate market went crazy here after Katrina. For now, this will keep me from buying in this market, at least before the whole thing crashes.
I haven't really ever looked for houses here (save the handful of homes I've come across online or from friends), although if I did I'd definitely check out WBR first (Brusly, and the western sections of Port Allen perhaps). I do agree that Kenilworth is a good location with good homes. I liked Westminster too, but I hate the limited access. For it to go so far back and not have an outlet to United Plaza and Essen is a mess. To come out and turn left onto Jefferson in the mornings might give you a fit.

You know, of all the subdivisions I've mentioned, I've seen the most remodeling activity going on in Jefferson Terrace. It's a hidden treasure with (in several parts) large lot sizes. Which is becoming rarer and rarer here in BR.

[BRMan]

As a note of caution about the developers going crazy and building without regards to the market - IMO, that kind of behavior in the past led to the development of Gardere and Blvd Dr Province like we know it today. I still remember when LSU students lived out there (in Gardere), but that changed in a flash in the late 1980s.

[BRMan]

Originally Posted by MetroBTR

I'm a naturally optimistic person, so I hope it won't turn into another Colonial Shopping Center...

But on the other hand, I don't think it will ever be what it used to be. I'm still a frequent visitor (mostly because it's close and convenient to where I'm at). Now that Town Center is a stone's throw down Old Hammond, they have more odds against them than ever. My guess is that's why they decided to do the renovations to the exterior. I really hated the way it looked...Can you say DRAB! Hopefully it will look more enticing when the new facade is finished.

Hopefully, you're right - it's a well located shopping center. I've just seen it change over the years, kind of like the Broadmoor Shopping Center did.

[champa]

Originally Posted by BRMan

As a note of caution about the developers going crazy and building without regards to the market - IMO, that kind of behavior in the past led to the development of Gardere and Blvd Dr Province like we know it today. I still remember when LSU students lived out there (in Gardere), but that changed in a flash in the late 1980s.

yeah, but wasn't that because of the loss of Jimmy's church and school popularity around that time?

[champa]

Originally Posted by BRMan

You know, of all the subdivisions I've mentioned, I've seen the most remodeling activity going on in Jefferson Terrace. It's a hidden treasure with (in several parts) large lot sizes. Which is becoming rarer and rarer here in BR.

True, I am amazed at why it hasn't been hit with more force. Those are prime properties right smack in the middle of town but go for peanuts. I have only seen limited remodels there though, not the tear down and rebuild that would make me more excited.

[BRMan]

Originally Posted by champa

yeah, but wasn't that because of the loss of Jimmy's church and school popularity around that time?

You mean in terms of people living in Gardere ? Jimmy had his dorms on site which housed a lot of students back in the day.

[BRMan]

Originally Posted by champa

True, I am amazed at why it hasn't been hit with more force. Those are prime properties right smack in the middle of town but go for peanuts. I have only seen limited remodels there though, not the tear down and rebuild that would make me more excited.

Jeff Terrace doesn't (yet) have the "sexy" factor that Southdowns does. IMO, it's a bit too far away from downtown.

[Loralcb]

Laleh - you are doing a great job as a buyer in doing your homework before purchasing a home. Hope you find what you are looking for and enjoy it for many years to come. BRMan - you are such a wealth of knowledge and an asset to this forum.

Once again, I say this is such a great forum and has some really good information to offer. I want to thank BRMan and MetroBTR for all their time and devotion they dedicate to it. You guys amaze me!