Tulane law student (New Orleans, River Ridge, Jefferson: apartment complex, crime rate, neighborhoods)

[lawguy24]

Im thinking of going to Tulane, but I've heard nothing but horrible things about New Orleans and crime. Is it really that bad? I have a wife who will be working and I dont want her to be in any danger. Is the media blowing it out of proportion or should I avoid New Orleans. According to city-data, the crime rate is low for 2006. Is this underrepresented? Thanks!

[Vampgrrl]

I go to Tulane as an adult undergrad...I don't feel any more unsafe here than I did in Atlanta.
Nothing is safe but I can come and go as I please Uptown and I really don't sweat it.

Most crime occurs in poor minority neighborhoods like the 7th Ward, Gentilly, etc.
The Marigny and Bywater are a mixed bag, but the area around Tulane is about as safe as it gets.

[buildings_and_bridges]

I've spent time Uptown (around Tulane), and I feel comfortable there. I really don't think it's comparable to other parts of the city that are experiencing an increase in crime. I'm under the impression that that area is still a good place to live and raise children, even after Katrina.

[etland]

You will probably be fine. However, if you do move to Uptown New Orleans you should be willing to accept that there is crime. One of the prior posters seemed to indicate that the neighborhoods experiencing crime problems are far afield. I would respectfully disagree with that. Central City is just down St. Charles Avenue from Tulane and its residents have endured a lot of murders. Also the neighborhoods west of S. Carrollton Avenue have had crime problems traditionally. So, really there are high crime areas quite close. One option is that you commute to Tulane. River Ridge (in adjacent Jefferson Parish) would probably be a good choice because you can drive down the Earhart Expressway -- it's a short commute. There is a big apartment complex out there called the Creeks. This is a safe suburban area.

On the other hand, if you do live near Tulane, you will most likely be fine. Violent crime does happen occasionally and you do need to be careful. However, there are lots of people living uptown and they're quite happy and feel fairly safe. And it's a beautiful area.

I would suggest that you look at the New Orleans Police Department's Crime Maps and enter the zip codes -- 70118 and 70115 -- for the uptown area. You can get an idea of what's going on presently.

Go to New Orleans Police Department and click on Crime Maps. If you choose Search by Boundary you can enter zip codes.

[Vampgrrl]

The thing about crime in New Orleans, is outside of the occasional mugging, 99% of almost all violent offenses are black on black, typically drug related crime. (Not that this is good, this is TERRIBLE) but I am pointing out if one is not a minority in a poor neighborhood, it isn't as bad.

I'm more concerned with the big freaky cockroaches and the humidity than I am with the odds I will be a victim of violent crime.