Young prof'l needs info on NOLA and BTR areas (St. Tammany, Jefferson, Livingston, Ascension) (New Orleans: apartment complexes)

[innovator82]

Hi - I am 26 and just out of grad school and want to move to LA from SC and need a better sense of the area. I was interested in the NOLA area (where I have visited) and have done some research but have just read that the BTR area might be nicer. I want to live in the suburbs of either city and was thinking Kenner and Metairie or Covington and Mandeville or Livingston and Ascension parishes. Basically I want to live in a nice suburban area with some nice apartment complexes, a mix of young prof'ls and families, and plenty of shopping and dining (suburban sprawl is a plus for me). I have some questions about each area:

Is it true that St. Tammany is all families and retirees? Is there any young prof'l scene, maybe people in their 20's or early 30's moving there a/f school to work in the parish or in N.O.? How is shopping and dining in St. Tmny - as the fasting growing parish is there anything like the Mall of Louisiana in BTR? I know about the Nor Du Lac outdoor shopping being built but want to know what people do now for malls and shopping?

Is it true that Kenner and Metairie have gone downhill since the influxes of people leaving N.O. after Katrina? Is it a safe, clean and nice place for young prof'ls and families? Is shopping and dining a lot better there than in St. Tmny?

As for BTR, is it really a better city for young prof'ls to live than NOLA? Are the suburbs there really cleaner and more up-and-coming - I know the Mall of LA and the Bass Pro Shop must have a lot of retail and dining around them? Also, cultural-wise is BTR more similar to the cultural dynamic that defines South LA (cajun, creole, catholic, etc.) as opposed to the different dynamic in the Shreveport/North LA area? I am Catholic and have wondered if Catholics define the religious dynamic in BTR as in NOLA?

Thank you!

[BRMan]

Originally Posted by innovator82

As for BTR, is it really a better city for young prof'ls to live than NOLA? Are the suburbs there really cleaner and more up-and-coming - I know the Mall of LA and the Bass Pro Shop must have a lot of retail and dining around them? Also, cultural-wise is BTR more similar to the cultural dynamic that defines South LA (cajun, creole, catholic, etc.) as opposed to the different dynamic in the Shreveport/North LA area? I am Catholic and have wondered if Catholics define the religious dynamic in BTR as in NOLA?

Thank you!

To answer your questions:

(1) "Better" is all in the eye of the beholder, of course. Baton Rouge is anchored economically by universities, the petrochemical industry, and state government. There are some larger companies, but they're likely be connected to one of those "big 3." It DOES have more room to grow than New Orleans does, as New Orleans can only expand outward into existing swamps and/or on the other side of Lake Pontchartrain
(2) The suburbs in Livingston and Ascension have traffic issues; Livingston moreso, as there always seem to be wrecks on I-12 that tie up traffic. Inside EBR, the bad traffic seems to be east of Airline and lately on College, Essen, and Bluebonnet. The Mall of Louisiana is developing a retail infrastructure more than Bass Pro, although I expect some development there as well
(3) New Orleans is predominately Catholic; I think Baton Rouge is about 1/3 Catholic, and has been settled by people all over Louisiana and elsewhere.

I would check out boith cities for yourself. Right now, New Orleans has more of an infrastructure for larger companies, but there are flooding issues, to be polite about it. And it seems more closely packed than Baton Rouge does, but then you may like it. Baton Rouge has potential, but it doesn't have a lot of large employers other than the "big three." Just something to consider.

[darylwi]

Ditto most of that BRMan said.
You have to decide for yourself what may interest you more. I think NOLA has more for a young professional, but that's not to say BTR has nothing. BTR is just different from NOLA (but then again, there is nothing else like NOLA).
Livingston Parish would be highly protestant and majority white.
Ascension Parish is more catholic.
The westbank of the river is fairly catholic. Baton Rouge is mixed between a strong catholic community and strong protestant community, with a few others filling the gaps.
Kenner and Metairie are much more urban than suburban. But Livingston and even Ascension are more suburban. If you're young and wanting a good social scene and seriously considering BTR, I would advise living within the city, or atleast in EBR Parish. Same for NOLA, but you could get away with Jefferson Parish.

[jbanana14]

I live in Slidell in St. Tammany Parish and I wouldn't recommend it (at least Slidell) for young singles. I hardly do any shopping in Slidell and there aren't many good local restaurants.

[Savina]

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Wow, people are being super polite, but let’s be honest shall we ,
1. Slidell La , Is not at all what you are looking for, it is growing at a rapid rate and with that there are no public transport-(Thank god).Rent and cost of living is very high, 1bed apt runs for about 700.00.Depending on your social life if you like to go and walk the streets, old town is all we can offer. and it’s to be honest.. it’s gotten bad out there cause of all the New Orleans Refugee's from after Katrina crime rate has risen, me and my husband are looking to get out.

2. 2.Jefferson parish -Same problems with public transport the influx of New Orleans refugee's has also caused the crime rate to rise by 4times pre- Katrina. I also have lived there, we moved from Metairie to Slidell , cause of the amount of traffic. Well there they have Fat city, a small area of 10 blocks of different bars and clubs .Can be fun if you have no real taste in the people you hang with ( you said you are wanting to be near prof people )there is a lack of them in fat city does not sound like your cup of tea.

3. Covington is turning into a Metairie, but without the crazy hot spots ,, very family no public transport. Lots of traffic.

4.When i first moved to new Orleans i was just out of school , since you are 26 and would like to surround yourself with some people with your taste and interests. I would recommend Uptown New Orleans , yes i know crime and all that , but there are so much to do for someone with your interest, places to walk, vintage stores , and you can take a trolley to any of the local entertainment .There is just not French Quarter there is a part of new Orleans people who , love art and music and history enjoy visiting ,Since Katrina there are many new apartment complexes that range from 600 to 700 mo , are you can find a old Victorian house with a apartment to rent for 450-500mo.garden district is a favorite for a lot of college grads they stay a year there and then more on to discover what part if new Orleans , they will dwell , but I warn you friend once you live there it will be more then hard for you too ever leave, there something about this state that draws you back always .