husband being relocated - considering move to NOLA (New Orleans, Metairie: fit in, houses)

[michigal]

My husband has a great job offer to work in the French Quarter. We are a suburban family from Michigan and I am what you would consider a "soccer mom". We don't want to live in the city, however we could commute up to 45 minutes. What safe, family friendly neighborhood (great schools of course!) would you recommend in the $2000/mth range? We also have a 22 foot boat and would love to live on or near the water. Is this possible? He hasn't taken the job yet because I have concerns regarding crime, schools, living lifestyles, etc... Am I worring needlessly? Thank you for your input!

[Prytania]

I'd recommend the city but Uptown near Audubon Park...there are a lot of families in that area.

Or you can try Lakeview....

Otherwise I suppose you can live on the Northshore (but I'm personally not a fan).

[NOLAJim]

I would say Mandeville/Covington sounds about perfect for you. Slidell is an option as well. I came from the Chicago suburbs myself, and they were a perfect fit for comfort I'd say. School systems are pretty good.

You'll have to check around about boat slips/storage/launching, but I'm sure there are many in the area.

The major downside is that it's a 40 minute commute outside of the city (someone else might confirm, my commute was 45-50 minutes from the north end of Slidell).

[Olive34]

Slidell, LakeView, and Metarie all fit in to your commute times, price range, boating needs. I can't speak to the schools in Slidell, but the greater New Orleans area (northshore excluded) have very few public schools you'd want to send your children. There are of course exceptions, but private school is most likely the way you'll want to go. There are lots more choices for private schools in New Orleans than most parts of the country, and many are very reasonably priced. I'm sure you can find other threads on here that would give you plenty more information on the public and parochial schools in the area. Good luck!

[BradfromNO]

With a boat I would also be prepared to reccomend the North SHore. More Slidell than Mandeville or Covington. They are
my choice for PEOPLE, but for water access and fast run to the city, Slidell wins out. But I would be remiss if I did not
mention my home area, the River Parishes...Hahnville, Luling, Destrehan, St. Rose, etc. GREAT schools and family
vibe, best choice for that actually. And WATER! Cher! Dey GOT water! (And high ground, btw.)
That's for commuting.
There are so many empty houses in NO,, you might do OK right in the city.

[Pook77]

If you can afford private school, there's nothing wrong with looking in the Uptown area. It's pretty family-friendly. I know people who work 3-4 jobs just to put their kids in school because NO public schools are not good. The suburbs of Kenner and Metairie aren't bad but you'd still be best with private schooling there too because the Jefferson Parish Schools aren't exactly celebrated.

My vote is for the Northshore. The public school system there was just rated number 1 in Louisiana and I think it's really nice up there. St. Charles Parish is a good choice also and the commute isn't that bad. My husband and all of our friends work in St. Charles Parish but most live Uptown New Orleans.

[Abraham Walker]

Slidell is your best bet. It fits most of your criteria (schools, it's w/i your 45 min commute, homes with boat slips). Keep in mind that Slidell is nothing like New Orleans and you will be find. You can find a house with a boat slip for a little over $2000/month. I'm sure this wouldn't be a budget buster since you will have to pay extra for storing your boat anyway. Try googling the neighborhood Oak Harbor and Eden Isles. If you need help don't be afraid to ask. I'm sure someone on the forum will be more than happy to assist you.

Happy Hunting and Welcome to the Big Easy.