Retiree Moving to New Orleans from Fremont, CA? (for sale, real estate)

[smillick]

Hi Everyone,

I'm a single woman with several dogs, recently retired, grown kids. I'm considering moving to New Orleans from the San Francisco Bay Area in California. My reasons are: it looks like my pension may be exempt from tax in Louisiana (or that could be Louisiana pensions only, need to do more research); I've heard New Orleans described as a very friendly city; housing costs are lower than there are here; good medical care is available, and I love the more laid back culture.

I visited only once in 1990 right after Mardi Gras for a couple of weeks. It was beautiful. I know that I should visit in the summer, when it's the hottest and most humid. I plan to rent first to see where I want to live, then buy if I make the decision to go.

Questions:

• Are there any areas of NO that don't flood? Please be kind to me if this is a total newbie question
• Obviously, crime is a concern in any big city, so I'd welcome suggestions of places to live that might be safer than others.
• How is traffic congestion? I live in one of the worst traffic areas in the country now, and would hope to be able to escape that.
• Is NO a senior-friendly place to live, in your opinion?

I appreciate any input. Thanks.

Sherri

[rburnett]

Originally Posted by smillick

[*]Are there any areas of NO that don't flood? Please be kind to me if this is a total newbie question

While half of the city is actually ABOVE sea level, street flooding from heavy rains can be an issue regardless of elevation. There are very low areas that drain extremely well and some high areas where water will pile up in any decent rainstorm. Street flooding from big rainstorms doesn't happen more than once or twice a year, but can be an issue if you have a car that you park on the street.

If there is a neighborhood that you have your eye on, let us know a specific block and we can let you know if its flood prone.

Originally Posted by smillick

[*]Obviously, crime is a concern in any big city, so I'd welcome suggestions of places to live that might be safer than others.

There are a number of safe areas. It all depends on what kind of neighborhood you're looking for. How much do you want to spend on housing? Do you want to be in walking/biking distance of _____? Do you need to drive everywhere? What kind of neighborhood vibe do you want? Do you want to be close to good transit? Do you need a big yard, small yard or would you rather a condo/apartment?

Originally Posted by smillick

[*]How is traffic congestion? I live in one of the worst traffic areas in the country now, and would hope to be able to escape that.

Traffic in the city is nothing like you'll find in the Bay Area or any other big city. Everything here is close by and the only real traffic issues are on the expressways at rush hour. As long as you stay in the city, you have plenty of roads to choose from and won't have to deal with the commuter rush from the suburbs.

Originally Posted by smillick

[*]Is NO a senior-friendly place to live, in your opinion?

I'm not quite a senior yet, but there are some "younger/hipster" areas, some older "i'm retired/childless but still hip" and more family oriented areas within the city if that's what you mean.

I would mention here that you should have an evacuation plan for hurricane season. Weather it be a personal vehicle or a ride out with a friend, you should plan ahead of time. Evacuations are rare, but it's something to keep in mind.

[smillick]

Thanks for the quick and complete reply, rburnett!

When it comes to figuring out where flooding would most likely happen, I think what I need to do is look at a flood map. I haven't narrowed down my search to a specific neighborhood or block yet; there are a lot of factors that will eventually drive my decision.

I can spend up to about 500K on housing eventually and would like at least 1,500 square feet but not much bigger than 2000 square feet (too much to clean). House, condo, townhouse, I'm open. I'd love a porch or a balcony where I can sit and drink coffee and watch my neighborhood go by. I have that now and it's a great way to meet my neighbors (I like a friendly neighborhood). My yard could be either big or small; my dogs live in the house and get walked a lot, so other than sunning themselves, a yard isn't a requirement. An eclectic vibe where families, singles, old and young, different cultures live together, a garage to park my car if possible, streets safe enough to bicycle and walk my dogs, and within an easy drive to food markets and medical care...

And thanks for the evacuation plan mention. It's not something I would think of, not having dealt with hurricanes.

[Neworleansisprettygood]

I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by what 500k can get you, compared to California.

For instance, this:
7518 Hampson St New Orleans LA - Home For Sale and Real Estate Listing - MLS #945604 - Realtor.com®

is in a great neighborhood that didn't flood, and is 1 block from the St. Charles streetcar and just a few blocks from Tulane University.

[Tall Traveler]

I would say Garden District, Uptown or The French Quarter are the areas you should look in. You're already aware of the negatives of high humidity and crime problems. Some people can withstand the humidity with ease while others just can't hack it...suggest you stay for a period of time in the summer to test how you deal with it. Crime is a serious problem in New Orleans but like in all cities, you can avoid most of it by taking prudent steps in where you go and when you go there.

My niece lives in Uptown near Tulane in a house my brother restored for her and there's a lot of refurbished houses with that old world character that are beautiful in that area.

[smillick]

Thanks to all who have responded! I've done more research and have narrowed my choices down to a few neighborhoods, both based on my research and your comments (thanks again). My next step is to arrange to spend several weeks in New Orleans (this summer, hopefully) during the hot period to see how I handle the humidity. I'm also considering Santa Fe, NM as a possible option.

I love the San Francisco Bay Area liberal atmosphere, diversity, excellent medical care and climate but it is killer expensive to live here.