Relocating to Nola (via NYC/LA) (New Orleans: to rent, home, safe neighborhood)

[Guerita]

Hi,

I am considering a move from Los Angeles to New Orleans. As a single, 40 year old with a small dog, what areas would you suggest to rent in? I will be going down for a visit in the near future. I was there briefly years ago but didn't get to see much. I would work from home most days so commuting isn't important at this time.

I enjoy walkabilitiy (grew up in Chicago, lived in NYC 8 years) and also enjoy running / cycling so being near safe running areas/paths would be important. Also, a safe neighborhood for me to walk my dog in is important. I also enjoy dining out and exploring. I like diverse/mixed areas.

A few other random questions:
1. I always here New Orleans is dirty - how dirty is it compared to NYC/LA?

2. How is dating in Nola is for a single 40 year old woman? I only have male friends there and they love it. (Of course I hear everywhere is bad for dating lol)

3.Are there enough places of interest for weekend trips (within driving distance)? I enjoy the outdoors - camping, etc. I know there are no mountains like back west!

4. Are people in general flakey like they are in LA?

5. If anybody relocated from NYC/LA, any major surprises (good or bad)?


Thanks in advance!

[Neworleansisprettygood]

1.It can be pretty grimey
2. No idea
3. State parks in the pines (to the north and in MS), swamps and marsh surrounding the city, beaches nearby (1-4 hour drive)
4. No
5. Native, but I think you'll find it a lot more slow-paced

[UKWildcat1981]

New Orleans is a football city with a drinking problem. Just wander around Bourbon St saying WHO DAT and I am sure you will make some new friends.

[cBach]

New Orleans is one of the few cities with a surplus of single women, so I imagine dating is more difficult for women than in LA where there are more single men. You will be competing against a lot of locals.

I found both NYC and LA dirty, lots of trash on the freeways, etc... I would think New Orleans would compare favorably in that category.

The beaches on the Panhandle of FL are better than any beaches you've ever seen in CA, there are forests north of the lake that are great for camping.

People are not flaky in New Orleans, they are the genuine type.

[NativeSon504]

Originally Posted by cBach

New Orleans is one of the few cities with a surplus of single women, so I imagine dating is more difficult for women than in LA where there are more single men. You will be competing against a lot of locals.

I found both NYC and LA dirty, lots of trash on the freeways, etc... I would think New Orleans would compare favorably in that category.

The beaches on the Panhandle of FL are better than any beaches you've ever seen in CA, there are forests north of the lake that are great for camping.

People are not flaky in New Orleans, they are the genuine type.

While they're flaky people everywhere, you will be hard pressed to find a city where MOST people are down to earth like in New Orleans.

[Mvmdmd]

New Orleans is an very interesting place in ways both good and bad. There is a witchy mood to the place. It almost feels like a different country. For some reason there are aspects of NO that remind me of Key West, both have a ton of character. The summers are oppressively hot., which will be hard to adjust to unless you've live in the Deep South or Florida before. There is a lot of poverty and racial tension there and in most of the surrounding areas. And has a seedy side to it and can be very dangerous if you aren't careful and wander into certain parts. I think it would be a fun place to be single as the place is pretty festive and there always seems to be something going on. The nearby beaches in Alabama and Florida are among the best in the US mainland. I'd say go for it while you are single.

[norb123]

I agree with the Key West comment. That is one of the few places with the same vibe as New Orleans. It's a fun place.

[Guerita]

I didn't realize people had responded in November to this. I actually visited the first week of September and loved New Orleans! I didn't really get the Key West vibe other than laid back (I spent a lot of time in Key West a few years ago when I lived in Miami - which I happen to love humidity). I was really struck by the pride in the city. I met some locals that took me around and saw the pride from them as well as just interacting with others. Never experienced that before in any of the places I have lived before (and there are a lot). I haven't ruled out the idea of New Orleans yet.

[Professor46]

You got some crappy advice on NOLA in this thread -- see my thread -- people actually responded with great information and authenticity.

[Chilly Gentilly]

Originally Posted by Professor46

You got some crappy advice on NOLA in this thread -- see my thread -- people actually responded with great information and authenticity.

You'll learn quickly in this forum who to take advice from and who to ignore.