Is New Orleans that dangerous? - Louisiana (LA) -New Orleans - Metairie - Kenner metro area - Page 2 - City-Data Forum

jessi2014 · 02-14-2015, 04:14 PM

Have been to New Orleans several times... in 2009, 2011 and 2013. I really enjoyed it. As others have mentioned stay in the touristy area for sure. All 3 times I stayed at a Staybridge Suites in or near the French Quarter (I can't remember). I did venture off to other areas of the city during the day and never felt threatened or fearful. Walked around the French Quarter by myself a few times at night and felt fine as well. Just use your common sense. Was never approached by any homeless people though. have fun.

norb123 · 02-14-2015, 05:55 PM

I feel like people put New Orleans on a list that it doesn't belong on. I think it's a great place to go on vacation for anyone. If you go to any city in America you have to watch out for crime. I've felt safer here than any city I've lived in. I guess that's just me.

Mwahfromtheheart · 02-14-2015, 06:12 PM

I'm just relaying my experience as a (rather small) female. Some places I feel like a vulnerable target. But I agree with NOPDGator a little bit too - it's pretty risky for any female to go anywhere by herself. Chances are she'll be safe, especially if she sticks to the 1/4 (keeping in mind the precautions) or around Audubon or City Park or the lake, but for the reasons I mentioned, I wouldn't recommend it by herself.

The city is so much more fun with someone anyways in my opinion

norb123 · 02-14-2015, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mwahfromtheheart

I'm just relaying my experience as a (rather small) female. Some places I feel like a vulnerable target. But I agree with NOPDGator a little bit too - it's pretty risky for any female to go anywhere by herself. Chances are she'll be safe, especially if she sticks to the 1/4 (keeping in mind the precautions) or around Audubon or City Park or the lake, but for the reasons I mentioned, I wouldn't recommend it.

I certainly see your point, and I respect it. I'm 6'3 and I guess I'm last on the list for a target. I just don't understand why Nola is worse than Atlanta or Miami. People don't think twice about visiting those cities.

Mwahfromtheheart · 02-14-2015, 08:02 PM

NOLA does get a bad rap I think. It's a much cleaner city than I expected it to be and it's improving every year, despite the storm. Also, contrary to popular belief, most of the 10 million people that visit every year aren't impacted by crime. I'm willing to bet most people leave thinking it's safer (and just better in general) than they were led on to believe. I was very surprised with my first visit after Katrina in 2011. In fact I fell in love and found a way to move here the year after. I love it now more than when I moved, despite my nervousness of being alone in public here by myself

I've never really been to Atlanta or Miami (other than to drive through Atlanta). I can speculate that those cities have their visiting areas that are tucked far away from its crime. New Orleans is a very compact city compared to those places, and we do have high poverty areas right next to tourist areas (such as lake side of St. Claude from about St. Bernard to the IC). Criminals here don't have any problem going right to the quarter or the GD. Plus, homeless people all over the country know what the quarter is all about. Lastly, let's face it - people come to New Orleans to get sloppy drunk and act a fool. It's just a whole different animal that kind of comes with the territory I guess.

I've been to New York City, and quite frankly I'd plan a visit here before I'd plan a visit there, if I had to go alone.

Chilly Gentilly · 02-14-2015, 09:33 PM

New Orleans is no different than any other urban city in this regard. Vagabonds, beggars, and the like seek out people who are most vulnerable. The mistake people make when visiting New Orleans is that they allow the care-free nature of the city to relax them far beyond the point of awareness.

Moral of the Story: Don't get so caught up in your thrill and libations that you forget your common sense.

To the OP: If you visit here (especially as a female), you'd need a contact here familiar with the area to steer you clear of unsavory sections of the city. New Orleans, unlike a lot of places, is a block-to-block city. Knowing where to be and where not to be within certain neighborhoods is vital. Do not visit here alone BLINDLY bouncing around the city

Tall Traveler · 02-14-2015, 11:28 PM

My niece attended Tulane and then has stayed in Uptown since then. When she went there, she was single and is now married. Being from NO originally, I was concerned about her decision but she loves it there and has no desire to leave. She has not been victimized by any crimes in her 7 years there but there have been some incidents in the area she lives in. I would hesitate to advise a young woman to go there unaccompanied and not knowing the area. If you grew up there, it would be a different story. Having said the above, I love going back to the Big Easy, what a great fun city.