gay in arkansas moving to new orleans (job, bars)

[studibaker]

I'm looking for a more densely populated area with a much stronger gay community. I've been in love with New Orleans since I visited but since the hurricanes, from what I've heard, its not a pretty picture. I really don't want to move to a big city but really need a place where I can feel more comfortable being gay (able to hold hands in public, even flirt without fear of being beaten). And I'm an intern architect with a passion for historic architecture....hello, perfect, right? But is there enough money to afford something as (some would argue) unnecessary as historic preservation? I mean is all the architectural movement there just trying to stay afloat so to speak or is New Orleans really on its way to recovery? Or should I look into a more stable area?

[miserylovesco.]

Move to the Quarter, you'll like it just fine living wise.

[Vampgrrl]

Or the Marigny.

[Innotech]

French quarter is pretty accomodating. Hell theres a whole section of street lined with gay bars and rainbow flags. Theres also a really good burger joint right around the corner called Clover Grill.

[studibaker]

Oh I know it has a great gay scene....thats why its been my top choice for so long....I guess what I'm asking is would it be the place for a small town boy who prefers the small town life but not the small town mentality. And is there enough reconstruction, money, etc. for someone in the architecture field to do more than charitable work, but rather to make a career for himself?

[drgravitron]

There are HUGE rates of job vacancies in recovery related industries such as architecture. I would imagine you'd have little trouble finding work with decent pay.