Moving to NOLA in just a few weeks! (New Orleans, Jefferson: crime, high school)

[Petronilla]

Hello everyone,
Just wanted to say hello to everyone here, as Ill be moving in just a few short weeks to NOLA. So far, there's a lot of discouragement on this board about the city, but I would love to hear some good things about summertime in NOLA.
Im moving from the South Side of Chicago (not a popular place on the Chicago board either, so Im used to negativity) to the Westbank. Has anyone ever moved from Chicago to NOLA, and how is the adjustment?
Well, basically just wanted to introduce myself, as Ill soon be there. Any tips would be welcome!

[electric_lady]

Congratulations on your move to NOLA. I don't live in NOLA or Chicago, but have spent significant time in both. The main adjustments you'll have to make are that NOLA is much, much smaller than Chicago, with maybe an eighth of Chicago's population. Also, NOLA's mass transit is not as extensive as Chi-town, but nor is NOLA difficult to drive in - compared to Chicago.
I think you might enjoy the relatively short trip you must take to get into the wilderness or enjoy the out of doors compared to Chicago.
The summers in NOLA are hot, but the winters in Chicago are more miserable than the hot summers in NOLA, in my opinion.

Good luck and keep an open mind!

[Petronilla]

Thanks for the reply!
The difficulties that you mentioned will be easily borne by me Mostly because I am ALWAYS in my car and havent utilised mass transit in years (burnt myself out on it in college). I avoid the Chicago downtown because I cannot stand driving in it... it is insane, you are absolutely right about Chicago being VERY difficult to drive in!
I visited NOLA and the rest of SE LA briefly and found the natural beauty far superior to that of Illinois. And, as an avid horsewoman who has to drive an hour or more for some open spaces, this will be greatly appreciated...
And finally, Chicago winters are out of my worst nightmares. This last one was so terrible I think I began to get Seasonal Affective Disorder.
So, based on your response, I think there will be a lot for me to enjoy in NOLA! Thanks for replying!

[Drouzin]

Tip: As a future Westbank resident you must now call it the Bestbank . Welcome to the area.

[miserylovesco.]

I'm from Chicago, born and raised southside.

[Petronilla]

Miserylovesco
HOw long ago did you move from Chicago to New Orleans? What do you think? Was it a smooth transition for you? Anything you miss?

[miserylovesco.]

I'm "officially" moving in 2 weeks, I was staying at a friends place for a while and was coming back and forth.
I've actually gotta send a friend to look at an apt for me in the quarter today.

Anyhow, I do miss the food of Chicago, I love the New Orleans style but Italian beef and REAL hot dogs and pizza are things I simply refuse to eat outside of Chicago.

Nola is way smaller, you pretty much stick to your area like Chicago.
Living in Wicker Park, I spent more time in New Orleans than I did in Lincoln park or Wrigelyville last year.

ps. awesome to see another sox hat roaming around the dirty south.

[Micktooth]

NOLA is an interesting place to live. There has been a large increase in crime on the West Bank, especially in Jefferson Parish. Just be careful.

[Out of Alaska]

Nola is more "towny" than Chicago... people really care where your from, where you went to college/high school... "who yo mama is", etc. Kind of reminds me more of STL than Chicago, ya' know?

Anyway - welcome!!!

The downside... I think the politics actually MIGHT BE more corrupt down here than at home! Eeek!