Moving to New Orleans for work (Metairie, Slidell: apartment complexes, to rent, crime)

[ajaigaur]

Hi,

I am moving to New Orleans for work. I am a married and having school going kids. I will work in Downtown. Please let me know the good place to rent where:

a) Safe to live with family
b) Nearby good elementary school
c) Less traffic to go to office (Downtown)

Thanks in advance

Regards

Ajai

[Jessiegee40]

You might want to look at the Northshore. It's on the northside of Lake Pontchitrain. Covington, Mandeville, Slidell, Lacombe. You would have to commute to the city but there is a lot less crime and the schools are better.

[Out of Alaska]

Originally Posted by Jessiegee40

You might want to look at the Northshore. It's on the northside of Lake Pontchitrain. Covington, Mandeville, Slidell, Lacombe. You would have to commute to the city but there is a lot less crime and the schools are better.

Agreed if the commute doesn't both you! Thousands of us do it every day... but the kids go to public school and it's beautiful.

[jessallen]

Originally Posted by Jessiegee40

You might want to look at the Northshore. It's on the northside of Lake Pontchitrain. Covington, Mandeville, Slidell, Lacombe. You would have to commute to the city but there is a lot less crime and the schools are better.

I've heard that the northshore and jefferson parish are not "diversity friendly." Is this true? I have two African American kids and two White kids (all adopted). We are moving to New Orleans for work, but have no idea where to live where our kids will not have major race problems. We are moving from Colorado, where frankly, it just wasnt an issue. Any ideas?

[Jessiegee40]

Originally Posted by jessallen

I've heard that the northshore and jefferson parish are not "diversity friendly." Is this true? I have two African American kids and two White kids (all adopted). We are moving to New Orleans for work, but have no idea where to live where our kids will not have major race problems. We are moving from Colorado, where frankly, it just wasnt an issue. Any ideas?

I hadn't heard that about the Northshore. I see many inter-racial families. My daughter is at Fountainbleau High School and she said it isn't an issue there.

[nolaneedsme8]

I am relocating from South Florida to New Orleans. I am young professional that wants to get a good feel for the city. In other words, close to French Quarter/Riverfront but not more than 10 minutes away. My job is near Audubon Park. What areas do you recommend? I really dont want a long commute. These are the prices I have been researching for a 1 bedroom. I wonder if its worth it to pay the premium to near live the area. Whats your recommendation for a single young professional moving to the area?

1) Metairie - $750 (Gatehouse Apts.)
2) Garden District - (River Gardens, The Saulet) - $1100
3) Uptown - $900
4) MidCity (Falstaff Apartments/ Esplanade of City Park) - $1050 / $1100

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

None of those are 10 min away from the Quarter (except in low traffic hours maybe the Garden District). I'd go for the Gatehouse Apts as closer to work and near major shopping. New Orleans has lousy public transportation so you need a car. Using a bike in the heat/rain is bad. Also people aren't used to them and won't look out for them

[bhamkaren]

i wasn't impressed with river gardens or the saulet. falstaff isn't even built completely yet. i looked all over the place. best way is to check the classifieds and call call call. or check craigslist and make sure the listing is legit. tell them your situation but don't seem desperate. also don't accept their rent as a done deal try to bargain.

[MidCityBrady]

If you want to get a good feel for New Orleans and experience it, please don't move to Metairie.
Mid-City and Broadmoor are nice neighborhoods that are more affordable than the Audubon Park area and close enough to use a bicycle (in Spring and fall, at least). Unless you just prefer apartment complexes, keep an eye on Craigslist. It is a great resource.