Is this possible? (New Orleans, Slidell, Mandeville: construction, public schools, live)

[jimpup]

I was down for a while trying to help after the storm and was amazed at how the spirit of the place came through despite all the devastation. Since then I have wanted to move down and am finally in a position to do it. What I really want is to find a laid back, country/rural town 30 minutes from the city proper. I'm a country girl but I want access to the music/bars/work in New Orleans. Is that possible and if so what are some towns I might want to look at?

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Boute, Norco, LaPlace come to mind. Not sure how far, how long a commute. You sure you want a small Southern town? It's waaay different from small towns other places.

[Eastender67]

SouthernBelleInUtah said : It's waaay different from small towns other places.

How so? Some elaboration if you will please.

[jimpup]

No, I am not sure it is what I want. I lived in Savannah, GA for a while and found that it was not a good fit for me. I have lived in a few vermont small towns and love the pace (despite what people think about Vermont it is a stong mix of conservative traditional types with tree hugger liberal types and has more in common with what i have experienced in the South than anywhere in the North). I have been stuck in NYC for 4 years and hate it. I want to have access to an urban center but I want peace and quiet, too. Basically I want it all. Like most people in the country I have always had a crush on New Orleans but what i experienced a few years ago down there blew me away. Moving there has been in the back of my mind ever since.
I have looked into the three towns you mentioned and plan to do more research.
I wanted to know why you recommended those 3.
Thanks for the reply
Oh! I am looking to teach and my husband does construction if that is useful.

[Jessiegee40]

Originally Posted by jimpup

No, I am not sure it is what I want. I lived in Savannah, GA for a while and found that it was not a good fit for me. I have lived in a few vermont small towns and love the pace (despite what people think about Vermont it is a stong mix of conservative traditional types with tree hugger liberal types and has more in common with what i have experienced in the South than anywhere in the North). I have been stuck in NYC for 4 years and hate it. I want to have access to an urban center but I want peace and quiet, too. Basically I want it all. Like most people in the country I have always had a crush on New Orleans but what i experienced a few years ago down there blew me away. Moving there has been in the back of my mind ever since.
I have looked into the three towns you mentioned and plan to do more research.
I wanted to know why you recommended those 3.
Thanks for the reply
Oh! I am looking to teach and my husband does construction if that is useful.

A little farther than 30 minutes but the Northshore is a nice country atmoshere and the commute to the city is 45minutes to an hour. Check out St. Tammany Parish. We don't call them County here. Covington, Mandeville, Lacombe and Slidell are the "major" towns.

There is alot of construction because people that don't want to rebuild in the city but want to stay in the area are/have moved here. Also the public schools are better in St. Tammany Parish.

[Candiloulou]

If you want to be by all of the bars and clubs,the French Quarter area is for you.