possible move to nola? (New Orleans: crime, job market, statistics)

[tikitwo8765]

hi everyone! i am considering moving to nola. i know there are other threads on here about moving to this great city. i am graduating in may with an accounting degree and have family in nola. i was wondering how is the job situation there? i have been doing some research and do see job postings but i would like some first hand knowledge. also, how is the crime? does it affect your everyday life in that you do not feel safe? or as long as you have some street smarts about you i.e. dont walk around in dark places by yourself, stay out of the more crime ridden areas, you will be okay. thank you in advance for any responses, i appreciate it.

[alon504]

The job market is better here than in most places in the US. The economy is more diversified in New Orleans and although we are short of Fortune 500 companies (which is good during an economic downturn), we do have over 20 $100-$500 million companies based here. Depending on your job, the market is different. Accounting is a pretty good field in New Orleans. Most oil companies are based in Houston, but, most major support companies for the oil industry are based out of New Orleans and the financial, legal, & accounting support of the big oil companies is pretty big in New Orleans.

[MetroBTR]

If you have street smarts, your risk of being affected by crime decreases to that of any average city. Generally, try not to leave ANYTHING visible in your car. Some crazy people out there will break a window to steal anything from sunglasses to a handful of change on the dash. Stay alert, especially in parking garages, muggers will often utilize SUV's and pillars as hiding spots, so don't get too close to objects where they could easily pop out and grab you. If they will not be able to catch you by surprise, they will probably think twice about mugging you. Don't leave anything you cannot bear to lose out in the yard. Get a burgaler alarm and keep doors and windows locked. Be cautious and don't let yourself fit the profile of a victim.

[domino]

To avoid crime, avoid being involved in drug trafficking, prostitution, and other illicit activities. The horrible crime statistics for New Orleans are mostly associated with the citizenry involved in this line of work.

[alon504]

Right, if you have a personal issue with crack cocaine, I would avoid this city. If you aren't a crack or drug addict, you should be relatively fine.

[sloth777]

Unless you have money that a crack addict wants, then, well, it's your funeral.

[lipbalm]

I wonder how the crime in NOLA relates to say Juarez, Mexico (last year over 1600 murders, beheadings, mass executions, street shootouts using AK's, etc...) Where would I be safer??