River Garden apartments (New Orleans, Jefferson: low income, to rent, crimes)

[tmsjava]

My husband and I are moving back to New Orleans and are looking for a place to rent near our old neighborhood of the Lower Garden District. I've been looking at the River Garden apartments and they "look" very nice. But that neighborhood scares us a little. It's not too far from Magazine, so that's good. Does anyone know anything about these apartments? Wish I were there so I could drive through the area....we've walked near the area, but I've not actually walked amongst the newly built homes.

Thanks,
T.

[alon504]

I've viewed them in years past. It's not too dangerous of a neighborhood, but, I did't like the fact that they had low ceilings and gave "the apartment," feel....But, they're nice. They have a workout facility, pool, etc.......Good luck and let me give you a pre-"Welcome back home."

[tmsjava]

I'm not sure you're thinking of the same River Garden I'm thinking of. It's near St. Mary/Annunciation/Laurel. They're newly built homes...but some are townhouse style duplexes. It's basically a whole neighborhood of several streets with these brand new "New Orleans" style homes.

T.

[PhenomenalWoman]

You must be speaking of the "River Garden Apartments" that was built where the old St. Thomas Housing Project used to be. They are mixed income housing...meaning that they have some low income/moderate income residents living there. They are very nice on the inside/outside but i heard that there have been a lot of criminal activity in and near the facility. Jefferson,LA would probably be your best bet for somewhere halfway safe.

[Prytania]

No, don't live in Jefferson.
I'd consider River Garden but otherwise just live up past Napoleon Ave. if you are that worried.

But don't live in Jefferson Parish.

[PhenomenalWoman]

I was talking about around Ochsner Hospital. My brother in law live near that area. His family has no problems with crime... they stayed at the hospital during katrina and then went right back to the apartment.

[WestbankNOLA]

I have a friend moving back home who is interested in moving to River Garden or Saulet, but is leaning toward River Garden due to $. I've been trying to find info about how safe it is but for every good review I hear a bad one. I've been told that it is wonderful and then I've been told it's just the St. Thomas with new buildings. Anybody know anyone who stays there or know if it's really that bad?

[Prytania]

I go there often lately for an architecture preservation class.
It is I think majority African American, and appears to be very clean, well kept up.

I'd consider living there but there is petty crimes around there from time to time...and car break-ins. But I don't see anything there that looks bad, and I've been down there during the day and at night.