possible move to NO area with a gymnast (Baton Rouge, Metairie: real estate, living)

[sooner_jenn]

Hi,
My family is looking at a possible move to Metarie(sp?) area. Wanted to find out about suburbs that are family friendly, including an excellent gymnastics club specifically.
Any info would be helpful...Thanks!

[fleurfleur]

Hope this helps. My suggestion would be to go watch a team workout and talk to the gym moms. They have the dish...

Northshore (Crossing the lake may be a pain, but potentially worth it. Good team and nice facility.)

Elmwood- Probably a good consideration, also. Good program. Located in Harahan, which feels inconvenient to almost anywhere, though. Best bet if unwilling to cross the lake.

Elite in Baton Rouge (Way far from Metairie, but any list mentioning gymnastics in Louisiana deserves a mention of them. Churns out lots of elites and level 10's. Constant high placement at meets at all levels. Basically, if your kid is in any other gym in Louisiana, she will almost always place behind a handul of the girls in pink. If she needs to make 9.45's, you may want to consider Elite. If she is happy making 9's, then feel free to look elsewhere. Ok, I am slightly bitter, but... these are just the facts.)

Westbank (Not too far off the expressway, pretty good team)

Allstar Gymnastics (Incconvenient to Metairie somewhat, yet good for recreational and lower levels. Handful of optionals. Small gym. Personal attention.)

Ivanov's in Metairie- perhaps not as good as you are looking for, but potentially close if you do settle in Metairie

Riverbend- eh. Now located in Covington, but if you are going to do a gym across the lake, I'd stick w/ Northshore Gymnastics.

Crescent City (Who knows- never noticed them at meets or anything...)

*Oh, and Metairie is extremely family oriented, so no worries there. Just try not to go too far out, nearing Kenner, or you will be isolated and traffic crazy. Old Metairie is absolutely beautiful. Hmmm, let's see, as far as other suburbs go, here is a rundown. Living on the Northshore presents its own problems, especially if you have to work in the city. Car accidents going over practically shut down passage. Ugh. Covington and Mandeville are nice. Stay away from Slidell. The westbank is not too far from the CBD, but there are only a few places I would live, i.e. Barkley Estates, Timberlane, Stonebridge, Plantation Estates and some new developments. You may want to stay away from the rest of it. Uptown, though not a suburb, has a wonderful feel, lots of families, and is pretty safe if you live in the mansions near audubon park. If you are not this financially blessed, also consider the areas around city park. Make sure you have an alarm system, no matter what part of the greater area you live in. Also, make sure you have your evacuation plan, because we are approaching hurricane season. Latter and Blum and Remax seem to have the real estate stronghold on the area, and I am sure they would not mind answering questions about specific spots, especially if they think they could get a client out of it. Hope both finding a gym and moving works out smoothly. Good luck.