Moving to New Orleans-safe neighborhood?

[Robin504]

Please do not allow media and commercialism, and above all OTHERS' OPINIONS to discourage you from checking out The Jewel of the South; not everyone is designed to live everyplace, especially in The Bayou with its humidity.

You have to make decisions for yourself and do not allow detractors talk you out of at least making informed decisions. It's truly ignorance that puts people in fear; that's what racism truly is: FEAR. The worst "BoogieMan" IS racism, fear, hatred and total distrust of anything unfamiliar. Think: Just how many people in your life have you, initially, had questionable feelings, then after having gotten to know them, you may've had reason to question the way you initially and erroneously felt?? Right.

And if you really check into Voo-Doo, you will find that it's not the "bug-a-boo" that Hollywood makes it out to being & that its roots are no more offensive than Catholicism, the major religion in New Orleans. All Haitians are not into Voo-Doo anymore than all New Yorkers are rude and mean people.... as indicated courtesy of what?? The Media. Ever notice... it's mostly people who HAVEN'T been to a place who oddly enough, have the most opinions, and generally negative, about a place. Just think of Southern Hospitality, the best cuisine and Jazz you've ever experienced in your life.. and THEN some!! OK?? Our saying is not for nothing: Laissez le bon temps roulez [Let the Good Times Roll!]

There are different cultures all over the U.S., and none more diverse than New York City -- and NY even has its reputation; clearly, it hasn't stopped people from visiting and even moving here [yeah... I'm originally from New Orleans but live in NYC]. And, God Willing I WILL RETURN!!

So, my suggestion Dear one is, go and find out for YOURSELF ... you STILL might not find New Orleans to your liking, but at LEAST you'll return with an intelligent and informed opinion -- BECAUSE YOU CHECKED IT OUT YOURSELF!!

That's what, after all, life is about. When you learn about other culture's you open your mind and well as your heart.

~Robin504~

Originally Posted by lauricellac

New Orleans I heard is very nice, I always thought New Orleans was haunted for real it just seemed to me because somehow Voo-doo & The Haitian Culture can relate to New Orleans I am not trying to be rasict in any manner at all. just throwing that out there

[Bluesmama]

When we vacation there it is always at the same place in the Marigny, and we've gotten to know some of the residents. "Things" do happen but a lot of the residents keep a good eye out for their neighborhoods.

Parts of it have a little late-night because of Frenchman Street, but I don't view this as a bad thing.

Would I live there? Yeah, I'd say so.

[Robin504]

Also... allow me suggest the site: New Orleans Condo Trends by Eric Bouler. Not only are the photos worth downloading, the site provides on the left side of the page, much educational info concerning condos and the like. Though I am not presently living in The City, I make sure to remain on the email list.

Give it a shot... ya never know what you could pick up.

~R504~

Originally Posted by etincelle1007

Thank you so much mnr3!!!

That city-data link to the neighborhoods (which I should have been able to find on my own :-)) was wonderful - that is EXACTLY what info I needed to get! It makes it a LOT easier now to orient myself in the city. The other link putting all neighborhoods together is great too!

Also, thank you on the info about the river - it makes sense now, looking at the whole river - I just have to mentally flip it up.

We did find out that he will work on the - let me see- yes, the WEST bank. It will be a little to the east of the Navy place on Patterson Drive. I found some neighborhoods that seem OK from just the data right now. Seems like the "Old Aurora" could work. On the other bank, I was liking the Uptown, as suggested, Navarre?, Garden District, Marigny, and City Park. Also, there was something called Touro and Marlyville.

Seems like all the Lake-something places are good too, but I have a nagging feeling they are probably just houses to own and/or out of our price range.

I feel a lot better about having an idea about New Orleans. We will definitely have to go first though to visit and possibly meet the landlords etc., look at the places...

Thank you so much for all that information!! I am gonna keep looking!
:-)

[devmike]

I live uptown it's beautiful and pretty safe, um.. my bike got stolen....We looked at a two bedroom 2 blocks over it was $900.00 We have kids, so took alarger place for 1350.00 witha park across the street. "location, location, location"

[Robin504]

You are very welcome!

I suppose I'm living , vicariously, thru you & your experiences in my hometown because I cannot now [afford to] be there I sort of envy you, in the nicest way possible, being able to do what I'd love being able to do, instead of "doing time" here in NYC. But, I shouldn't complain -- things are pretty good for me and I've been Blessed and fortunate with home, family & job here; but, it still ain't home -- no place really is.

I would like to encourage you to not allow ANYbody to discourage you from moving to New Orleans; there is crime EVERYwhere.... BUT: there is also love, respect, fun-loving, hospitable, hard-working, charitable, generous and law-abiding citizens living and loving in New Orleans. THAT'S RIGHT! It's always the MAJORITY of people pay the price for a smaller amount of people who compromise the quality of life.

Unfortunately, people would MUCH rather focus on the negative, which I just too easy to do. As surely as there are down sides there are up sides to it as well: It's called, "LIFE"

Folks make it sound as if crime and murder are ALL that is happening in New Orleans; what about the Lower 9th Ward, down on Tennesse Street, where Brad Pitt is placing his stamp of generosity? I SAW these homes, back in September when I went home for a vist. The residents were sitting, and rather contentedly, I migh add, on there porches, rocking back and forth, and waved and smiled at us when we drove by and greeted them.

I live here in NYC, where crime exists as well -- but, since I have to live here until such time that I can return home, I prefer focusing away from the things that magnify unpleasantries; I'm not saying that I place my head in the sand, but in order to actually LIVE in a place, we have to all realize that there is a balance to life, to nature; the good as well as the bad; there is light as well as dark.. for without one, you cannot have the other. Just use your common sense when navigating around a city where the most broken, desperate and nefarious people tend to congregate. Pay attention to your surroundings and you will, no doubt do well. Use caution and discretion while enjoying yourself -- you'd do it any other place, I'd hope. This is what adults are supposed to do in any locale.

I still have friends, my oldest and dearest, who live there and are doing QUITE well! And to help you out with the nay-sayers: NONE of my friends have fell victim to any crime - and one couple live right in the heart of the Lower 9; I go there each & EVERY time I visit. I have, respectively, 80 and 90 year old cousins who've moved BACK to New Orleans [The Gentilly Area on St. Bernard Avenue] after having been displaced to Texas after Katrina..... when I asked them why, their answers were simple: "It's Home" - they have a beautifully restored home as well.

Take your good hearts, your positive minds, your God-given common sense, your soaring spirits to a beautiful City with the broken heart and design the life you want, without fear. New Orleans needs Hope, not hate.

Fear is a very real thing -- unfortunately it doesn't change anything and holds its victims powerless and inert. YOU make the decisions about YOUR life; do your homework about your new home city and just enjoy your life there. I know it is possible.. I'm a native.

Buena Suerté!

~Robin504~

Originally Posted by etincelle1007

Thank you so much mnr3!!!

That city-data link to the neighborhoods (which I should have been able to find on my own :-)) was wonderful - that is EXACTLY what info I needed to get! It makes it a LOT easier now to orient myself in the city. The other link putting all neighborhoods together is great too!

Also, thank you on the info about the river - it makes sense now, looking at the whole river - I just have to mentally flip it up.

We did find out that he will work on the - let me see- yes, the WEST bank. It will be a little to the east of the Navy place on Patterson Drive. I found some neighborhoods that seem OK from just the data right now. Seems like the "Old Aurora" could work. On the other bank, I was liking the Uptown, as suggested, Navarre?, Garden District, Marigny, and City Park. Also, there was something called Touro and Marlyville.

Seems like all the Lake-something places are good too, but I have a nagging feeling they are probably just houses to own and/or out of our price range.

I feel a lot better about having an idea about New Orleans. We will definitely have to go first though to visit and possibly meet the landlords etc., look at the places...

Thank you so much for all that information!! I am gonna keep looking!
:-)

[dunnls]

I am from Monroe, LA. I am also moving to New Orleans in September. I have watched the rental market since December now. The best place to look for rental homes is Craigslist, believe it or not. However, there really isn't a fully safe place to live in New Orleans city limits. It is not segregated by class. Some places might be totally impoverished; however, even the nicest areas are often robbed. You won't have to ever feel "out of place" though. In New Orleans, everyone is mixed in. There are always bums walking along side people in suits, everywhere.
Two Tulane students were on the news for being held at gunpoint for their purses last week. You can look at the crime maps provide by the police department. A condominium style apartment (where you park in a secured parking garage) could work. Google the Cotton Mill Complex. It's pricey, but see if that is more your style. Then you could look for a place in the warehouse/arts district. It's more "city-style." You would be in a secure building with guards, an interior courtyard, secured parking, etc. Also, my new coworkers have suggested River Ridge. It's closer to the CBD than some places in the city limits. Also, housing is cheaper there (1000 sq. ft. for $900). Don't forget Metairie.
With all that said, we are choosing to move to Uptown or the Garden District Area. The crime statistics, even there, do not give you a warm fuzzy feeling exactly. We love New Orleans and feel it's worth the risk (at least in our childless, young professional years.)

[munna21977]

How is area near Loyola University/St Charles Avenue for living? I saw beautiful houses there but I dont know how an Asian family will fit in there? Is there crime in that locality or is it expensive/cheap?

[Smuni21]

I'm a 24 year old woman who may have to relocate to new orleans for my DREAM job. The pay isn't significant but it's exactly what I want to do.
My concern of course, is safety. I'd be living alone/commuting alone. I'm from the NJ suburbs and have lived in Charleston so I don't know crime areas well but wouldnt want to pass up this job opportunity based on skewed opinions of the area. Any advice is welcome! What areas do most Tulane/Loyala stuents live? Is there anything affordable in Audobon? Thank you all so so much!