Gretna or Metairie? (New Orleans, Plaquemine: rent, crime, school)

[MSvirgo]

I plan on moving my family to the New Orleans area next year in order for me to attend graduate school at UNO. I would like to stay close to the university but the price of rent in the city can be quite expensive. I'm thinking about moving to Gretna. I've heard that the drive from Gretna into the city can be a hassle. I'm wondering if living in Gretna is worth the extra traffic and time it will take for me to get back and forth to class. Gretna seems like a beautiful place to live and has an excellent atmosphere for my three children. What about Metairie? Would that be a better move?

Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Metairie would be better, IMO. Closer drive for you, many surface streets to use, a lot of shopping very convenient. If you're in Gretna and there's an accident on the bridge or I-10, you're stuck.

[WestbankNOLA]

Metairie:
Pros
On the same side of the river as UNO.
Better shopping options.
A little safer than Gretna.
Cons
Traffic.
Generic atmosphere.
Higher utilities.
Less space for more $ compared to Gretna.

Gretna
Pros
Charming (between the expressway and levee).
More space for less & compared to Metairie.
Not as congested as Metairie.
Cons
Toll booth.
More crime than Metairie.

If I had to choose between the two, I would choose Gretna and I hate the Westbank. Metairie is nice and is definitely more family oriented although the back parts of Gretna (between the expwy and Plaquemines) looks and feels a lot like Metairie.

As far as the commute, both should be the same with out traffic. With traffic it will be hit or miss every evening. If you hit the bridge after 8:30am it should be all clear and the same in the evening after 6-6:30. Traffic into Metairie is guaranteed at I-10/I-610 and I-10/Clearview every evening.

Traffic really isn't bad here. It's always at the same spots/times unless there is an event. Coming from
Metaire there are 2 or 3 surface streets you can take. Coming from and going to the Westbank, if you get on the Expwy at the entrances right before the bridge you can usually avoid some delays.

[MSvirgo]

Thanks so much for the info. I think Gretna is really nice but I really don't want to deal with the tolls that much. I think Metairie will be more suitable for us. I'm usually in hurry to get to where I'm going most of the time. I really need to work on that. I've been in the N.O. area several times and I have experienced traffic on I-10 first hand. It can be awful during the evening rush hour and when the Saints' are playing. Geaux Saints!

[WestbankNOLA]

Originally Posted by MSvirgo

Thanks so much for the info. I think Gretna is really nice but I really don't want to deal with the tolls that much. I think Metairie will be more suitable for us. I'm usually in hurry to get to where I'm going most of the time. I really need to work on that. I've been in the N.O. area several times and I have experienced traffic on I-10 first hand. It can be awful during the evening rush hour and when the Saints' are playing. Geaux Saints!

Who Dat!