Safest area closest to Louisianna? (Jacksonville, Miami: renting, homeowners insurance, employment)

[mamajen1221]

Thinking about relocating from NY to Florida. I don't want to live in Alabama or Missiissippi. My daughter has family in Louisianna, but I don't want to live in LA either. Looking for the safest, cleanest area closest to Abbeville LA area. Rather not drive anymore than 6 hours, 7 @ the most. Schools are extremely important, as are safety and employment opportunities.

Money, as usual w/most, is tight so any insight would be appreciated. Thanks!

[CoreLysium]

Short answer, any city that's closest to New Orleans is plenty safe is you don't go cruising the ghettos.

I'd suggest Houston metro area.

But if you want Pensacola, it's good. Not as close, not as much stuff to do. But palm trees, no income tax.

Given that you'll accept a 6 hr drive, Dallas and even Memphis could be considered.

New Orleans is actually quite nice in the nice areas. Just don't go near the Ninth Ward. I was amazed when I went through it a few months ago.

[mamajen1221]

Thanks for the prompt reply. I have been doing some research on Gulf Breeze and it seems to have pretty good reviews, expeically regarding the schools. Any more input on this area, or surrounding towns? Thanks!

[JRA2000TL]

Gulf Breeze if you don't mind high homeowners insurance and being in a low-lying flood plain.

[CoreLysium]

Well, renting first is the best advice regardless. And possibly a long term choice in municipalities that really crank up the property taxes.

[Cajuness]

I don't know if you're still looking, but I wanted to say that if you change your mind about not wanting to live in LA, I would suggest moving to Lafayette and not to NOLA. That's where I'm from, it's 20 mins from Abbeville, and though it's pretty damn ghetto, I loved it there.

[southernnaturelover]

Originally Posted by mamajen1221

Thinking about relocating from NY to Florida. I don't want to live in Alabama or Missiissippi. My daughter has family in Louisianna, but I don't want to live in LA either. Looking for the safest, cleanest area closest to Abbeville LA area. Rather not drive anymore than 6 hours, 7 @ the most. Schools are extremely important, as are safety and employment opportunities.

Money, as usual w/most, is tight so any insight would be appreciated. Thanks!

Baldwin County Alabama is much nicer than Escambia County Florida, with lower property taxes and better schools. I assume since you're coming from NY you must think all of FL is the same? Most of the panhandle is no different from AL or MS.

[jwolfer]

Originally Posted by southernnaturelover

Baldwin County Alabama is much nicer than Escambia County Florida, with lower property taxes and better schools. I assume since you're coming from NY you must think all of FL is the same? Most of the panhandle is no different from AL or MS.

The Panhandle is also known as L.A. Lower Alabama. I would guess that this OP is afraid of living around "Southerners" and the Panhandle along with Jacksonville is definately Deep South unlike South Florida

[powellmacaque]

Originally Posted by jwolfer

The Panhandle is also known as L.A. Lower Alabama. I would guess that this OP is afraid of living around "Southerners" and the Panhandle along with Jacksonville is definately Deep South unlike South Florida

Hey now, Tampa's still pretty Southern.

Huge Confederate flag in Tampa replaced | wtsp.com

I'd say Tampa has more in common with Houston, Pensacola, Gulfport, and New Orleans than it does with Miami or Orlando. Us Gulf Coasters should stick together .

To the OP depending on where you are in life Pensacola can either be the greatest or the worst experience ever.