thinking about moving (New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner: spring break, crime, home)

[rosein2012]

hey guys! i was reading this forum and found it very informative regarding my questions, but i just had a few more. i was thinking about possibly moving to new orleans this coming up year. i visited in october and was only there a short while but i absolutely fell in love with the city. it felt like i belonged there already! i've been doing a little research about the cost of living and so forth but i'm still a bit nervous about the whole thing. this would be my the first big move away from home and to a much larger city than i am used to back here in oklahoma. i am a college student, so i was excited to learn that there were so many universites in new orleans but i am a concerned about jobs and whether i would actually be able to afford living in the city. i would be making this trek alone and honestly i'm terrified that i will get there and everything i could have ever imagined will go wrong. what i loved best is that this city was so cultured and is so much different from anything here in oklahoma. it really is beautiful to me but i don't know if i'm just jumping the gun about moving or if i'm making the right decision. if any of you guys have any advice or information (especially cost of living) that you think would make this easier for me it would be so greatly appreciated!

rosita

[Micktooth]

Hi Rosita, my family and I lived in NOLA for 15 years and we had to move after Hurricane Katrina. New Orleans is a very cultural city, but it is unique in other ways as well. There is a large crime problem there, and unlike other cities with good and bad neighborhoods, NOLA has good and bad streets. Please do a lot of research before you move. The cost of living in general is not too bad, but some rents in more disirable areas have gone up a lot after Katrina. New Orleanians are generally friendly but they are set in their ways. People talk about their high schools like other cities talk about their universities. All I can say is please do A LOT of research before you make your move. Go back again and see the city as a resident and not a tourist. Ask questions and you will make a good decision. Good luck!

[darylwi]

You said that you are a college student. Are you planning on going to school in NOLA?
If you're doing school in NOLA, I'd suggest sticking close to the universities. You'd get a better atmosphere with the younger crowd that way and of course there's always the Quarter. Otherwise, I would strongly suggest looking outside of the city, either Metairie, Kenner. NOLA is a great place to spend the day or even a weekend, but it's not a place I would ever want to live. Definitely do your research beforehand. Best of luck.

[Vampgrrl]

NOLA is fine to live in.
I moved here Uptown, somewhat near Tulane in April...
I wouldnt live in Metarie or Kenner personally...defeats the purpose of living in the area I think especially if one is single.

[rosein2012]

yeah, i would most definitely be going to school while i was down there. i was planning another trip during spring break to check everything out more thoroughly, but it's still kind of up in the air. thanks for all your help and advice you guys, i needed it!