MOVING to Louisiana but never been ! (New Orleans, Lafayette: crime rate, unemployment, school)

[Lieahboo]

I’m deciding too move (18) , I’m looking in the Lafayette area (possibly their community college) & would really like some suggestions (especially jobs ) , some advice (I’m going blindly to leave the nest of where I’m from which is Kentucky) but I gotta good feeling it’s a going to be the best thing ever . So enlighten me here . (I’ve saved by far a lot )

[annie_himself]

You're moving from a poor area to a poor area to attend community college? What brings you to laffy?

[Lieahboo]

What makes it so poor ???

[annie_himself]

Political corruption has alot to do with why jobs pay very little and aren't plentiful. What makes you choose this area?

[bobspez]

Go there first. Check out the school, housing, jobs, the people, before you relocate.

[slowlane3]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWTic9btP38

[rgathrights]

Originally Posted by Lieahboo

I’m deciding too move (18) , I’m looking in the Lafayette area (possibly their community college) & would really like some suggestions (especially jobs ) , some advice (I’m going blindly to leave the nest of where I’m from which is Kentucky) but I gotta good feeling it’s a going to be the best thing ever . So enlighten me here . (I’ve saved by far a lot )

First and foremost, Louisiana has a violent higher crime rate per capita than Kentucky.
Louisiana 5.3
Kentucky 2.12



You are going to need to approach people differently here and also learn to avoid being in public at night.



SOURCE:
Moderator cut: link removed, competitor site
Moderator cut: link removed, competitor site


Second, our economy has a strong oil industry component. Recent drop in oil prices is translating directly into unemployment for people working this industry. Lafayette and New Iberia depend heavily on offshore oil drilling activity. Make your own assumptions from that regarding my first point.


Third, Lafayette over built their urban centers during the oil boom and many businesses were on the decline after workers were leaving the industry for the past few years.



Finally, one key reason for attending a university is to network and find good jobs in the area once you graduate. Nothing about the economic future in Lafayette points to good jobs in the next few years.

[cj0065]

Y’all sure know how to take the positiveness of the OP and flip it to doom and gloom. I too want to know what’s the move for but don’t listen to all the negativity. Southern Louisiana is fun place and and SLCC are great colleges and improving. What kinda job prospects are you hoping to have? Industry you looking to break into? That will let you know whether the area will be good to you for the future.

Despite the previous post about approaching people differently it’s wise to just be mindful period no matter where you are. I’ve not had an issue with crime since I’ve been here for 9 years. There is crime but mostly in certain areas that you probably won’t have a reason to be in. I’m not sure whether you’re just trying out a new place or looking for something more but don’t be discouraged.

Louisiana has a lot of problems and of course it’s experiencing some of the same economic woes as other places due to Covid 19. I would visit before making the jump. Unless you’re into politics I highly doubt an 18 year old is worried about political corruption... lol

[WhoDatInMD]

^ While it may appear negative, no one has lied about what they stated. Those are just some of the bleak realities of living in Louisiana. For an 18 yo to blindly move from Kentucky to the Lafayette area, to possibly attend community college and also get a job, it just doesn't make much sense given these realities. As you and others have mentioned, they should visit first and see if the area suits them. But at least the OP now knows what to possibly expect if they were to move down there and can plan better prior to the move. When I was 18, I was ready to get as far away from New Orleans as possible but thankfully I had people talk sense into me. Hopefully the OP will let us know what specifically attracted them to the Lafayette area or what they're looking for in general.

[AyeAyeCapn]

I relocated to Louisiana from the central East coast 6 years, 11 months and 24 days ago. The reason people stay here and think it's "nice" is because they've never been anywhere else. Education? 48th-49th in The United States. Earning a living? Fine, if being assistant manager of the toilette seat display at Walmart is a goal.