Moving back to NOLA with my husband and two young kids...need advice (New Orleans: rental)

[movingtoNOLA]

I am a Tulane alum ('98) who is nervous about moving back to New Orleans next year with my husband and two young boys. I had a lot of experience with crime while I lived there. I lived in the Uptown area before, so I am pretty familiar with that area, but maybe it has changed a bit since Katrina. I would like some advice on other areas, in particular that would be safe for a family. We are looking to rent (price range $2000-$2500) and my primary concern is safety. However, other things are important to us too, like living near Whole Foods, gym, good private schools and probably last on our list is being near all the "cultural" things New Orleans has to offer.
I know the lakefront/lakeview area was really badly flooded, but seems to be slowly rebuilding nicely now. Can anyone tell me about this area? Are there any parks/playgrounds that are safe (during the day) besides Audubon?
Is there anything going on in the West bank?
What are some of the positive (or negative changes) that have gone on since Katrina?

Thanks so much

[rburnett]

There is only one Whole Foods in the city, and the area around it is the safest there is. It's between Jefferson and Audubon park on magazine. The area I have outlined in this picture, has very little crime.

//www.city-data.com/forum/attac...ods-uptown.jpg

Based on that rental budget, you should be able to get something in that area close to Audubon Park.

Lakeview is rebuilding, but it's still sparse in ammenities compared to what it had pre-Katrina. Any "nice" area on the westbank will be quite a commute just to get to the bridge.

All Uptown is not created equal, but if you can afford the nicer areas, I say why not?

[thepointykitty]

I had never even been here before Katrina, but I'll put in my two cents anyway ;-) I lived in Broadmoor for six months when I first moved here last spring, and I really liked it. There were lots of families taking walks together, kids playing in the yards, friendly neighbors, etc. I live in Riverbend now and I like it even better! I feel safer here than any other place I've ever lived. I also really love that area around Whole Foods that rburnett mentioned. My husband and I walk/bike around there a lot.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

You could also rent in Old Metairie. There is a Whole Foods on Veteran's Blvd near Causeway. The magnet elementary school for Jefferson PAr is on Metairie Rd. in old Metairie. Old trees, older houses, people out walking, etc.