From Baltimore to NOLA (New Orleans: crime rates, find a job, neighborhood)

[ajacksb]

I'm currently living in Baltimore and work in urban planning/transportation planning. I'm considering several job opportunities in NOLA. I've never been to the city, but it seems to have many of the same urban issues I've dealt with here in Baltimore. Given the same crime and poverty issues, it does seem that there is more city pride and much less negativity in your city compared to Baltimore from what I've read here.

Does anyone have experience living in the northeast and migrating to NOLA? How does it compare? What are the major things I'd have to adjust to, besides the heat?

[Tx Z Girl]

The accent when people talk!

Sorry, I don't know what to tell you. I've never lived in a big city and I've never been to NO, but we may be moving there at the end of the school year!

[aab7855]

It will take some time to get used to the humid heat in the summer. Baltimore, like you said, has its share of urban problems so I don't think you will be blown by New Orleans' issues. New Orleans for the most part is very welcoming to outsiders and now is a good time to move in to the city. If you have job offers I would take them; I am under the impression that New Orleans' economy is doing well, yet for some reason an article came out saying that it's one of the hardest cities to find a job.

[annie_himself]

A good economy doesn't mean good jobs, and we aren't fully recovered from the storm and its effects. The major thing to get adjusted to will be the weather and culture. You might feel like your in another country once you land in NO.

[ajacksb]

I'm looking for something totally different from the northeast workaholic prestige-oriented culture, so New Orleans seeming like a different country is fine. I'm embracing the change.

I figure NOLA would be looking for qualified staff to assist with neighborhood redevelopment and transportation planning, since there is still a lot of rebuilding to do. I wouldn't consider moving there without an attractive job offer, though.

[annie_himself]

I also will be looking in a similar field in New Orleans. Good luck.

[Johnbiggs]

Originally Posted by ajacksb

I'm looking for something totally different from the northeast workaholic prestige-oriented culture, so New Orleans seeming like a different country is fine. I'm embracing the change.

I'm in Maryland and have occasionally looked into Louisiana for exactly the same reason.

[brother's keeper]

I've never been to B-more but both cities are sort of similar judging strictly from the Baltimore seen online/tv and my experience in and what I know about the NO..For instance both are port cities heavily into sea food...Both have big black populations with distinct accents/slang that are somewhat alike..The city's even share negative traits such as high violent crime rates and having drug trade heavily involved in heroine(which is sad..both need to do things to solve those epidemics)....I will say this though...NO folk seem much more unique in their culture and have more style as far as fashion,etc.