So where do you buy or rent in New Orleans in this situation? (Metairie: for sale)

[mSooner]

Full disclosure--I have no idea if we will be moving to New Orleans ever, but there is a chance it could happen during the summer of 2014 (New Orleans has 3 residency programs in my husband's specialty of choice and we plan to focus on the midwest and south so...)

Where the heck do you rent or buy in the metro area when you need the following:

--Decent commute to medical centers downtown (under 30 minutes is ideal, but the closer the better)
--3 bedroom and at least 1500 sq ft with a $1400 rental budget or a $175k home budget
--Schools not really an issue because the kids will be young and I know you can get a parochial education cheap, but with a husband gone on call at nights and young children, I'd want to feel safe.

I ask because perusing rentals and homes for sale, it seems like it is would be hard to find something we could afford in a decent area. (but honestly, I struggle to know what areas are decent) I've been to the city a few times to visit and I know it can be very hit or miss in areas right next to each other (though that certainly isn't a feature specific to New Orleans itself)

I'd be hesitant to buy at all just because I'm terrified of another hurricane...also, what does flood insurance do to a monthly mortgage payment?

A friend who is from the area told me the north shore area is it if you have kids--do you agree? That seems like a longgg commute.

[SlowDriver]

The Northshore would be a long commute--there is the Causeway Bridge going straight across the lake, but that's really at the mercy of the weather pretty often.

I currently live in the Harahan/River Ridge/Metairie area west of the city, and it's a nice neighborhood(s) with a fairly fast commute to downtown via Earhart Blvd. / US-90 / I-10. Note about safety: When I first moved into this apartment complex, I asked and they did not have security here. I found that a little strange/worrying, but they said it's never been a problem. Having been in this specific area for a few years now, I agree, it hasn't been a problem.

I've never looked into large apartments, so not sure about your rental affordability, but most places I looked for an apartment in these areas seemed they would be well within your range. I chose the "pricier" apartments, and a 2-bedroom would be around the $1000-$1050 per-month range here.

Sorry, I don't have experience looking for a house, just apartments. But I fear a house in some parts of the west side might get expensive...

[ptt]

I would rent instead of buying. At 175k home it wouldnt be in a good area considering that your husband working downtown. You might be able to rent somewhere uptown maybe not be a 3 bedrooms but a 2 bedrooms.

[debbiemh]

I agree with above, a 175k house is not going to be in a good area. Unless you get a run down place with the idea of fixing it up. Rent - then decide if you want to buy in about a year.