Advice on moving to NOLA (New Orleans, Baton Rouge: real estate, apartment, rent)

[arenard]

Hey all,

I've been researching this heavily, and talking to few people that I know in New Orleans to get more information about neighborhoods, etc. as I'm planning on moving to the area in June.

Despite all the research, there seems to be a real difference between what -real- people say about a particular area, what real estate agents say about a particular area, and what some other forums/travel sites say about a particular area.

Here's a little info about me, first:

I'm a 24 year old dude, born and lived in Biloxi until I was 8-9, moved to Vermont, and then moved to Worcester, MA (about 30 minutes from Boston) for college, graduated in 2012, and have lived in Worcester since. It's time for a change.

I currently work at a corporate chain restaurant, with another location in Metairie that I can 100% transfer to, which makes the 'finding a job' portion of this move much easier.

I'm a musician, and very active in the local music scene around here, and intend to maintain my involvement in music while in NOLA (love of music is one of the main reasons for me moving to NOLA).

I'm looking for something like the following:

Ideally, no more than $800 a month (is that unreasonable?)

A small studio/efficiency space would be just fine- not picky, and it's just me.

I'm worried about different neighborhoods- I know to obviously avoid the 9th and Hollygrove, but beyond that, I'm not 100% sure of which neighborhoods should be left totally out of the question?
To be honest, I don't mind a -little- hood. I've been living in Main South (the poorest neighborhood in Worcester) for the past two years, where there is mild gang activity, and crime can be high- I'm used to having 'street smarts.' DISCLAIMER: this poorest area of Worcester also is home to Clark University- which sits directly in the middle of Main South- so, I'm not sure what effect this may have?

Anyhow, I'm looking for not super expensive, not super dangerous, and as close to the city as possible. I do have my own car, so that may be something to consider as well.

Any and all help is greatly appreciated!

Tanks!

[annie_himself]

There's many threads on the last few pages with good info.

[Neworleansisprettygood]

Don't mind Annie. He likes to play policeman as a way to cover the fact that he doesn't know what he's talking about.

If you're going to be working in Metairie, it should be easy to find a studio out there for less than $800 a month. If you want to live in the city, I'd suggest the area around Tulane, the Lower Garden District, or Mid-City. These are the cheaper but still "hip" urban neighborhoods.

[BayouBungalowChick]

you could try searching craigslist for the roommate section? You could live in a much better neighborhood and pay less rent and have some friends. Are you willing to have roommates? You can also look at some of the studio/artist lofts. There are some in treme that are your budget.

[annie_himself]

Originally Posted by Neworleansisprettygood

Don't mind Annie. He likes to play policeman as a way to cover the fact that he doesn't know what he's talking about.

Did someone forget to burp the baby?

[Neworleansisprettygood]

Nope. It happened in the third post. Now go ahead and move the goal posts until we're talking about something you know about, like volleyball leagues in Baton Rouge.

[Chilly Gentilly]

OH SNAP...

[sconley9922]

Ikr

[arenard]

Thank you guys so much for your advice! (and the hilarious shots fired )

I'm gonna be down there March 3-11 to do some exploring.

Are there any tips for the best way to contact real estate agencies/etc. that deal with apartment listings that may be able to help in Metarie, mid-city, tulane, and lower garden district areas?

Thanks!

[Neworleansisprettygood]

Originally Posted by arenard

Thank you guys so much for your advice! (and the hilarious shots fired )

I'm gonna be down there March 3-11 to do some exploring.

Are there any tips for the best way to contact real estate agencies/etc. that deal with apartment listings that may be able to help in Metarie, mid-city, tulane, and lower garden district areas?

Thanks!

I would try craigslist as a place to start. Latter and Blum is a local realty company, as is Gertrude Gardner, and then you have all the RE/MAX etc. national co's. But craigslist is probably your best bet.