Relocating to New Orleans and have concerns about safety and flooding (Metairie: rentals, violent crime)

[NolaBound21]

Planning to relocate shortly however, have some questions and concerns about flooding and crime after doing some research. I've been looking for rentals in flood zone X. I understand that doesn't mean the zone is exempt from flooding however, I've been seeing a lot of reports of flooding in these zones for example Algiers Point. How prevalent and disruptive is flooding in the city? Are there any areas in the city and/or outskirts that see significantly less flooding? Coming from the north, this isn't something I've ever dealt with.

Crime is another concern, as I'm bringing my two children with me. To put it in perspective, I want my children (who are older) to be able to walk the neighborhood, ride bikes, with no more discretion than they would normally use due to violent crime occurrences. With that being said, are there any areas in the city or outskirts that are diverse in population and safe?

Thanks in advance!

[Tall Traveler]

Originally Posted by NolaBound21

Planning to relocate shortly however, have some questions and concerns about flooding and crime after doing some research. I've been looking for rentals in flood zone X. I understand that doesn't mean the zone is exempt from flooding however, I've been seeing a lot of reports of flooding in these zones for example Algiers Point. How prevalent and disruptive is flooding in the city? Are there any areas in the city and/or outskirts that see significantly less flooding? Coming from the north, this isn't something I've ever dealt with.

Crime is another concern, as I'm bringing my two children with me. To put it in perspective, I want my children (who are older) to be able to walk the neighborhood, ride bikes, with no more discretion than they would normally use due to violent crime occurrences. With that being said, are there any areas in the city or outskirts that are diverse in population and safe?

Thanks in advance!

Flooding is always going to be a concern in New Orleans. Some houses are elevated and that reduces your risk of flooding. I believe the French Quarter did better than most areas of New Orleans when Katrina devastated the city.

If I were you, I would go to Metairie or even possibly across the causeway to Mandeville since you have kids.

Bt the way, I love New Orleans but wouldn't live there unless they got the crime much lower than it is...get the crime down and NO becomes awesome and likely expensive.

[annie_himself]

Originally Posted by NolaBound21

Planning to relocate shortly however, have some questions and concerns about flooding and crime after doing some research. I've been looking for rentals in flood zone X. I understand that doesn't mean the zone is exempt from flooding however, I've been seeing a lot of reports of flooding in these zones for example Algiers Point. How prevalent and disruptive is flooding in the city? Are there any areas in the city and/or outskirts that see significantly less flooding? Coming from the north, this isn't something I've ever dealt with.

Crime is another concern, as I'm bringing my two children with me. To put it in perspective, I want my children (who are older) to be able to walk the neighborhood, ride bikes, with no more discretion than they would normally use due to violent crime occurrences. With that being said, are there any areas in the city or outskirts that are diverse in population and safe?

Thanks in advance!

Flooding will always be a problem if you live in New Orleans. I lived on the border of Central City and the Garden District and while I never had flooding, I would still be affected every time it rained heavy. Everyone is used to it though.

Older as in 10 or 17? If they grew up in Philly, they'll probably be fine. If they grew up in some nice suburb, I probably wouldn't advise them riding bikes around New Orleans unsupervised. Depending on age though. Also, you never mentioned your budget.

[C24L]

Originally Posted by NolaBound21

Planning to relocate shortly however, have some questions and concerns about flooding and crime after doing some research. I've been looking for rentals in flood zone X. I understand that doesn't mean the zone is exempt from flooding however, I've been seeing a lot of reports of flooding in these zones for example Algiers Point. How prevalent and disruptive is flooding in the city? Are there any areas in the city and/or outskirts that see significantly less flooding? Coming from the north, this isn't something I've ever dealt with.

Crime is another concern, as I'm bringing my two children with me. To put it in perspective, I want my children (who are older) to be able to walk the neighborhood, ride bikes, with no more discretion than they would normally use due to violent crime occurrences. With that being said, are there any areas in the city or outskirts that are diverse in population and safe?

Thanks in advance!

what is your budget?

[Chilly Gentilly]

Originally Posted by NolaBound21

Planning to relocate shortly however, have some questions and concerns about flooding and crime after doing some research. I've been looking for rentals in flood zone X. I understand that doesn't mean the zone is exempt from flooding however, I've been seeing a lot of reports of flooding in these zones for example Algiers Point. How prevalent and disruptive is flooding in the city? Are there any areas in the city and/or outskirts that see significantly less flooding? Coming from the north, this isn't something I've ever dealt with.

Crime is another concern, as I'm bringing my two children with me. To put it in perspective, I want my children (who are older) to be able to walk the neighborhood, ride bikes, with no more discretion than they would normally use due to violent crime occurrences. With that being said, are there any areas in the city or outskirts that are diverse in population and safe?

Thanks in advance!

Go to the Westbank. Never floods as bad as the city and crime in Jefferson Parish is lower than Orleans.


Look at Harvey or Gretna...wouldn't go as far as Marrero

[Dream34]

Before I make any recommendations, where are you moving from and what amenities are you looking for? What is your lifestyle and quality of life expectations?

[NolaBound21]

Thanks for your responses. The kids are 15 and 16. We are moving from a MD suburb that’s gated. Not ready to buy yet until I get a better understanding of the city and neighboring areas. Rental budget is $1800. Safety comes first, next would be a walkable neighborhood with shops (grocery, restaurants, drug store etc) nearby. I know life will be much different from what we’re used to however, I still think it will be a positive experience. We’re a family of color, my only concern about some of the suburbs, for example Covington, are the school demographics. There aren’t a lot of black students in some of the high schools I’ve been reviewing nor the towns. It makes me sad to say this however, I have worries about us being targeted. I’ve heard stories about black families being harassed in some areas outside of N.O.

[Dream34]

Originally Posted by NolaBound21

Thanks for your responses. The kids are 15 and 16. We are moving from a MD suburb that’s gated. Not ready to buy yet until I get a better understanding of the city and neighboring areas. Rental budget is $1800. Safety comes first, next would be a walkable neighborhood with shops (grocery, restaurants, drug store etc) nearby. I know life will be much different from what we’re used to however, I still think it will be a positive experience. We’re a family of color, my only concern about some of the suburbs, for example Covington, are the school demographics. There aren’t a lot of black students in some of the high schools I’ve been reviewing nor the towns. It makes me sad to say this however, I have worries about us being targeted. I’ve heard stories about black families being harassed in some areas outside of N.O.

I will say that if you are coming from a gated suburb in Maryland and you would like a similar lifestyle then I would likely be looking on the northshore in Covington, Mandeville, or Slidell. There are a few gated communities on both the Westbank and Metairie as well. So far as school is concerned if you are living on the southshore then you definitely want to put them in private school. What school you want is going to vary greatly based on your religion and the types of amenities/extra curricular activities your kids want. If you are on the northshore you can probably get away with public school as they tend to have less issues. With regard to neighborhoods and schools and the ethinic balance/makeup. I would say you just need to know going in and make a choice from there. The reality is that the racial make up of most gated communities in Covington/Mandeville is going to be overwhelmingly white. I think that the schools are probably a little better balanced; however they are still reflective of the residents of the surrounding communities. i think Slidell is probably a little better mixed racially so that may be an option. Unfortunately in the 25 years that I have lived here I have found that in many cases people here tend to "self segregate" and do so very consciously. There are still all african american catholic schools in St. Augustine and St Mary's and Xavier Prep. That said there are also a good number of diverse students at many of the catholic schools as well. I would say that your instinct about living here and renting before you buy is probably a great idea.