Looking to move to NO with a roommate (New Orleans, Jackson: apartment, neighborhoods)

[theearlcarlson]

Hi all,

I'm brand new on the forum, and have been browsing for a bit, looking at a few different cities. The reason I am posting now is because I'm in my final year of college, and I am looking at places to move. I have a fairly extensive list, but New Orleans is a top contender.

I am a photographer, but am assuming that I will be waiting tables for a while before I am able to make a living income off of my photography. I have a friend who has lived out there for the past six months and I may be living with him, if I decide on New Orleans. Also I was in NO for Mardi Gras, but I am interested in hearing about New Orleans when its not raining beads. I am very interested in a good art scene and nightlife. I'm not necessarily looking for clubbing, but rather bars, live music venues, and other events/parties.

I mostly enjoy electronic music (dubstep, d&b, trip hop, grime), hip hop, and jungle/reggae/dancehall - but enjoy nearly any live music.

Also, I am a bit of a foodie.


Basically I have a few questions:

1. Is it possible to live in New Orleans off of a waiter's wage (in an active neighborhood)? And just as importantly, is it possible to enjoy one's self off of that wage easily in New Orleans?

2. What are some good neighborhoods that are close to the city to look into finding an apartment in?

3. What's the music scene like? Is there any chance of finding some of the music I had mentioned in NO?

4. What's the art scene in New Orleans like, what about the fashion scene?

5. How's the public transportation?

6. When I come out to visit, what are some local spots (food, bars, other) to check out?

7. Are there many good deli's around New Orleans? Many good places to get nice cheeses, and other delicious foods?



Thanks so much for any help that you can give,

Best,
-EC

[Prytania]

1. It is possible but you'd probably have to have a roommate (although established waiters can do quite well for themselves)

2. If you want to work in the Quarter, you can try the Marigny and the Bywater (The Bywater can be ok but it can be a bit sketchy, especially the farther away from the river you go). Uptown is good too but its just a bit more of a commute.

3. I'm not sure. I love trance myself...but since moving back I never go dancing. There is Club Ampersand...but I haven't been because I won't go to a club alone.

4. Art, pretty "cutting edge". I'm not a fan...but I can understand how the scene is here. Fashion? I'm not sure. Most people seem to either dress like dirty hippies or preppy Uptowners (but that's just my view point).

5. Ok but slow. The area is flat and walkable...the streetcars are super slow. The buses are better but....meh.

6.

7. Stein's Deli on Magazine and Jackson Ave.
And the St. James Cheese Company on Prytania and Robert.