is New Orleans the most expensive city in the South? (Baton Rouge: real estate, renters)

[movingsomewhere]

I notice a lot of threads here asked about the high rent/insurance in NOLA. The education costs, etc. But why? NOLA is the South, and shouldn't it be cheaper compared to Northern states? Isn't NOLA technically this old, ghetto/crumbling city, which should be an affordable one to live in? Is it because it is a dangerous city, that the higher-priced area you live in, the more security it buys you? Is it like the Wild West where money buys you security? I've never been to NOLA so I'm curious if it's even worthy to move there, from Chicago.

[movingsomewhere]

well online is a good resource to start with, anyway. Craigslist tend to have rentals that aren't in NOLA (the city) but mostly Metaire. are rentals lacking in nOLA?

Originally Posted by Prytania

You keep asking questions yet you won't get any answers that make sense until you come down here and VISIT.

[njkate]

In don't find it any higher then the "Metro" areas of Savannah or Atlanta.
The historic district of Savannah is very high, still cheaper then NY

[bornjacksonian]

visit first and you will see. come down to the south and get a feel and then you may can answer your own question. choose any weekend you like, there will always be something to do.

[Okiefrombama]

Anywhere on the Gulf Coast is going to have a fairly inexpensive cost of living. Getting insurance is what's becoming a disaster with expenses. If you live near the Gulf, you are a high risk.

[movingsomewhere]

Yeah I heard the Gulf Coast is the expensive area of the South. Insurance for cars? I'm not lookin to buy a house/condo so I probably don't count as far as insurance goes, except for car.

Originally Posted by Okiefrombama

Anywhere on the Gulf Coast is going to have a fairly inexpensive cost of living. Getting insurance is what's becoming a disaster with expenses. If you live near the Gulf, you are a high risk.

[WestbankNOLA]

If you add in disposable income, rent and housing costs, car and flood insurance, etc., then probably so. It would probably be like having the cost of living in Miami with 1/4 or 1/2 the income. Even compared to Houston and Atlanta, "NOLA ain't cheap." Just compare the prices in Baton Rouge to that of New Orleans.

[Drouzin]

Originally Posted by WestbankNOLA

If you add in disposable income, rent and housing costs, car and flood insurance, etc., then probably so. It would probably be like having the cost of living in Miami with 1/4 or 1/2 the income. Even compared to Houston and Atlanta, "NOLA ain't cheap." Just compare the prices in Baton Rouge to that of New Orleans.

I've been noticing that the prices on the stuff on the Northshore are cheaper than here. I try to buy here, but sheesh, it's difficult justifying a $10-20 difference on my grocery bill. I have to go up there at least once a week anyways, so why not make groceries where it is cheaper? I admit I feel a bit guilty when I don't contribute to the tax base here, but sometimes the lure of an extra few dollars left in my pocket is too tempting. (I miss running over to Dillards in the East, so if anyone from Dillard's is listening...)

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Originally Posted by movingsomewhere

Yeah I heard the Gulf Coast is the expensive area of the South. Insurance for cars? I'm not lookin to buy a house/condo so I probably don't count as far as insurance goes, except for car.

You never heard of renters insurance? When a storm comes, your TV and household possessions are maybe going to be soggy toast. Not to mention the chances of thieves getting to it first.

[Nico82NO]

I agree with westbankNOLA. Although I wouldn't say its the most expensive, ill admit cost of living compared to income levels make it seem that way. The expensive education is a result of the trend to send children to private schools instead of public. Security is not bought with money here, I'd say getting to know your neighbors and making intelligent moves like locking your front door even when you are home, and avoiding areas where you feel uncomfortable. You know all those things they taught you in elementary school. Lol you make it sound like there's some mafia u gotta pay off to live without trouble. I'd say the pressure for increased cost of living really is due to insurance on real estate post katrina, and for some reason food stuffs are pricey but that's gotta be a little more widespread. We are an island of commerce and don't see as many big chains move in town. It took them a while to permit walmart to build the store on tchop.