What should I know about New Orleans that travel sites won't tell me?
I'm on the verge of moving there...I KNOW there are crappy neighborhoods (just like in every city) but I can't for the life of me find a place that will acknowledge where they are. I'm also curious about neighborhoods -- is New Orleans a walking city at all (are there any self-contained neighborhoods), or do you need a car to get around? What else should a newcomer know?
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As for transportation, like in most cities there are usually things within walking distance, but getting around the city will probably require a car if you don't want to take the trolley or can't get to the places you need to go on it.
One bit of advice: Don't buy a house ten feet from the levy. My aunt learned that lesson during Katrina.
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Only just got one on board after going through THREE complete flakes. If you're going to work with me you've gotta respond to your emails within a couple days, sheesh. Still, agents have their own agendas and I always like to hear opinions from third parties.
I have a flood map that I refer to frequently. I won't be looking in areas that flooded -- I'm not handy around the house and have no desire to deal with any fixer-upping...
That said, the food is fantastic and the people can be great.
I don't know much about areas outside the city center.
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You'll need a car. Unless you can afford the ridiculously expensive property prices in the French Quarter the rest of the city is the typical southern sprawler.
I don't actually know what the crime rates are like but I believe I've seen more commercials and billboards for lawyers and bail bondsmen in NOLA than all other such advertisements I've seen anywhere else in my entire life.
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with the exception of a few preserved areas of NO, it's basically all rotten, old, nasty and uncared for. Going to New Orleans and its surrounding burroughs is like going to the 1970's, if the 1970's involved several Godzilla attacks and nobody bothered to rebuild afterward
You will need a car, ideally one with tinted windows. Probably a gun too.
honestly unless living inside of NO city limits is a strict requirement, a place maybe worth looking at is Terrabone Parish/Houma area, which has been growing over the last decade and has some very nice communities that are affordable. That's where I grew up. It's still got all the baggage of Louisiana, but it feels a fuck of a lot safer.
bad news, NO probably isn't for you. within city limits the properties are pretty much all fairly ancient and water damage will be a reality in your life.
you might want to consider renting
Eek. I don't want to live in the French Quarter because I don't like dealing with drunks on a regular basis. This doesn't bode well.
You can buy hard liquor in gas stations, and "Daiquiri Stops" (basically Icees with alcohol) are on nearly every street corner.
Living OUTSIDE of the actual city would be better. Metairie or Kenner are good towns that are close to New Orleans. To get around most anywhere, you will indeed need a car. Also be prepared for shitty drivers, shitty traffic, and the best food.
I have lived in California about 7-8 years, so shitty drivers is no problem-o. I imagine I'll contribute to the perception. (Note: I'm a very diligent and defensive driver and my worst offense was making an illegal left on a two lane, one-way street).
Are Metairie or Kenner suburban in that they are bedroom communities (ie. people just sleep there) or what? I'm hoping for a place where there's a grocery store, a main drag with shops (book stores, a movie theater, cafes, restaurants, whatever). I used to live in Charlotte and I know what the south can be like (ie. lots of driving) but I'm sensing I'm not going to find that in NOLA.
basically north of the intercoastal waterway is metro area, south is more like a traditional suburb/bedroom community
but kenner and metairie are established and have stores and malls and entertainment and stuff
it's just all old because LA doesn't believe in infrastructure
All are right off the interstate. So from kenner to NO, it's like 10-20 minutes' drive depending on where you wanna go? Metairie is between Kenner and NO. Pretty much directly buts up against both. All of them have malls and shops and all the stuff you'll need for sure.