Grudgingly moving to LA--advice? (New Orleans, Laplace: best neighborhood, rental, homeowners insurance)

[shmander15]

There's a good chance we could be relocating to Slidell area. Not sure how I feel about this but leaning toward not liking it one bit. We live in P'cola and see firsthand what Ivan did (drive up home prices, getting dropped by homeowner's insurance, don't even get me started on the influx of people) so moving an area even more recently affected by a hurricane is not appealing.

Somebody make me feel better and tell me Slidell ain't all that bad. Know where I can get accurate crime and school info? What about the best neighborhood/public school area for homes in the 180k - 220k range? Has homeowner's been an issue over there? We had USAA, but they are not writing anymore policies in FL and I'm afraid these same issues will be there.

Okay, guess that's it. Would appreciate any feedback asap. We will have to give an answer on if we're willing to move or not soon. I just don't know if it's worth the promotion.

Thanks!

[reinkingsrus]

I don't have any advice, I'm in the same boat! I am not against moving, but I am afraid of what the N.O area is like after Katrina! I have read alot of missed views on the area and La! I have been looking on all the city and state websites, looking at home prices, rental properties, jobs for me! My husband would have a job, his friend is hiring him, but I do in home child care and really don't want to try and start up my business in a new state! I am excited to get involved with an organization, so I can help do a small part in rebuilding the area. I am however nervous about leaving Arizona for some place my husband and I have never been! I am an Air Force brat and my step-dad has moved several times in his career, so I am use to moving. I have lived in Michigan, Ohio, Florida, California, Arizona, Minnesota, and New Mexico..oh England, but that is VERY different that here!

Good luck!

[Doogie]

There are some good things about Slidell. There are some good neighborhoods since many professionals live there and work at Stennis (NASA test center for firing Shuttle rockets). I know some engineers / programmers that live in Slidell and work in downtown NO. It is also in close proximity to NO so you can do all the fun things there. When looking for a place to stay just be aware that there was some storm surge flooding near the lake so just ask some locals. If you want to be close to the lake make sure you are elevated enough.

I can't speak for the taxes or insurance there but I know homeowners insurance has been an issue around here lately. The prices have gone up and fewer companies are writing policies.

[Drouzin]

For the best insurance choices and prices aim for north of I-12. I have an elderly relative who lives off of Airport Rd., and the area seems to be low to no crime. It's also close to the mall.

[tjmlvs_stjude]

Yes it was devasted by Katrina however, you will meet the sweetest, kindest people ever. The culture is wonderful and remember it is what you make mof it. Are you relocating due to a job change or transfer? The negative is there but the people are what make it special. Cajuns are warm, inviting, kind, giving and welcoming. let me know.

[shester]

Slidell, Covington and Mandeville are good places to live. Laplace is also outside the city limits. For those that do not want to live in the City of New Orleans visit the neighboring cities. Many people drive into the city just to work. I am a Business Partner as a Modular Home Builder, if you need a good quality home built and delivered fast visit my website Anderson & Gutierrez

[piediriche]

Don't be afraid of Slidell. Schools are pretty good in St. Tammany. Insurance sux. You know the problems if you were in Ivan's path. Definitely look north of I-12 if you can because it's easier but I recently heard that USAA is writing, even on homes in flood zones but only if you are a previous customer. Check it out when you find a house you're interested in. I heard the same thing about state farm. We are looking into Louisiana Citizens because our company isn't writing in St. Tammany at all.

[piediriche]

St Tammany school data is at stpsb.org. We are in western St. Tammany and are very happy with schools. Both my kids have 99% positive experience in school and my son is 2 pts on ACT away from tulane admission. Tulane is pretty hard to get into, the same consortium as Harvard, Duke, etc... So his La. public school education has given him a shot. Just have to work on the score a little. We have a business in Slidell. It's growing fast. Lots of population increase post K.

[stephonee3]

Originally Posted by piediriche

St Tammany school data is at stpsb.org. We are in western St. Tammany and are very happy with schools. Both my kids have 99% positive experience in school and my son is 2 pts on ACT away from tulane admission. Tulane is pretty hard to get into, the same consortium as Harvard, Duke, etc... So his La. public school education has given him a shot. Just have to work on the score a little. We have a business in Slidell. It's growing fast. Lots of population increase post K.

I think that it is amazing that your son is so close to being accepted to tulane (though the prices are outrageous there)...but i have to inform you that it is very hard to raise an ACT score 2 points! when i first took my ACT i got a 25 (i went to a public school), and i wanted to raise my score for many different reasons but everytime i tried to take it again my score just went down! hopefully, things will not be the same for your son!

[michrance]

Mandeville or Covington, north of I-12 for insurance purposes. Moderator cut: edit