Making a move to Oakdale (New Orleans, Lake Charles: crime, casino, living in)

[PbinNebr72]

I am making the move down south and am curious on any and all info I can get.

I'm coming from Nebraska with my 21 year old daughter. I am not amused any more living in Nebraska. Hate the winters, just got divorced a year ago, so looking for a fresh start.

I found a house, via the internet, that is being held til I can get there.
Employment: I am one of those 'Jack of all trades, but master of none' type of people. So, I'm hoping to find anything from health care to law enforcement to vet assistant. My daughter has her degree in Behavioral Health.

Is Oakdale a good place to live? Full of crime? Boring? Should I pick another town? I am NOT a city gal, don't mind going into the city once in a while, but will not live there. My town now only has 200 people in it.

Should I be leary of anything? High electric bills? Random gators in my yard? My car broken into?

Perhaps my sense of humor won't be appreciated? We are rather sarcastic. Lol!!

[turkeydance]

"Should I be leary of anything?"
LSU football. it will consume your soul.
"High electric bills?"
that is everywhere.
"Random gators in my yard?"
they are not random.
"My car broken into?'
gators do not do that.

[DeanGuitarist]

Oakdale is fairly small. Don't know about the population, but worked there years ago opening up a Sonic Drive In there. Drive through it on way to Alexandria and points north.

There's a Wal-Mart, Tractor Supply Company... A federal prison, another prison south of there going towards Kinder, right south of Oberlin. Also Coushatta Casino in Kinder. I'm quite sure that's your biggest job opportunities, even though there's some in Oakdale.

Just to the west of Oakdale, past Sonic, there's the Calcasieu River. Nice little setting. But drive west of Oberlin on Why. 26 for kayaking the clear waters and the there's white sandy beaches. A true hidden gem. Well, not hidden anymore, I guess lol...

To the east of Oakdale, towards I-49, there's Chicot State Park. Nice place, but I'd personally like the cabins farther away from each other for more privacy. They're on the water too. A few aren't, but...hey, life ain't perfect.

Drive south for some real awesome Cajun Food, I'd say starting in Kinder. To me, anything above that isn't Cajun Country. Try the likes of Iowa, Lake Charles, Welsh (Cajun Tales), few places inside the casino in Kinder, Jennings-Boudin King. Although it's not the same since Mr. Ellis died. To me the best boudin is at Petos Truck Stop in Roanoke. The smoked...yum. I think I may have to go tomorrow and get a link. Try Mr.Ts in Elton too for boudin.

Mardi Gras....I'm quite sure you're familiar with the New Orleans kind. Pump your brakes.... There's a whole new world of Mardi Gras in South Louisiana. The rural kind. But you would have to go to Mamou, Eunice, Iota(Tee Mamou), and other surround towns throughout the festive season. Don't know how they do it anywhere else, but especially those 3 place a mentioned, you'll have a great time. They know how to do it.

Gators? Ehh there MIGHT be some around there. There's plenty in the swamps and bayous further south. But they're known to make their presence known. They some good eating too!!!

I'm not sure about the crime over there. You can probably call the sheriff's department or police and tell them what's going on and get their input on areas that's safe and what to avoid. It's all in how you stay vigilant...be aware of surrounding, etc. It's usually an unwritten law such as: Don't start trouble if you don't want it. But sometimes people just suck and want to start trouble regardless.

Most people in small towns are somewhat welcoming. But don't give them too much information, if you know what I mean. The sarcasm? Some like it, while there's some that won't like it. Depends... We all like to have a great time.

But!!! Be wary of the summers here. The heat indexes, high humidity...it would probably have you CRAWLING back to Nebraska. The winters are mild. It's to the point where I enjoy the winter more than anything.

Good luck!

[sluggermatt15]

I'd visit the area first. There is not too much going on in Oakdale. Closest cities are Alexandria or Lake Charles.

[Tom Lennox 70]

I'll take a summer in Louisiana over a Nebraska winter any day!

Oakdale is a nice, friendly town in a pretty part of the state and I have some friends there. I think the scenery there is prettier than South Louisiana with more diverse plant life and more hills. Indian Creek Lake is amazing, so is Kincaid Lake close to Alexandria. I'd say Oakdale is within commuting distance to Alexandria and Pineville. There are several hospitals in Alexandria like Rapides medical center. Alexandria also has some manufacturing jobs and plants.