I wanted to make a move from Toronto to New Orleans, and was wondering what changes I should expect other than the climate. Also, what are some good neighbourhoods to live in that s close to the business district and places to go (i.e. New Orleans Arena/Superdome, restaurants, nightlife, etc.).I really fell in love with the city when I visited and with such a low cost of living, thought it would be a great place to make a change.
The answer from Hairy Back is typical of people who actually know nothing about New Orleans. Drug dealers have been killing each other and the still-reduced population made the homicide rate skyrocket (rate = population divided by crimes).. Other crime in New Orleans is at or below the national average for cities. To be blunt, stay away from people who buy/sell/use crack cocaine and your chances of being the victim of anything worse than a parking ticket or hangover are very low.I have not been to Toronto so can t actually compare the two cities. New Orleans is probably much more diverse in population, with a large percentage of minorities and people with alternative lifestyles. The City of New Orleans has had problems with corrupt, incompetent, racist municipal governments for more than 3 decades. Katrina disrupted the power base of the pre-storm political establishment and they are being voted out (and/or sent to prison) but are not yet gone. The elections of 2010 are a chance for New Orleans to turn its back on the last 30 years of Haiti-like administrations.If you are Canadian your first challenge will be getting a work visa, unless your occupation is one that lets you work in the USA as a NAFTA professional. Canadians do not need a student visa to attend school in the USA.The French Quarter itself is a great place to live, but it s expensive and parking is a problem if your home does not have off-street parking. Other areas in or close to the city center are the Marigny Triangle (next to the FQ), the Marigny (next to the Triangle), the Warehouse District (condos apartments), and the Bayou Saint John/City Park neighborhood. Good luck!
I think you have been drinking more than you should be tonight. The Big Easy is Americas most violent city next to the Motor city capital of the world, Detroit. Its a very diverse city with alot of low income areas to beware of. Staying in Toronto, its your best bet.
I agree with NOLA GUY... We see the same asnwer from all the people who have NEVER been to new orleans. People just looking at to hate anyway they can. To bad these losers have to amount to the internet. I mean really get a life. Anyway, I am born and raised here. I was here before the hurricane and came back when we were allowed to. New Orleans is so unique and much fun! There is always something to do. It a beautful city to those who have experienced it and loved it. There is also so much to do outside of the city, airboat tours, hunting, fishing, plantations, camping, food everywhere is amazing!I have never been robbed/mugged/or had anything happen to me. Nothing has ever happen to friends or my family ever. There is crime in very city and here it is mostly drug related. Stay out of the bad areas. Warehouse District, Garden District, and the Irish Channel are my favorite places in the city outside of the Quarter. There is so much stuff around to do. The warehouse district is walking distance to the superdome and the quarter is a little bit farther away but it is walking distance if you had too.Warehouse District( also the Arts District)Restaurants- Tommys Restaurant, Cochon, Rock n Sake, Emerils, Rio Mar, La Boca, Ugly Dog SaloonBars- Republic, Lucys(has food too), Howlin Wolf, Tommys Wine Bar, The Red EyeMuseums- LOTS! D- Day, Julia Street is filled with them! Childrens MuseumUptown- Magazine St. Bull Dog, Balcony, Rendezvous, Columns Hotel Bar, Bridge Lounge, F and M s, Grits, Dos Jefes Cigar Bar, Rock N Bowl, fat Harrys, Le Bon Temps Rouler Restaurants- Commanders Palace, Upperline, Lillette, One on Hampson, Clancys, Brigtsens, Crepe Nanou, Domileses, Sake Cafe, JaquimosFrench Quarter- Muriels, Coffee Pot, Coops, Napolean House, Yo MamasBars- Lafittes, Carousel Bar, Pat O s, Absinthe House, Bombay Club, Jackson Square, St Louis Cathedral, Cafe Du Monde, Rvierboat(don t eat there the food is terrible) Zoo, Aquarium, Historic New Orleans Collection, Royal St. Antiques,Music- Frenchman st!!(snug Harbour, DBA, Spotted Cat) Check out what is playing at tipitinas, HOB, Howlin Wolf. Tipitinas has cajun dancing every sunday night. Go to Preservation Hall.There is a lot more. But I think this is long enough.There is also a lot festivals here!Oh and they HairyGuy he is one of those ignornat assholes from Chicago who hates new orleans because when we went to NFC championship in Chicago. All over the news was new orleans this, katrina that. At the game the chicago fans wished we were dead, through snowballs, beers and spit on us. Goes to show how great of people they are! Well ever since then the only thing those fans can come up with is New Orleans is shi*hole, Its the armpit of the USA. Funny thing is ALL of those A$$holes have never been here! The ones that have love it. They are just ignorant asses who do nothing with themselves. Like this guy who smokes pot all day according to his profile. He has probably never left the state before. His deadbeat a$$ probably can t afford to buy a plan ticket.