somcc

I am moving in a month and I have only visited the city once, a long time ago! I have been reading a lot that the city is very unsafe ( I know most big citties are ) But it is hard for me to get a correct grasp on just what to expect. If anyone on here lives in the FQ currently or has correct insight, PLZ HELP

suze

Just go online and find a map of the city that highlights the amount of crime in various neighborhoods. You can find these for any major city:

Here's one example-
https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/la/new-orleans/crime/

AustinTraveler

I would ask your question here:

http://www.city-data.com/forum/new-orleans/

november_moon

You can use this interactive map to see what crimes have taken place where.

http://www.crimemapping.com/map/la/neworleans

The downriver side of the FQ (between Jackson Square and Esplanade) has less crime - it is more residential, so is generally quieter. Crimes on that side of the FQ seem to be thefts and other property crimes. On the other side of the FQ, where the bars and things are, you will see more crime - again, mostly theft and things like that, but also assaults and more serious crimes. IME, a lot of the assaults tend to be people getting into fights with each other, not attacks.

BigRuss

Is this a troll?

"I have been reading a lot that the city is very unsafe" - yes, New Orleans is somewhat unsafe. It has been that way for decades. But it's not even in the top 20 among cities of its size in the US and is also safer than Baton Rouge.

"( I know most big citties are )" - nonsense. New York is safe, LA is safe, San Diego is safe, Austin is safe, San Jose is safe - all are far larger than New Orleans and have 40-70% less violent crime. New Orleans has a high murder rate (3rd in the nation for cities with > 250,000 residents). Its assault and robbery rates are higher than average for cities of its size - this stems in large part from the city's own economic problems.

But the fact is if you ask someone which is safer, New Orleans or Houston, they'll likely pick the wrong one - Houston has more violent crime.

suze

No this is not a "troll". But is does sound like someone who for some reason is moving to a city that they are unfamiliar with.

michelhuebeli

I don't live there, but have visited repeatedly, stayed with people who live in the FQ, and am about to go there again in a few weeks. My sense is that if you keep your front door locked, don't hang out in shady bars where people get all likkered up (technical term), and generally mind your own business, you're fine. I've walked and biked all over, often well after midnight coming from and going to music venues, and can only remember the obvious drunks that you find in any city very late into the night where there are lots of bars. But they just Laissent the bon temps rouler...

Is the FQ a must for you? There are other and very nice areas, with more space, bigger houses etc.

november_moon

New Orleans crime gets a lot of press - you'd swear that there were pirates lurking around every corner, just waiting to rob and pillage. Its an interesting city with a lot of visitors, so crime there is on people's radar. The public at large doesn't really care much about what happens in Baton Rouge because how many people go to Baton Rouge? The crime that happens there isn't on people's radar because it is unlikely to happen to them. The reality is though that in New Orleans, unless you are out looking for trouble, it's probably no more likely to find you than in any other city.

somcc

Thank you everyone! I am not a "troll"... I am moving to New Orleans, I have only been once. What I meant by I know most big city's are, was that most big cities have places that are less safe than others (south side Chicago, for example). Sorry for the wording.. I am looking to move into the FQ and have mapped out the crime. Looks benign for the most part, if you are not stupid. If anyone has a recommendation on fun stuff to do for someone who is just moving I would love your input!

somcc

Also, the french quarter is not a must for me. It was simply the only place I saw when I visited. I read that the Garden district is also a good place to live? I am a young female med student looking to live in a section of the city that has fun stuff to do, when I have off time (which is not a lot).

november_moon

Where will you be studying/working? That might make a difference in where you choose to live. And, will you have a car or need to rely on public transport? If you are studying at Tulane, then I'd look at uptown neighborhoods. For example Oak Street near Carrolton has a nice little business district with coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and shops.

Rents in the FQ tend to be on the high side, and I think the GD too. Parking in the FQ is often in short supply and some rentals don't include parking - so whether or not you will have a car can make a difference.

My cousin used to have a house in Faubourg Marigny, which is the neighborhood just down river from the FQ - he loved living there. Its got great character, lots of history, but isn't as busy as the FQ.

sf7307

Rents are high in the GD, but there's plenty of "student housing" too (not affiliated with the university - just the type of apartments and in the locations you would expect NEAR the university. Given what your hours are likely to be, I'd think you should look closer to the med school. Does the school have any suggestions?

somcc

LSU is where I will be working/studying. I currently live in CA, so higher rent is not a problem, as I am used to budgeting for it (unfortunately) .. I will looking into Oak street area! Thank you for all your help!

I am not really sure what would be best, closer to the school or in a place that will be comfortable for me to have a life outside work/school. I have heard that the GD and uptown are also great places to live. How would you rate them against the french quarter? (bars, coffee shops, restaurants, general fun things to do)

SusanM

Somcc, for fun things to do, I highly recommend the live music clubs on Frenchmen Street, which are mostly cover charge-free. I discovered it in December and want to go back!

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...e-big-easy.cfm

sf7307

I'd personally live in the Garden District or the Warehouse/Arts district, I just like those neighborhoods. As for entertainment, I completely agree with SusanM (but take Uber/taxis at night!)