Preparing to Relocate to the New Orleans Area

New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and Shreveport are the top 4 areas that attract people to our state. Jobs in tech, construction, oil, health and more attract talent from all over the US and the world.

Here's some quick information for those moving in the New Orleans area and for more information on this and other areas:

Text "Moving" to 504-535-4353 for more location information

What towns and cities are considered "The New Orleans Area?"

Kenner, Metairie and New Orleans are connected on one side of the Mississippi River. Just over the canal, you'll find Arabi and Chalmette. On the Westbank of the river, there are Algiers (New Orleans), Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego, Bridge City and Waggaman.

(Near Kenner there's also River Ridge and Harrahan)

How are these areas organized?

New Orleans is more of a metro area, meaning it contains more people per square mile. There are more stores dispersed among the various neighborhoods and public transportation is on a more frequent schedule. The downtown area includes the CBD and other municipal buildings, as well as several interesting restaurants and museums.

The residential areas of the city each have their own personality. Text "Moving" to 504-535-4353 for access to neighborhood profiles.

The other areas, such as Kenner, Arabi, Marrero etc are characteristic of most American suburbs, with larger residential areas surrounding a centralized business district. While some businesses exist outside of the "main street," most of your amenities are found in one location. For example, in Metairie, most businesses are along Veteran's Memorial Blvd, while most of the Westbank businesses are along the Westbank Expressway.

How long does it take to travel between each of these smaller towns and New Orleans?

Kenner, Chalmette and Waggaman are the 3 most distant on each side of the area. With average travel times, it takes about 20 minutes to get from Kenner to New Orleans, 10 minutes from Chalmette to New Orleans, but Waggaman is a little different.

There are two routes from Waggaman to New Orleans. The route that passes over the Crescent City Connection usually takes longer because it brings you into downtown New Orleans. You are looking at a 30 to 45 minute trip depending on the time of the day if you go over the CCC bridge. However, if you take the bridge into Kenner and River Ridge, it's a more solid 20 to 30 minute drive.

Is the food in the smaller towns as good as it is in New Orleans?

For the most part, yes it is. A lot of local and international flavors are found throughout the area. Text "Nola Foodie" for my list of the best places to eat in the area.

What kind of weather should I prepare for?

The summers are incredibly hot and humid and very wet. Be sure to bring a raincoat and a great umbrella, and some great deodorant to absorb all the sweat because it will not evaporate on its own. Click HERE for a great brand that I use.

The Spring and Fall are divine! It's often dry and moderate temperatures. Mar to April and Oct to December you can't find better weather than here in Louisiana.

But when it's cold, it bites! Most people who are new to the area are shocked to find out we even have a winter but then also that it's so bitterly cold. Our temperatures rise and fall from 80 to 30 every few days all winter long, so never leave home without a jacket and gloves and/or a hat, just in case Mother Nature decides to send us a quick cold front before your workday is through.

Is crime really that bad?

Yes and No. Most parts of the US have seen a spike in crime in 2021. So it's not surprising that New Orleans did also.

Just as in any other part of the US, do not walk alone at night, be mindful of your surroundings at all times of the day, and I always tell folks, no matter where you live in this world, a tazer never hurts no one but a perpetrator, so get you one.

What other questions do you have?

Text your questions to 504-535-4353 for more information.