Military spouse here. Rent is about $1,545/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 2.1%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Belle Chasse sits at 235.7 per 100K. Homes are going for about $361,800 on average. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
10 upvotes
15 Replies
Maya Scott
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Tampa it's underrated.
36 upvotes
Ethan M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 3 years. Moved from New York for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are tough. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Property taxes are high. Road conditions need improvement. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Olivia B.
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
32 upvotes
Daniel C.
same here
32 upvotes
Jordan A.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 30, moved here 4 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Highland and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited entertainment options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The school system situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for singles. improving vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Phoenix, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
30 upvotes
Gabriel
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is cost of living. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
30 upvotes
Brooklyn
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 53, moved here 14 years ago from LA. I've lived in Oak Park and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The dating scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. solid vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from LA, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
28 upvotes
Addison Cox
couldn't agree more
22 upvotes
Kinsley
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great Korean places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
18 upvotes
Xavier
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The food scene is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
17 upvotes
Autumn Lewis
Moved here from Chicago about 9 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to public transit but Happy to answer more specific questions..
16 upvotes
Jackson Young
+1
15 upvotes
Everett Hill
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely tough and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (The Heights) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
12 upvotes
Leo Diaz
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Springfield. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Asian.
No regrets on my end..
4 upvotes
Ruby Brooks
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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