Hi all, The unemployment rate is 6.7%, which is concerning. Rent is about $1,154/month for a decent place. You can expect to pay around $1,154 for rent here. Crime rate is something to consider -Destrehan sits at 235.7 per 100K. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Am I overthinking this? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
10 upvotes
3 Replies
Genesis
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much growing but now it's excellent.
27 upvotes
Jordan H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 46, moved here 15 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The traffic situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Charlotte, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
19 upvotes
Mason E.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.