First post here. With a population of 11,786, Destrehan is a small town. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Appreciate any input.
9 upvotes
15 Replies
Ellie P.
it depends on the neighborhood
37 upvotes
dc_christian
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The food scene is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
35 upvotes
Samuel W.
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
33 upvotes
Delilah Stewart
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Sunset. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in retail. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Definitely worth checking out..
30 upvotes
Greyson Kelly
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the Greenfield side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
25 upvotes
Marie M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 5 years. Moved from Charlotte for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are excellent. 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. Dating scene is rough. Homeless population growing downtown. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Noah Myers
This.
20 upvotes
Eliana
big facts right here
20 upvotes
Elena Rogers
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 5 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
18 upvotes
Sadie R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Denver about 11 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good internet infrastructure
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are manageable, gas is solid.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Good luck with whatever you decide..
13 upvotes
Julian Sanders
thanks for sharing
9 upvotes
nolachef2026
hmm interesting perspective
6 upvotes
Amelia Martinez
Saving this thread
4 upvotes
Logan J.
bump
0 upvotes
Dylan
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 43, moved here 13 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Oak Park and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited public transit options
3. The dating scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for retirees. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
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