Why Not Move to New Orleans: Insights from a Long-Time Resident

I’ve lived in New Orleans, born and raised there, and it holds a special place in my heart. However, despite its charms, there are strong reasons why one might not want to call the Big Easy home. In this post, I will share my experiences and insights on why New Orleans might not be the ideal place for everyone, focusing on the aspects that deter long-term residency.

Hot and Humid Weather

The first and foremost issue is the extreme weather. Picture hot, humid days that feel overwhelmingly uncomfortable. The combination of heat and humidity is a significant challenge for many residents and visitors alike. This heat comes every year, and unless you have a strong tolerance for it, it can make living there quite difficult.

Evacuating from Hurricanes

Living in New Orleans also means dealing with the constant threat of hurricanes. This is a serious concern, especially given the city's geographic location. The need to evacuate during hurricane seasons can be stressful and disruptive. Not everyone is willing to take this risk or has the means to evacuate when necessary.

Crime Rates and Safety Concerns

Another major factor is the crime rate. While it’s true that crime is not unique to New Orleans, the city does face significant challenges in this area. The confluence of public school issues and rising crime rates means that safety is a constant concern. Living in a neighborhood that lacks security can be a deterrent for many families and individuals.

The Evolving City

Over the last three decades, New Orleans has undergone significant changes, some positive and some negative. While there are ongoing efforts to improve the city, it’s important to recognize that a lot of this has been in the opposite direction. Public schools, in particular, have deteriorated, making the environment less fertile for growth and education. The rise in crime rates also paints a less idyllic picture of everyday life in the city.

Personal Experiences

My experience with New Orleans was complex. Initially, I had a love/hate relationship with the city, often feeling both drawn to its charm and repelled by its challenges. As a young couple during my 6.5-year DINK (Double Income, No Kids) phase, the city offered a unique lifestyle. However, as we became parents, the life became more focused on practicalities like grocery shopping, homework, and the occasional visit to Home Depot.

Another significant factor was the need for a butler or a manservant. In New Orleans, many things go wrong, and often you feel the need to have someone running cover for you, especially when dealing with the city's bureaucracy and services. This was a realization that was hard to swallow, as it indicated a level of deficit in the services and support systems that I took for granted.

The biggest factor for us, though, was the reduction in the size of the effective city. Life became more like any other place but with added difficulties. We found that it took a lot of investment to enjoy the pleasures that made us love NOLA, and when we couldn’t do that consistently anymore, it wasn’t worth the effort.

Conclusion

Deciding to move to New Orleans is like buying a lottery ticket. But unlike a lottery ticket, the odds of winning or losing are not in your favor. If the city hits with a sentence of life on severity of crime and weather, you lose. But if you thrive in a fast-paced, live-for-the-moment environment, then New Orleans might just be the place for you. For me, despite my love for the city, the drawbacks and the constant uncertainty about the future made it a place I will never consider as a permanent home again.