PaulaFSPS

New Orleans is a gem of a city. I have lived here all of my life. It's diverse culture and laid back attitude makes it a wonderful place to visit. However, since Hurricane Katrina, there have been some noticeable changes in the atmosphere of the city. Here is my take on major life issues that should concern anyone considering living here:

1. Since the occurrance of Huricane Katrina, the school system is a mixed bag. In addition to the regular private and parochial schools, we now have a variation of public schools. Most schools ran by the Orleans Parish School Board have been rated as low performing (with the exception of a few). These schools I avoid enrolling my kids in. Charter Schools have been really showing the public how a school is properly ran. I have two sons that attend a charter school, and I am absolutely floored by the level of care and concern that the administrators show towards the curriculum as well as the children. Schools listed under the Recovery District are a little better than the Orleans Parish Public School System schools, but I don't believe they are better than the charter schools. The charter schools have received acclimations for their improved and high test scores.

2. New Orleans, before Hurricane Katrina, was a bit confusing to tourists as far as safety was concerned. Hotels were not allowed to tell patrons where to go and where to not go, but pretty much if you stayed in the French Quarter area you were relatively safe from killings (not muggings or fights). The main issue used to be that you could be in a an area that was considered "safe", but if you walked two blocks away, you could have found yourself in a very dangerous area. Now, after Hurricane Katrina, the boundaries have changed. You may not be safe anywhere anymore. I suggest that anyone that wants to live here should either travel in groups or arm themselves. Always be aware of your surroundings.

3. Food and entertainment is something New Orleans Prides itself on. You can always find good food at a reasonable prices, and you can always find a wide array of cuisine. There are always some type of festival or celebration happening in the New Orleans area, and bars stay open late into the night. We also have area casinos if you are into gambling. In these areas, New Orleans reigns supreme.

4. Children in New Orleans have many choices of activities to choose from. We have soccer leagues, neighborhood football leagues for tots, the Children's Museum, City Park (it has rides), and the New Orleans Museum of Art (they sometimes host programs for children). Our best attraction for kids, however, is the Aquarium and Audobon Zoo. These are wonderful places to plan activities for your children. In conjunction with City Park, you can easily plan a full day of educational and fun activities for your child without breaking the bank.

5. Jobs in the city, since Hurricane Katrina, have really focused on construction. While I have a Master's Degree, New Orleans is considered to be a city of low educated people. We have no fortune 500 companies, and we are not a tech city. If you have aspirations of finding a good job in New Orleans, you will eithe need to be in the construction field, in the education field (college), or related in the housing market. I do not suggest that highly skilled people move to New Orleans to look for work. Jobs are on the low end of the pay scale here unless you are an Attorney, Accountant, or government worker.

New Orleans is a wonderful city full of good food and good times. I would recommend living here because the cost of living is relatively low, and if you are considering going "Green", everything is pretty close so you don't have long commutes. Come down to New Orleans and see if you like it. I guarantee you will.