Urban Retirement
Ahh....Where?
12 Cities in 12 Months - Living the Life of a Local
UrbanAWhere.com
New Orleans
Why New Orleans ?
I don't think I ever would have thought of New Orleans but my daughter went there for a service trip in 2009.
 She thought the people were wonderful and that I would like it.  It's interesting that when you think of
New Orleans, the first thing that comes to mind is Katrina and why would anyone risk living there.  It's just
not really that bad or dangerous.  Every area has its weather/geological risks but most are very manageable
and only one small factor to consider.  Well, after having been there I can tell you that my daughter was
right.  The people are wonderful and it has amazing architecture and charm!
Walkability & Biking (3)
I have to say that walking is really fun, interesting and easy from most places in the city (especially
incredible architecture truly make it one of my favorite walking cities so far.  And don't forget City
Park, Audubon Park and the Fly.  Biking, however, leaves a bit to be desired.  I did do it, everyday and
everywhere, including the French Quarter & up to Lake Pontchartrain.  The traffic was not bad at all
and along St. Charles Street, it was great.  The side streets, though, were full of potholes and more
difficult to navigate.  It is also not really a city set up for biking.  There are no bike racks and not many
other bikers.  It is completely flat, a big plus!!
My Temporary Digs
behind Gene & Steve Goldring's house and it was perfect!  They were so gracious and caring.  Their 4 dogs
were adorable.  The entire area was fenced with the classic NO ironwork and gates.  There was also another
apartment that I rented for the week my family was there over Christmas and we were all able to be
together for eating, games and general frivolity.  It was all very urban with the St. Charles Streetcar only 2
blocks away.  Audbon Park was 3 blocks for the zoo, golfing and a 1.7 mile walking track.  It was easy biking
to Maple Street restaurants as well as Magazine street and no problem getting downtown or to the French
Quarter.  Great, safe location!!
Transportation (4)
The New Orleans Airport (MSY) is fairly well served by direct flights from Boston, LAX, Miami and many
other cities.  They have a lot of Delta flights and also Southwest and JetBlu.  It has easy access from
the city and flights are not too expensive.   You can get almost anywhere in the city without a car.  
The streetcars are great as are the buses.  
Weather, Culture, Food & Amenities (4)
I have to start with a BIG 5 on the food.  There is a huge variety, many famous chefs and very
reasonable prices.  It would be so fun to have out of town guests and impress them with creole,
southern, BBQ, sushi or anything else.  As for culture....the people themselves are so interesting and
full of history.  There's also art and theatre along with Mardi Gras and other multitudes of festivals.  
New Orleans has an edge to it (a bit decadent) but you still feel very welcome.  The weather is really
quite varied.  It was warm and pleasant when I first arrived in December but then turned cold by
Christmas.  I am told that it is pretty hot, humid and unbearable in the summer but I do like the 4
season feel.  Those women were just looking for a reason to bring out their furs!
Real Estate (5)
Real Estate prices in New Orleans are reasonable even in the best areas.  I would be able to find a
house in the $350K range without a problem.  I could maybe even get a double so I could have rental
income.  The architecture is the best I have seen anywhere.  It's old, interesting and beautiful.  
Uptown and St. John's Bayou are the best locations for me along with the Irish Channel and other
areas along Magazine Street.
The People (5)
I so loved the people in this town.  They were open and friendly.  I am sure I would be able to move
here, make friends and fit in.  It's not too stuffy even though most people were born and raised here.  
intermixed and there did not seem to be a major separation.  Everyone was nice from the clerks to
the store owners (and especially Gene & Steve).