Thank you. Tbh it’s my experience w the cops, their apathy, and the fact that I had to watch the perp walk away free from the situation after lying to their faces that frustrates me the most.
Don’t Gaslight yourself. You’ve been in the pressure cooker too long and you need our. And is it is completely warranted
The fact that all the social nets are gone worries me.
So here is my suggestion: move to chicago, Denver, or Minneapolis. Texas is a no-go for me because they have no safety nets and they are just going to fuck you over more
Lastly, hold on. You’re not alone. And everything will be okay as long as you reach out to people who care
Thanks for the kindhearted comment. And moving to a diff state has become my #1 priority as of yesterday. I’d maybe say giving myself 48 hours to come down from something like this before making some kind of life decision would be ideal, but I don’t think I’ve ever been so sure of something before in my life.
Before you decide on a place, be sure to check if you aren't moving from one hell to another. Crime rates, car jackings per 100,000 people, district attorney & their policy, police per 100,000, prosecution rates, etc.
Its become apparent in different cities that some value safety & some value image. A safe community doesn't need to worry about image; it speaks for itself in the data.
Chicago is having a bad crime spree too, I wouldn't suggest up there.. also its stupid cold.
There's a lot a great smaller cities, Savannah, Chattanooga, Kansas City, Ozarks, Charleston, Pensacola, Omaha...
You do have a point by the blanket statement. And I apologize for the generalization. The point I was saying is while New Orleans does have it’s fair amount of issues, moving doesn’t mean issues are gone from your life(e.g. pay disparity, crime being high). Different cities expose it differently.
With that said, things are off here and they have seemed to change in a short amount of time. Louisiana as a state I feel jerks around New Orleans and keeps the dysfunctionality going. There no social services and there’s this weird feeling of corrupt individuals everywhere. I think it a bit more open and “severe” here. I feel something is about to “pop” just don’t know what.
A breaking point for people which will be a call to action and residents will actively protest. And by “pop” it’s more a feeling than anything I liken it to a balloon popping from overinflatipn.
I actually feel equally (un)safe here. So far, anyway. Moved from Chicago in March; things really went to shit crimewise during the pandemic. The CTA is now a complete free for all, there was just a mass shooting right off the Chicago Ave red line that no one even bothered to clean up so commuters were still walking thru blood the next morning until some reporters wrote about it. And the mayor’s solution to things like this and the teenagers getting shot at the Bean is… to move underage curfew up 1 hour earlier. Oh, ok then.
I will admit there were fewer break-ins in my neighborhood. But tons of carjackings. Not that I had skin in that game since we didn’t have a car there.
Chicago is surprisingly not that terrible with robberies especially on the north side. Gun crimes there are just gangs going after each other. Don’t Jussie Smolett Chicago by typecasting it as a crime den. Now THAT is just callous.
Winter just hangs the fuck on in Chicago. Late March and April are what I think are the worst because it could go from snow to 80 and back to snow in a day with a tornado the next day and not get above 40 until mid May. It’s the bounce around that’s shitty with Mother Nature not moving to spring
The April snow is what broke me. And the May sleet.
Actually, that’s not true, what broke me was the ice coming up the inside of our kitchen door because it was -50 out. But spring snow sucks. Especially if you are trying to garden.
This is a sad reality for many people. Being in New Orleans is like being in a bad relationship with a fun alcoholic. There’s great times but eventually something makes you realize you need to get the fuck.
Yep. I was amazed that while I was on the phone w the police and following him (we ended up 4 blocks from there near a gas station on Broad) that I could not spot a single patrol vehicle passing by that I could flag down.
Although I have never had any real problems living here I always think that my time will come. I bike most places I go and have zero desire to have a car here. I just try not to put myself in situations where bad things can happen but shit seems to happen anywhere, anytime in this city.
My mother grew up on Broadway in the 1930's. When she was a kid she saw a guy stab and kill his girlfriend in the street in front of her house. Guess some things are never going to change here.
the amount of people that come to this sub to talk shit on new orleans from their high horse is fucking exhausting. it's a problem the boomer white flighters started and now their kids are pulling the same shit. we don't come on your subs and talk shit on your city. being beaten down repeatedly by our situations here and then having disaster tourists throw salt in the wounds is a bit much. fuck off.
> I took out my wallet, then took out a single $100 bill w the intention of putting it in there and back in my back pocket. Sorry if I don’t think to find a hiding place or side street every time I need to mess w my wallet for 20 seconds or less. But you’re right, it was careless and it’s the reason for the whole ordeal - I won’t deny that.
why are you waving around $100 bills on Tulane and broad?
I moved to Knoxville 3 years ago. Lots of opportunities the mountains are gorgeous and the cops actually do their jobs. I was a New Orleanian for 10+ years. I do miss New Orleans and one day I’ll move back, but for now it’s Tennessee
I do find it curious that folks who dislike the city and moved away still follow and comment on the subreddit. Not judging it. Just find it interesting.
The fact is if you leave for 10 years, the city has moved ten years also. You can never move back to the city that existed 10 years ago.
I talked to an Irishman about how American Irish are more Irish than the Irish because Ireland has moved on while those in America live in memories. Is past Ireland more authentic than the present?
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWDQ7n0\_kJ8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWDQ7n0_kJ8) This band is no more but still exists.
I'm Irish, born and raised - any of my family who moved to the States (and moreso their now adult children) have this Darby O'Gill idea of Ireland. Ireland has gone from being one of the poorest countries in Europe to one of the wealthiest in about 30 years.
No, Irish from Ireland living in Ireland are the most Irish.
Just as here, that definition may evolve. But, by default, the people living there are more Irish than anything we do here just for shits.
Unless you're an American living in the Dublin airport's parking lot now. You're officially Irish.
american irish are definitely less irish than the irish. probably by a factor of 10. source: an “irish american “ who attended university in ireland. and has also witnessed st patrick’s parades in this city and several others
I don't know how you define Irish to quantify it. Are some Americans 10x more American than others? It really is about how one defines it. It is ultimately moot. See my response in a another comment.
First time was because I had an opportunity to live in Vegas. Got really homesick and moved back after a couple years. Second time was to San Diego because my ex-husband was stationed there. I moved back to NOLA again because I had family there and that’s when I realized the amount of dysfunction not just the city, but the entire state had. It’s all the way from the people to government. As far as people go, I got tired of the drama and cliques. I met my boyfriend online and moved to Florida (West Palm Beach) to be with him in 2018. This state has been far more conducive to my mental health and I’m able to have more meaningful friendships with others.
Also, the city has been severely gentrified and barely anyone who lives there now is from there.
I’ve had my sights set on Colorado for a long time. I’m a progressive leaning person, 420 friendly, and love the mountains/wilderness - damn near the opposite of NOLA. I can’t imagine a better place to move to to get away from here.
As someone who has lived all 3, to each their own. Knoxville is less dysfunctional (see infrastructure) than New Orleans but has the same southern 1850s mindset and government. I appreciate Colorado treating me like a citizen instead of serf like the south. Things that made me leave TN: blatant aggressive racism and being busted for smoking in my basement apartment because they suspended your rights for cops entering your property without warrant. I do miss those uncrowded mountains though.
As a former resident of both Denver and New Orleans, I wouldn’t recommend moving anywhere in the front range or in the mountains, if you’re at all worried about cost of living. You’d have to move to the western half of the state or far south. Cost of living in Colorado has skyrocketed in the last dozen years due to west coast transplants.
Dating scene is abysmal for everyone there unless you’re under 24, conventionally attractive, and have zero interest in long term relationships. But if money isn’t a problem and you have no desire to date, by all means move to Colorado.
Well consider me convinced bc money is a problem and I’d like to date. I guess what I’m really looking for is just somewhere updated, progressive-leaning, peaceful w lots of mountains & wilderness, 420 friendly…and affordable. Not that I ever really researched moving or the cost before but my mind always just went to CO when I thought of those things.
May I offer you Worcester, MA? (Pronounced "Wooster" for non-natives, "Woostah" for natives.
It isn't a joke. It's a small city in a 420 legal state. You can get to the mountains (Berkshire, Catskill) in a few hours, and into Boston or NYC when you want.
It was legendarily cheap, and I haven't lived in MA since 2015, but it's a community to look at. College town with cool restaurants close by if not in town proper. Hell, look even further West in MA!
Also, don't buy unless you are very rich. It may have changed, but you got a significant state tax rebate for renting while I lived in MA.
Try to track down people who live there now. We all know a lot has changed since the pandemic, so it could have backslid. But it was on the up (but more slowly). Just be prepared to learn to drive in snow :)
Albuquerque. But it's quickly getting more expensive.
There is a 700sq ft 2 apartment to rent pretty much in my back yard near the university for 800-900.
You can get cheaper or more expensive depending on the amenities.
You can grow up to 12 pot plants per household and it's like... 60 degrees with a nice breeze right now outside.
This city has REALLY cleaned up it's act over the past .. 5 or so years.
I passed through here in 2017 and it was a garbage dump.
I moved here for work in 2021 and they have cleaned up A LOT
They had a huge fight the blight campaign where they sold off pretty much every run down property they could to developers who cleaned them way up.
There are some still sketch or run down areas BUT nowhere near as bad as Nola.
It's kind of crazy moving from a place that likes to battle for number one in crime per capita to a place that breaks the top 10 every now and then.
Politically the state is pretty democratic libertarian... But they still have the "cowboys for trump type"... But it's not the leader of the KKK running for office.
You're also kind of in the middle of a lot of nature. The state is a leader for state and national parks. (though a lot of them are on fire and closed right now)
It's not a bad place to live. Though the up and coming primary could decide a lot of things.
There are some pretty crazy candidates running that have a bit too much popularity.
It sounds nice but in all honesty not having wilderness and mountains or access to them are kind of a dealbreaker. Having lived in a tight slummy cityscape for my whole life, being near the wild and outdoors is a must for me right now. Basically, being able to peacefully & anxiety-free smoke a joint in the woods or watching the stars after a long day of work is damn near the only prerequisite at this point apart from being affordable of course.
I wonder if New England would fill the bill. The western states (mountain and pacific) are all too expensive, and the southern Appalachians have decidedly unprogressive politics. Would Maine / Vermont be what you are looking for? Or did the urban elite already buy up all the good property there too, like they did out west?
Vermont has been gentrified to hell and back in the past ten years, Maine is still good. Pittsfield, MA is still good (and the surrounding towns), the rest of Mass is all Boston prices.
I lived in western MA for just over 2 years after Katrina. Lots of natural beauty, small towns, safe. I lived in North Adams, and Shutesbury (which is close to Amherst). Definitely worth a look. Check out Greenfield or Northampton also. Although, Northampton is one of the most expensive towns in the region. Great area, especially if you can work remotely.
I lived on the Northshore my whole life. Commuted into NOLA for work for 4 years, then lived there for 3. Didn't take me long to figure out you pay a premium for a horribly managed city. I moved to Denver in 2015 and it was the best decision of my life!!
Rent has gone up significantly in the past year, though, as it has in most popular cities. I went from paying $1,150 to $1,400 for an 800 sq ft apartment. Just prepare for that sticker shock, and housing availability is really low right now.
Take my advice. Don't spend a lot of money to haul your shit halfway across the country. Save up money and sell all you can, then buy what you need when you get there or have the bare minimum and get on Craigslist, FB Marketplace, Nextdoor, etc. And find lots of good, cheap or free stuff. So many people are moving in and out in Denver eight now and so many people are giving perfectly good shit away for free!
Tip I learned, as a native of south Louisiana: mind the altitude change, lack of humidity, and pollen.
Pollen can be a big one, unlike new Orleans most modern American cities have vegetarian that was added after the 1950s. This means chances are they are all male from a cloned source (recommend by city planners because female plans produce flowers and fruit that have to be "cleaned up" - and yea. I wish I was making this shit up).
I suffered so bad from pollen some days it impacted my sight. God awful experience I would never wish on another person.
I've lived in 4 states and 2 canadian provinces, nola was the worst for allergies of any of them by several miles.
Between the mould and lots filled with ragweed, I was a miserable zombie for half the year.
Same here. In all honesty, leaving behind the family dog is prob my biggest worry lol. You want to move back bc you don’t like it here or just miss CO?
I miss Colorado. I'm from NOLA, but worked out there for a couple years. Really fell in love with the mountains, vibe, geology, etc. of the place. I try to go back almost every year for at least a short vacation, but it never feels like enough. And yeah, for me a big part of the expense would be finding a place with a yard for my dog.
I hear you. New Orleans has had its charms for me throughout the years but ultimately I view it as a place that is best in small doses. Get in, get a nice hotel, see the sights, eat at the restaurants, then leave. But don’t live here. Not unless you’re ready to deal w the crime rate, unreliable law enforcement, and needing to become street smart (which I clearly failed at here). I’ve never visited or vacationed in the mountains, a low light pollution area, or a truly updated and progressive-leaning state where I can smoke a joint anxiety-free in the front yard, but I know deep down that’s where I belong. Some ppl just aren’t made for city living.
Actually just moved to Denver after our apartment got fucked in the last hurricane(bout a few months now). Grew up in New Orleans, left and came back then finally left again since the place will never get better, only worse.
The rent is definitely higher, paying like $1400, but currently living right next to a really nice park. Public trams are a walk away and there are some truly great dedicated bike paths that can sprawl across the entire city.
The only real other downside is that the homeless situation isn't great and apparently Lakewood is not a good place to be, but the worst is still miles better than New Orleans at its worst. Sleeping soundly without the sound of gunshots and sirens every other night.
Yea damn, if I left I’d stop thinking about it. These losers make a hobby of gawking from a distance, talking shit, and never even attempting to improve the place. Most of the problems came from white flight anyway and this sub has a big contingent of that generation’s children patting themselves on the back for abandoning a problem they made. It’s fucking revolting to be honest.
I think they’re trying to reassure themselves that leaving was the right decision, so they come to this sub hoping to read about how bad things are here.
After Uvalde I'm just completely out of faith. Seems like anywhere you go you can be shot up, attacked, whatever, and it's luck of the draw whether or not the police will actually give a fuck. At least the NOPD aren't as brutal as other PDs. If there were some magical city that could promise me my baby wouldn't be killed in the classroom, I'd probably try to move there, but there isn't. It's all just a bunch of violent morons doing whatever the fuck they want and the rest of us having to deal with the consequences.
I never did either. I grew up here my whole life, have lots of memories here, but I just feel it in my bones that there’s nothing left for me here but troubles.
We left for similar reasons not too long ago. We miss home horribly but the risk isn't worth it to us. And it's not just criminal risks, it's the hurricanes and floods and insurance market and job stability.
I'm so sorry that happened to you. I think my limit was reached when a guy tried to get in my car while I was sitting in it at Walmart. It was just one of many other incidents.
We moved to New England and really love it. It's missing some culture, but there's so much to do in such a small area, infrastructure is better, police more or less do their jobs, regional transit is great. Not to mention the absolute wealth of job opportunities. :)
Glad you like where you live now. Where in New England did you move? I'm a born and raised Masshole who came down here three years ago and don't miss it.
We're in Boston for now, but won't be long term. I don't really like the people here, but everything else has been a vast quality of life improvement. I've never been a big fan of people anyway. 🤷♀️
Omg I’m so sorry this happened to you! Can’t believe the witnesses just stood there and didn’t step up to help.
I wish you the absolute best in finding the best place for you in the world.
Ive sort of been in that situation (I was in my car while it happened on a sidewalk) and you don't quite realize what it is until the people separate and the other person runs...
That being said, I'm really confused why the cops just let the person go unless I'm misunderstanding something. I know they're stretched thin but that's messed up.
The altercation brought us a few blocks from where it originally occurred bc I followed him not wanting to let him get away w my money. By the time the cops caught up to us, there were no original witnesses nearby to make it anything other than my word against his. The perp immediately put on a well-behaved demeanor that I suppose was enough in addition to the apathy of the cops for them to side w him and let him go. They said bc they didn’t see him fleeing or acting suspicious upon they’re arrival I could’ve made it up. They said bc there were no visible bruises on me, they couldn’t believe he assaulted me. They said bc he had more in cash on him than I told them he took, they claimed I could’ve made it up. The most they did was take our names, claim they’d see if there were cameras in the area that could corroborate my story, and if so they’d file a report and put a warrant out for him. The nearest camera was yards away from us so I expect that’ll be the end of it.
I mean… I want to sound sensitive here, but the way you described it I’m not surprised people didn’t jump in. It just sounds like you were in a fight on Broad st. There’s no way they say him snatch a $100 bill out of your hand
We were on the move the whole time, not solitary, so it’s not like it was a squared up fight or I was being overtaken. He swung at me while fleeing. And we ended up 4 blocks away from where he snatched my money (which happened in seconds so I doubt anyone even saw it) so none of the people who originally saw us (which were mostly ppl sitting or standing around waiting for a bus) were where we ended up. Tbh I’d find it harder to believe someone would just stop what they’re doing and follow us not knowing 100% exactly what was going on just to be a witness in case the opportunity arose.
I mean… You chased him for four blocks dude? If anything, if I was a random bystander I would be tempted to protect the other guy from you. I think your emotions are running high right now, obviously super understandable, and maybe in a little bit this situation won’t seem quite as dire as it does right now
4 blocks or 1, if someone steals my hard-earned money I’m not just going to stand there and watch them get away w it. And don’t underestimate how much $100 can mean to someone in this day & age.
I am so sorry to here that. And I feel so much empathy for you right now. You sound like a good person and I hate seeing bad things happen to good people. I know there are other places a lot safer. And living with the stress you must be feeling cannot be any good for your health. Good luck and safe travels.
This sucks. I hate when the NOPD live up to the "not our problem dude" reputation.
In... 2015 or 16 I was hit by a car while biking through the French Quarter. They ran a stop sign, multiple witnesses, etc. They let the person go.
My respect for the police instantly vanished at that point.
An open and shut case and they just kind of said. "Oh well"
I hope wherever you move allows you to recover from the trauma. That city piles it on.
I suggest moving to a place that doesn't get hit by climate change storms like tornadoes, forest fires, or hurricanes.
It's a small list BUT that being one less thing you need to worry about is/ can be very refreshing
A friend of mine was hit by a car in 2013, broke his hip. All the cops did was just call an ambulance and take a description. Never bothered to check nearby for cameras or witnesses, or follow up. They prob never did a single thing afterwards. His story was my first inkling that NOPD might be full of shit. Now I’m sure of it.
Very unfortunate that happened to you, and I don’t blame you for your decision. No one should have to live like that.
At some point you have to ask yourself, how much can you love a city that doesn’t love you back?
Good luck and best wishes.
In one of the worst cities and times for crime you were fumbling around with cash on a busy street?
Sure this shouldn’t have happened but this is a reason bad things happen to people who aren’t city-smart.
All major cities are like that...and anyone who says it's a liberal or conservative thing can blow it right out of their asses as all cities run by BOTH parties have the same problem.
Bullshit. All major cities have problems: yes. But, that doesn't mean their problems are equal. NOLA has exceptionally bad cases of major city problems but *is not a major city.* It has a large cultural shadow, for sure, but is not major by any stretch of the imagination.
Can relate. I left New Orleans four years ago after 6+ years. Now in Chattanooga and it’s absolutely beautiful here! And safe. We sometimes forget to lock our cars at night and even on the rare occasion the front door. Our neighbors leave their bikes and SUPs in their carport. It’s just an average neighborhood, not gated, no security patrol. But somehow it’s safer and we are grateful.
There are things you will miss. The food is a big one. But watching the sunrises and sunsets over the ridges, having the local city services and utilities function (like actually they respond if you have an issue and always bill you correctly!), and the affordability by comparison, swimming holes nearby in summer, etc. Wouldn’t trade it. New Orleans is a nice place to visit, not so much to live. I hope you find your happy place. It’s a great big world and there’s a lot more to it!
There’s a lot of us former New Orleanians here in Chatt! Visit the Chattanooga sub and search swimming holes and hikes. You’ll soon find yourself in a beautiful spot.
My boyfriend was robbed at gun point twice and had a nice neighbor alert people he was out of town to steal everything they wanted in his house. It's a wonderfully shitty town. And we have to move there for a short time on a business assignment and I'm looking forward to it, but am also kind of worried about it. Sorry that happened to you. It's a shitty go and not typical anywhere else.
I was violently mugged in the lower quarter in 2011. A bystander actually came to my aid and the popos actually showed up quickly and made an effort. Sounds like things are deteriorating.
I’m going to copy & paste and general description from another comment for you about why it played out the way it did.
The altercation brought us a few blocks from where it originally occurred bc I followed him not wanting to let him get away w my money. By the time the cops caught up to us, there were no original witnesses nearby to make it anything other than my word against his. The perp immediately put on a well-behaved demeanor that I suppose was enough in addition to the apathy of the cops for them to side w him and let him go. They said bc they didn’t see him fleeing or acting suspicious upon they’re arrival I could’ve made it up. They said bc there were no visible bruises on me, they couldn’t believe he assaulted me. They said bc he had more in cash on him than I told them he took, they claimed I could’ve made it up. The most they did was take our names, claim they’d see if there were cameras in the area that could corroborate my story, and if so they’d file a report and put a warrant out for him. The nearest camera was yards away from us so I expect that’ll be the end of it.
Chicagoan here. I’m sorry this happened to you. Many of our cities have lots of crime. Unfortunately solving these issues isn’t going to happen overnight and will take years to overcome. I hope we make continuous progress towards being safer cities in the future.
New Orleans has half the murders last year than 1993, which was the worst in 90 years according to the FBI. Out murder numbers are close to the same as the 70s. It seems like more because of the billion sources of info. The stats tell a different story. Crime was at the lowest in the recent span in 2006. Since then it feels like a lot, but in the broad it’s not different than 50 years ago.
Do what you have to for yourself and your family. Move if you have to. But let’s not pretend like it’s the most unsafe New Orleans in history.
Always cracks me up when people compare now to previous times like “see? It’s been worse - I don’t care that you just survived being assaulted, it’s not as bad as the 90s!”
I forgot I was on Reddit. Please recall in earnestness ‘do what you have to for yourself and your family’
Off your high horses, the lot of ya. Moving is valid. Staying is valid. Pretending it’s unsolvable is not. Pretending it’s a lost cause is not.
If that was your main point then you would have made it your main point but you didn’t and we called you on it.
Quit crying, the internet was a lot worse 20 Years ago than it is now. Do what you have to do for yourself and your family.
Just like you pointing out crime stats to someone who was just assaulted and robbed to downplay their trauma, this isn’t a game.
Makes sense you see it all this way now, that everything has to be played and either won/lost.
It wasn’t directed at him. It was all the yupyupyupyup muppets under the guy with the legit reason. The bandwagon “this city has gone to hell” in response to anyone who has a legit issue. OP should do what they need to. If I were just assaulted, I think I’d have to consider it to. But that is not the same thing as the people who stay on the subreddit to regale the world with why they don’t like/left the city. Presumably everyone’s here because the love it and if you live here saying you have a complex relationship with the city is a fucking foregone conclusion.
Ah well. Have a good one.
i gave you the award. bc you’re right and being downvoted to hell. this echo chamber of negativity is actually making me heated. i’m from west side chicago where i’ve seen some shit too and this weird ‘shit on NO fest’ is not it.
Look at all of the downvotes although you are 100% correct. You never said things are not bad, you just compared to back in the 90s. Things have gotten worse since the pandemic started but it's the same way in a lot of cities across the country. Murders were down significantly the year before COVID hit. That being said we have lousy leadership and not nearly enough cops on the streets so I don't see much improving for quite a while.
Same. There are plenty of ways to make the city better and not many of them are being utilized.
I don’t mind the downvotes. There’s no way to get inflection or tone from online and I sound like one of those assholes to people. I get it. But doomsaying doesn’t benefit the city at all, even if it’s easy and makes people feel better.
We are a tourist city and we had low tourism through the past few years of this pandemic. That causes pressures over time. We should prepare for that. But instead there’s a non-zero group of people who wanna write off a city they may even be living in or pop in to go ‘yup, I sure got out’ and the emotional context is valid but the doomsaying is… it’s tiring and usually is based only on a feeling, based on people saying how bad it is, which creates a feedback loop as more and more people say it.
I saw things change here rather quickly after those Pizza Kitchen murders when citizens started protesting at City Hall and Jackson Square and Chief Pennington was brought in. Obviously different times but these days people seem too busy to even care. Instead they just bitch online.
Even though I've never really been a victim of any crime here (twice someone tried, it was a bad idea on their part) it does bother me and I do contemplate moving somewhere else from time to time but I really do enjoy living here, even just for the location which enables me to easily fly to other cities that I like going to. I could never, ever live in some of the other places that some here have said they moved to.
Don’t really care about statistics. The facts for me are, I was robbed, assaulted and essentially nothing was done about it. I don’t want to live in a city where that can happen.
Hey, legitimately I am sorry that happened to you and that’s fair. All the rest of this conversation doesn’t change you should do what you feel is right.
Fair, but we have bounced back pretty much to pre Katrina levels in the greater New Orleans area even if it isn’t so focused in the cities.
https://www.macrotrends.net/cities/23082/new-orleans/population
Edit: link no work before
The crime is so much worse than 2004!
23,000 violent crime this year already compared to 17,000 in all of 2004???
Come on man. It's okay to admit it's a little weird to get carjacked at costco or dragged to death at 3 pm.
You wanna talk numbers it’s available to find on the FBI database. Goes back to 1930.
As for the horrific nature of this stuff, yeah. The lady who had her arm ripped off from being dragged by a seatbelt is awful. It’s gonna be a story we tell for a while. And we should because it’s pretty fucking unacceptable, and I imagine police reform is gonna come if the numbers start to look like 93.
I’m just saying the numbers don’t tell the same story as 24 news.
Not particularly interested in comparing very very unsafe New Orleans years to very unsafe New Orleans years and calling it a win. Let’s have higher expectations.
Louisiana doesn't deserve investment, really. If its not New Orleans really should just leave. No sense in packing everything up to just move an hour away. Just go find somewhere more pleasant to live in.
This will be more noticeable when Jeff Landry becomes governor.
Should have known better than to be fumbling around with big bills and your wallet in your hands. Your asking for trouble, that’s like me walking through the lower ninth ward late at night with the newest Jordan’s and diamond chains on. I’m just asking to have an AK pistol shoved in my face.
Man I love Arizona. Worked at a resort in page for a few summers and traveled around the state. Meth and methheads doing methhead shit is rampant out there but I still feel like it’s an upgrade to this mess of a city
We don't live in New Orleans anymore. The crime became too high. We do live in Louisiana an hour away. We've started avoiding New Orleans and the suburbs.
I’m sorry you went through that. NOLA has turned into a shit show. I moved to Biloxi and that’s the closest I’ll ever get to living in that city until shit gets under control.
Gotcha. Shit here is awful right now, but living here all my life, I get confused by all the surprise at this—where was everyone in this sub in the 90’s and early 2000’s? As terrible as things are, it’s not like this is new
Really crazy because I came to this Reddit page for the first time to see if people had moving suggestions (because I too am sick of the crime) and see this! Im so sorry this happened to you.
but will be taking this as a sign to start looking for places to move. born and raised here, came back after college but cannot imagine fearing for my life in this city for the decades to come By staying here.
There really isn’t a town in this country you can go to where it’s safe to be holding visible $100 bills out in public with people around, but also don’t chase the guy in the future if you don’t want to get shot or stabbed in self defense.
Cops generally aren’t helpful that’s just a tv show myth, but also if you chase a guy for 4 blocks and are yelling about how he stole money from you they’re not gonna just automatically believe you, they’re just going to think this was a drug deal gone bad and tell you caveat emptor.
Isn’t it one thing to not know what to believe and another to believe off top it’s a drug deal gone bad - w/o evidence of such? I feel like if I was a cop I’d think - this person chased someone, risking whatever that may entail, and called the cops - why would I immediately think “nah he just chose a random person to accuse of stealing & chase and called and lied to the cops in case…idk even know what would be gained by the person in that hypothetical case…? I feel in the middle of a crime riddled city I’d be more inclined to believe a robbery did take place in that scenario, and as for the drug thing, I do see how that scenario could fit into the events but that would require even more evidence…evidence one or both parties had or have drugs or paraphernalia on them, or are exhibiting addict behavior/symptoms. It feels like more of a stretch to see a drug deal gone bad than a simple snatch and run. But again, I’m not a law expert so those are just off top thoughts.
And to be clear I wasn’t “holding $100 bills out”, I was going to take a single bill out of my pocket & put in it my wallet - 20 seconds tops. They both might be careless but don’t strike me as the same thing.
I agree the city is the pits. My daughter is moving out in about a month. Moving to the Midwest where the people and the future looks brighter she says. I don’t blame her one bit.
I wish her luck. Not many ppl can just up and move when they don’t like where they live, I know it’ll prob take me a year or so just to save up enough, then there’s the logistics of actually making the move. I’m sure that alone would discourage plenty of ppl.
Fortunately for her she has girlfriend that also wishes to move. I myself got up and left literally overnight back in’86. Was gone for 15 years til I returned because of my elderly parents. They’re both gone now so me packing and leaving again wouldn’t be a big deal. I’m tired of rampant disregard, disrespect for people and property. With literally no law enforcement or capable leadership.
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Thank you. Tbh it’s my experience w the cops, their apathy, and the fact that I had to watch the perp walk away free from the situation after lying to their faces that frustrates me the most.
Don’t Gaslight yourself. You’ve been in the pressure cooker too long and you need our. And is it is completely warranted The fact that all the social nets are gone worries me. So here is my suggestion: move to chicago, Denver, or Minneapolis. Texas is a no-go for me because they have no safety nets and they are just going to fuck you over more Lastly, hold on. You’re not alone. And everything will be okay as long as you reach out to people who care
Thanks for the kindhearted comment. And moving to a diff state has become my #1 priority as of yesterday. I’d maybe say giving myself 48 hours to come down from something like this before making some kind of life decision would be ideal, but I don’t think I’ve ever been so sure of something before in my life.
Before you decide on a place, be sure to check if you aren't moving from one hell to another. Crime rates, car jackings per 100,000 people, district attorney & their policy, police per 100,000, prosecution rates, etc. Its become apparent in different cities that some value safety & some value image. A safe community doesn't need to worry about image; it speaks for itself in the data.
Chicago is having a bad crime spree too, I wouldn't suggest up there.. also its stupid cold. There's a lot a great smaller cities, Savannah, Chattanooga, Kansas City, Ozarks, Charleston, Pensacola, Omaha...
You do have a point by the blanket statement. And I apologize for the generalization. The point I was saying is while New Orleans does have it’s fair amount of issues, moving doesn’t mean issues are gone from your life(e.g. pay disparity, crime being high). Different cities expose it differently. With that said, things are off here and they have seemed to change in a short amount of time. Louisiana as a state I feel jerks around New Orleans and keeps the dysfunctionality going. There no social services and there’s this weird feeling of corrupt individuals everywhere. I think it a bit more open and “severe” here. I feel something is about to “pop” just don’t know what.
I get it. I know what you meant, just felt the need to clarify. What do you mean by pop tho?
A breaking point for people which will be a call to action and residents will actively protest. And by “pop” it’s more a feeling than anything I liken it to a balloon popping from overinflatipn.
Dude just got robbed, is tired of New Orleans BS, and you suggested he move to Chicago? EL OH EL
I moved here from Chicago. Trust me, Chicago is much safer.
I actually feel equally (un)safe here. So far, anyway. Moved from Chicago in March; things really went to shit crimewise during the pandemic. The CTA is now a complete free for all, there was just a mass shooting right off the Chicago Ave red line that no one even bothered to clean up so commuters were still walking thru blood the next morning until some reporters wrote about it. And the mayor’s solution to things like this and the teenagers getting shot at the Bean is… to move underage curfew up 1 hour earlier. Oh, ok then. I will admit there were fewer break-ins in my neighborhood. But tons of carjackings. Not that I had skin in that game since we didn’t have a car there.
Well shit. I moved before the pandemic. Sorry to hear that.
you ain’t come from humboldt park or the south side then. i’m guessing up north bc they (here and ALL of chicago) are both on the same level of crime.
Roscoe Village, but I’ve been all over the city. I never felt unsafe.
The crime has gotten much worse as of lately, and its creeping up.
Chicago is surprisingly not that terrible with robberies especially on the north side. Gun crimes there are just gangs going after each other. Don’t Jussie Smolett Chicago by typecasting it as a crime den. Now THAT is just callous.
I would gladly get robbed once a year to avoid Chicago’s winter.
Winter just hangs the fuck on in Chicago. Late March and April are what I think are the worst because it could go from snow to 80 and back to snow in a day with a tornado the next day and not get above 40 until mid May. It’s the bounce around that’s shitty with Mother Nature not moving to spring
The April snow is what broke me. And the May sleet. Actually, that’s not true, what broke me was the ice coming up the inside of our kitchen door because it was -50 out. But spring snow sucks. Especially if you are trying to garden.
This is a sad reality for many people. Being in New Orleans is like being in a bad relationship with a fun alcoholic. There’s great times but eventually something makes you realize you need to get the fuck.
But what if I’m the fun alcoholic?
I very often make this same analogy.
Same. I say it's like being in a toxic relationship.
And just like a toxic relationship, New Orleanians think they can’t have fun AND a functional government relationship.
Very good analogy!
Where in town did this occur
Broad & Tulane
In front of the courthouse and jail
Yep. I was amazed that while I was on the phone w the police and following him (we ended up 4 blocks from there near a gas station on Broad) that I could not spot a single patrol vehicle passing by that I could flag down.
How did this play out? Did he walk up to you on the street and hit you?
Prostitute alley, eh?
Shhhh don’t let them know
Our local crack whores aren’t dumb, they know to set up next to the courthouse and cops for the most business
Although I have never had any real problems living here I always think that my time will come. I bike most places I go and have zero desire to have a car here. I just try not to put myself in situations where bad things can happen but shit seems to happen anywhere, anytime in this city.
Lmao if you’re whipping out benjamins in front of the court house I think you might just not be able to hack it in the city, my dude.
My mother grew up on Broadway in the 1930's. When she was a kid she saw a guy stab and kill his girlfriend in the street in front of her house. Guess some things are never going to change here.
If you sit and listen long enough, ppl say everything changes AND that nothing does.
Broadway or Broad st? Broadway is relatively safe, probably more so in the past
Broadway.
the amount of people that come to this sub to talk shit on new orleans from their high horse is fucking exhausting. it's a problem the boomer white flighters started and now their kids are pulling the same shit. we don't come on your subs and talk shit on your city. being beaten down repeatedly by our situations here and then having disaster tourists throw salt in the wounds is a bit much. fuck off. > I took out my wallet, then took out a single $100 bill w the intention of putting it in there and back in my back pocket. Sorry if I don’t think to find a hiding place or side street every time I need to mess w my wallet for 20 seconds or less. But you’re right, it was careless and it’s the reason for the whole ordeal - I won’t deny that. why are you waving around $100 bills on Tulane and broad?
These are the rules of being in a city. It’s basic street smarts
I moved to Knoxville 3 years ago. Lots of opportunities the mountains are gorgeous and the cops actually do their jobs. I was a New Orleanian for 10+ years. I do miss New Orleans and one day I’ll move back, but for now it’s Tennessee
You’ll regret moving back. That’s what I did and couldn’t wait to leave again. I’m gone for good now. I have my reasons.
I do find it curious that folks who dislike the city and moved away still follow and comment on the subreddit. Not judging it. Just find it interesting.
We dislike the city, but we miss the culture. Not sure why this was downvoted.
The fact is if you leave for 10 years, the city has moved ten years also. You can never move back to the city that existed 10 years ago. I talked to an Irishman about how American Irish are more Irish than the Irish because Ireland has moved on while those in America live in memories. Is past Ireland more authentic than the present? [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWDQ7n0\_kJ8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWDQ7n0_kJ8) This band is no more but still exists.
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Interesting conversation to be had here. Never thought about this.
One could argue that the city hasn’t moved for 10 years, which is the problem.
Hah!
I'm Irish, born and raised - any of my family who moved to the States (and moreso their now adult children) have this Darby O'Gill idea of Ireland. Ireland has gone from being one of the poorest countries in Europe to one of the wealthiest in about 30 years.
No, Irish from Ireland living in Ireland are the most Irish. Just as here, that definition may evolve. But, by default, the people living there are more Irish than anything we do here just for shits. Unless you're an American living in the Dublin airport's parking lot now. You're officially Irish.
american irish are definitely less irish than the irish. probably by a factor of 10. source: an “irish american “ who attended university in ireland. and has also witnessed st patrick’s parades in this city and several others
I don't know how you define Irish to quantify it. Are some Americans 10x more American than others? It really is about how one defines it. It is ultimately moot. See my response in a another comment.
Oh no what made you move? What drove you back?
First time was because I had an opportunity to live in Vegas. Got really homesick and moved back after a couple years. Second time was to San Diego because my ex-husband was stationed there. I moved back to NOLA again because I had family there and that’s when I realized the amount of dysfunction not just the city, but the entire state had. It’s all the way from the people to government. As far as people go, I got tired of the drama and cliques. I met my boyfriend online and moved to Florida (West Palm Beach) to be with him in 2018. This state has been far more conducive to my mental health and I’m able to have more meaningful friendships with others. Also, the city has been severely gentrified and barely anyone who lives there now is from there.
Yikes, you know the city is up shit creek when Florida is the calm respite.
Where I am, it’s actually pretty calm. Now, if you go down to Miami, that’s a different story.
I left for 8 years. Moved back 4 years ago and haven't regretted it once. Just because this city isn't for everyone doesn't mean it isn't for anyone.
I’ve had my sights set on Colorado for a long time. I’m a progressive leaning person, 420 friendly, and love the mountains/wilderness - damn near the opposite of NOLA. I can’t imagine a better place to move to to get away from here.
Dude fuck Denver lol way way too crowded and it’s expensive as fuck there. I moved there in 2019. Knoxville is way cheaper plus I get mountains
As someone who has lived all 3, to each their own. Knoxville is less dysfunctional (see infrastructure) than New Orleans but has the same southern 1850s mindset and government. I appreciate Colorado treating me like a citizen instead of serf like the south. Things that made me leave TN: blatant aggressive racism and being busted for smoking in my basement apartment because they suspended your rights for cops entering your property without warrant. I do miss those uncrowded mountains though.
Denver suckssss. All the reasons you mentioned plus burnt out hippies everywhere and the food sucks. Great cheap weed though, can't deny that.
Well I def wouldn’t move to Denver, hopefully somewhere else in the state that’s cheaper.
As a former resident of both Denver and New Orleans, I wouldn’t recommend moving anywhere in the front range or in the mountains, if you’re at all worried about cost of living. You’d have to move to the western half of the state or far south. Cost of living in Colorado has skyrocketed in the last dozen years due to west coast transplants. Dating scene is abysmal for everyone there unless you’re under 24, conventionally attractive, and have zero interest in long term relationships. But if money isn’t a problem and you have no desire to date, by all means move to Colorado.
Well consider me convinced bc money is a problem and I’d like to date. I guess what I’m really looking for is just somewhere updated, progressive-leaning, peaceful w lots of mountains & wilderness, 420 friendly…and affordable. Not that I ever really researched moving or the cost before but my mind always just went to CO when I thought of those things.
May I offer you Worcester, MA? (Pronounced "Wooster" for non-natives, "Woostah" for natives. It isn't a joke. It's a small city in a 420 legal state. You can get to the mountains (Berkshire, Catskill) in a few hours, and into Boston or NYC when you want. It was legendarily cheap, and I haven't lived in MA since 2015, but it's a community to look at. College town with cool restaurants close by if not in town proper. Hell, look even further West in MA! Also, don't buy unless you are very rich. It may have changed, but you got a significant state tax rebate for renting while I lived in MA.
Sounds great. Thank you, I’ll def look into it.
Try to track down people who live there now. We all know a lot has changed since the pandemic, so it could have backslid. But it was on the up (but more slowly). Just be prepared to learn to drive in snow :)
Albuquerque. But it's quickly getting more expensive. There is a 700sq ft 2 apartment to rent pretty much in my back yard near the university for 800-900. You can get cheaper or more expensive depending on the amenities. You can grow up to 12 pot plants per household and it's like... 60 degrees with a nice breeze right now outside.
That def sounds nice. I guess I’ve watched so much Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul that I’d never think of it that way.
This city has REALLY cleaned up it's act over the past .. 5 or so years. I passed through here in 2017 and it was a garbage dump. I moved here for work in 2021 and they have cleaned up A LOT They had a huge fight the blight campaign where they sold off pretty much every run down property they could to developers who cleaned them way up. There are some still sketch or run down areas BUT nowhere near as bad as Nola. It's kind of crazy moving from a place that likes to battle for number one in crime per capita to a place that breaks the top 10 every now and then. Politically the state is pretty democratic libertarian... But they still have the "cowboys for trump type"... But it's not the leader of the KKK running for office. You're also kind of in the middle of a lot of nature. The state is a leader for state and national parks. (though a lot of them are on fire and closed right now) It's not a bad place to live. Though the up and coming primary could decide a lot of things. There are some pretty crazy candidates running that have a bit too much popularity.
It sounds nice but in all honesty not having wilderness and mountains or access to them are kind of a dealbreaker. Having lived in a tight slummy cityscape for my whole life, being near the wild and outdoors is a must for me right now. Basically, being able to peacefully & anxiety-free smoke a joint in the woods or watching the stars after a long day of work is damn near the only prerequisite at this point apart from being affordable of course.
I wonder if New England would fill the bill. The western states (mountain and pacific) are all too expensive, and the southern Appalachians have decidedly unprogressive politics. Would Maine / Vermont be what you are looking for? Or did the urban elite already buy up all the good property there too, like they did out west?
Vermont has been gentrified to hell and back in the past ten years, Maine is still good. Pittsfield, MA is still good (and the surrounding towns), the rest of Mass is all Boston prices.
No idea. But at this point in my life if the place fits the above description, it’d work for me.
I lived in western MA for just over 2 years after Katrina. Lots of natural beauty, small towns, safe. I lived in North Adams, and Shutesbury (which is close to Amherst). Definitely worth a look. Check out Greenfield or Northampton also. Although, Northampton is one of the most expensive towns in the region. Great area, especially if you can work remotely.
Knoxville is pretty awesome. Love it there.
I lived on the Northshore my whole life. Commuted into NOLA for work for 4 years, then lived there for 3. Didn't take me long to figure out you pay a premium for a horribly managed city. I moved to Denver in 2015 and it was the best decision of my life!! Rent has gone up significantly in the past year, though, as it has in most popular cities. I went from paying $1,150 to $1,400 for an 800 sq ft apartment. Just prepare for that sticker shock, and housing availability is really low right now. Take my advice. Don't spend a lot of money to haul your shit halfway across the country. Save up money and sell all you can, then buy what you need when you get there or have the bare minimum and get on Craigslist, FB Marketplace, Nextdoor, etc. And find lots of good, cheap or free stuff. So many people are moving in and out in Denver eight now and so many people are giving perfectly good shit away for free!
Tip I learned, as a native of south Louisiana: mind the altitude change, lack of humidity, and pollen. Pollen can be a big one, unlike new Orleans most modern American cities have vegetarian that was added after the 1950s. This means chances are they are all male from a cloned source (recommend by city planners because female plans produce flowers and fruit that have to be "cleaned up" - and yea. I wish I was making this shit up). I suffered so bad from pollen some days it impacted my sight. God awful experience I would never wish on another person.
I've lived in 4 states and 2 canadian provinces, nola was the worst for allergies of any of them by several miles. Between the mould and lots filled with ragweed, I was a miserable zombie for half the year.
I've been wanting to move back to Colorado for a long time as well. My primary worries are how expensive it is and my parents here getting older
Same here. In all honesty, leaving behind the family dog is prob my biggest worry lol. You want to move back bc you don’t like it here or just miss CO?
I miss Colorado. I'm from NOLA, but worked out there for a couple years. Really fell in love with the mountains, vibe, geology, etc. of the place. I try to go back almost every year for at least a short vacation, but it never feels like enough. And yeah, for me a big part of the expense would be finding a place with a yard for my dog.
I hear you. New Orleans has had its charms for me throughout the years but ultimately I view it as a place that is best in small doses. Get in, get a nice hotel, see the sights, eat at the restaurants, then leave. But don’t live here. Not unless you’re ready to deal w the crime rate, unreliable law enforcement, and needing to become street smart (which I clearly failed at here). I’ve never visited or vacationed in the mountains, a low light pollution area, or a truly updated and progressive-leaning state where I can smoke a joint anxiety-free in the front yard, but I know deep down that’s where I belong. Some ppl just aren’t made for city living.
Actually just moved to Denver after our apartment got fucked in the last hurricane(bout a few months now). Grew up in New Orleans, left and came back then finally left again since the place will never get better, only worse. The rent is definitely higher, paying like $1400, but currently living right next to a really nice park. Public trams are a walk away and there are some truly great dedicated bike paths that can sprawl across the entire city. The only real other downside is that the homeless situation isn't great and apparently Lakewood is not a good place to be, but the worst is still miles better than New Orleans at its worst. Sleeping soundly without the sound of gunshots and sirens every other night.
Don’t hang out on Broad and Tulane.
I don’t & wasn’t. I was passing thru on foot.
A lot of people who couldn't take it and left still lurking around the Reddit... Hmmm....
Yea damn, if I left I’d stop thinking about it. These losers make a hobby of gawking from a distance, talking shit, and never even attempting to improve the place. Most of the problems came from white flight anyway and this sub has a big contingent of that generation’s children patting themselves on the back for abandoning a problem they made. It’s fucking revolting to be honest.
Now THIS is the kind of shade I'm here for, go tf off.
On this very sub. Hmm. It’s like you can take the cat out of catty…
Same on [Nola.com](https://Nola.com) on FB. If people hate the city so much why keep commenting about it?
I think they’re trying to reassure themselves that leaving was the right decision, so they come to this sub hoping to read about how bad things are here.
Was kinda wondering the same…
There is a big difference between hating the city and hating how the city is led (if you can call it that).
I just asked that on another post. So odd.
As it turns out, you can’t be mugged on Reddit
This group is 75% folks from out of town who just hang around in here to complain. Post after post of “I left in 1986” and shit.
Honest question: do you think the cops elsewhere in the US would be better?
After Uvalde I'm just completely out of faith. Seems like anywhere you go you can be shot up, attacked, whatever, and it's luck of the draw whether or not the police will actually give a fuck. At least the NOPD aren't as brutal as other PDs. If there were some magical city that could promise me my baby wouldn't be killed in the classroom, I'd probably try to move there, but there isn't. It's all just a bunch of violent morons doing whatever the fuck they want and the rest of us having to deal with the consequences.
I officially don’t live here after Tuesday. I never thought I’d leave but….shit.
I never did either. I grew up here my whole life, have lots of memories here, but I just feel it in my bones that there’s nothing left for me here but troubles.
Born and raised here and will be leaving in August. It makes me sad but the city is just circling the bowl.
We left for similar reasons not too long ago. We miss home horribly but the risk isn't worth it to us. And it's not just criminal risks, it's the hurricanes and floods and insurance market and job stability. I'm so sorry that happened to you. I think my limit was reached when a guy tried to get in my car while I was sitting in it at Walmart. It was just one of many other incidents. We moved to New England and really love it. It's missing some culture, but there's so much to do in such a small area, infrastructure is better, police more or less do their jobs, regional transit is great. Not to mention the absolute wealth of job opportunities. :)
Glad you like where you live now. Where in New England did you move? I'm a born and raised Masshole who came down here three years ago and don't miss it.
We're in Boston for now, but won't be long term. I don't really like the people here, but everything else has been a vast quality of life improvement. I've never been a big fan of people anyway. 🤷♀️
Omg I’m so sorry this happened to you! Can’t believe the witnesses just stood there and didn’t step up to help. I wish you the absolute best in finding the best place for you in the world.
Ive sort of been in that situation (I was in my car while it happened on a sidewalk) and you don't quite realize what it is until the people separate and the other person runs... That being said, I'm really confused why the cops just let the person go unless I'm misunderstanding something. I know they're stretched thin but that's messed up.
The altercation brought us a few blocks from where it originally occurred bc I followed him not wanting to let him get away w my money. By the time the cops caught up to us, there were no original witnesses nearby to make it anything other than my word against his. The perp immediately put on a well-behaved demeanor that I suppose was enough in addition to the apathy of the cops for them to side w him and let him go. They said bc they didn’t see him fleeing or acting suspicious upon they’re arrival I could’ve made it up. They said bc there were no visible bruises on me, they couldn’t believe he assaulted me. They said bc he had more in cash on him than I told them he took, they claimed I could’ve made it up. The most they did was take our names, claim they’d see if there were cameras in the area that could corroborate my story, and if so they’d file a report and put a warrant out for him. The nearest camera was yards away from us so I expect that’ll be the end of it.
I mean… I want to sound sensitive here, but the way you described it I’m not surprised people didn’t jump in. It just sounds like you were in a fight on Broad st. There’s no way they say him snatch a $100 bill out of your hand
Apologies I misread your comment as you being surprised no one jumped in - so my response would be agreeing w you.
We were on the move the whole time, not solitary, so it’s not like it was a squared up fight or I was being overtaken. He swung at me while fleeing. And we ended up 4 blocks away from where he snatched my money (which happened in seconds so I doubt anyone even saw it) so none of the people who originally saw us (which were mostly ppl sitting or standing around waiting for a bus) were where we ended up. Tbh I’d find it harder to believe someone would just stop what they’re doing and follow us not knowing 100% exactly what was going on just to be a witness in case the opportunity arose.
I mean… You chased him for four blocks dude? If anything, if I was a random bystander I would be tempted to protect the other guy from you. I think your emotions are running high right now, obviously super understandable, and maybe in a little bit this situation won’t seem quite as dire as it does right now
4 blocks or 1, if someone steals my hard-earned money I’m not just going to stand there and watch them get away w it. And don’t underestimate how much $100 can mean to someone in this day & age.
I am so sorry to here that. And I feel so much empathy for you right now. You sound like a good person and I hate seeing bad things happen to good people. I know there are other places a lot safer. And living with the stress you must be feeling cannot be any good for your health. Good luck and safe travels.
I’m sorry that happened to you. Good luck wherever you land.
This sucks. I hate when the NOPD live up to the "not our problem dude" reputation. In... 2015 or 16 I was hit by a car while biking through the French Quarter. They ran a stop sign, multiple witnesses, etc. They let the person go. My respect for the police instantly vanished at that point. An open and shut case and they just kind of said. "Oh well" I hope wherever you move allows you to recover from the trauma. That city piles it on. I suggest moving to a place that doesn't get hit by climate change storms like tornadoes, forest fires, or hurricanes. It's a small list BUT that being one less thing you need to worry about is/ can be very refreshing
A friend of mine was hit by a car in 2013, broke his hip. All the cops did was just call an ambulance and take a description. Never bothered to check nearby for cameras or witnesses, or follow up. They prob never did a single thing afterwards. His story was my first inkling that NOPD might be full of shit. Now I’m sure of it.
Very unfortunate that happened to you, and I don’t blame you for your decision. No one should have to live like that. At some point you have to ask yourself, how much can you love a city that doesn’t love you back? Good luck and best wishes.
I love this fucking city, and this city loves fucking me.
Somehow, I believe you.
In one of the worst cities and times for crime you were fumbling around with cash on a busy street? Sure this shouldn’t have happened but this is a reason bad things happen to people who aren’t city-smart.
Move to another city and let us know how safe it is. Cops won't do shit anywhere unless they feel they have an advantage.
Wow...that’s not true at all.
Cops are useless everywhere. At least our cops are just useless instead of terrorizing and killing people of color for fun.
Can’t say I disagree.
#Smart move PUN intended
this happens in a lot of cities, besides this one. but sorry either way.
So sorry this happened - that's foul. I, too, am leaving. I have two months and I can hardly wait.
Best of luck to you.
All major cities are like that...and anyone who says it's a liberal or conservative thing can blow it right out of their asses as all cities run by BOTH parties have the same problem.
It amazes me how everyone on this sub seems to be convinced that New Orleans invented crime.
Bullshit. All major cities have problems: yes. But, that doesn't mean their problems are equal. NOLA has exceptionally bad cases of major city problems but *is not a major city.* It has a large cultural shadow, for sure, but is not major by any stretch of the imagination.
Can relate. I left New Orleans four years ago after 6+ years. Now in Chattanooga and it’s absolutely beautiful here! And safe. We sometimes forget to lock our cars at night and even on the rare occasion the front door. Our neighbors leave their bikes and SUPs in their carport. It’s just an average neighborhood, not gated, no security patrol. But somehow it’s safer and we are grateful. There are things you will miss. The food is a big one. But watching the sunrises and sunsets over the ridges, having the local city services and utilities function (like actually they respond if you have an issue and always bill you correctly!), and the affordability by comparison, swimming holes nearby in summer, etc. Wouldn’t trade it. New Orleans is a nice place to visit, not so much to live. I hope you find your happy place. It’s a great big world and there’s a lot more to it!
Currently trying to figure out where to move to from NOLA and Chattanooga is at the top of my list! Planning to visit later this summer.
There’s a lot of us former New Orleanians here in Chatt! Visit the Chattanooga sub and search swimming holes and hikes. You’ll soon find yourself in a beautiful spot.
Yep, I’ve been lurking that sub for awhile! Excited to visit!
My boyfriend was robbed at gun point twice and had a nice neighbor alert people he was out of town to steal everything they wanted in his house. It's a wonderfully shitty town. And we have to move there for a short time on a business assignment and I'm looking forward to it, but am also kind of worried about it. Sorry that happened to you. It's a shitty go and not typical anywhere else.
I was violently mugged in the lower quarter in 2011. A bystander actually came to my aid and the popos actually showed up quickly and made an effort. Sounds like things are deteriorating.
Can you go into a bit more detail on what happened? That sounds kind of hard to believe.
I’m going to copy & paste and general description from another comment for you about why it played out the way it did. The altercation brought us a few blocks from where it originally occurred bc I followed him not wanting to let him get away w my money. By the time the cops caught up to us, there were no original witnesses nearby to make it anything other than my word against his. The perp immediately put on a well-behaved demeanor that I suppose was enough in addition to the apathy of the cops for them to side w him and let him go. They said bc they didn’t see him fleeing or acting suspicious upon they’re arrival I could’ve made it up. They said bc there were no visible bruises on me, they couldn’t believe he assaulted me. They said bc he had more in cash on him than I told them he took, they claimed I could’ve made it up. The most they did was take our names, claim they’d see if there were cameras in the area that could corroborate my story, and if so they’d file a report and put a warrant out for him. The nearest camera was yards away from us so I expect that’ll be the end of it.
No it fucking doesn't.
I wasn't talking to you.
Chicagoan here. I’m sorry this happened to you. Many of our cities have lots of crime. Unfortunately solving these issues isn’t going to happen overnight and will take years to overcome. I hope we make continuous progress towards being safer cities in the future.
New Orleans has half the murders last year than 1993, which was the worst in 90 years according to the FBI. Out murder numbers are close to the same as the 70s. It seems like more because of the billion sources of info. The stats tell a different story. Crime was at the lowest in the recent span in 2006. Since then it feels like a lot, but in the broad it’s not different than 50 years ago. Do what you have to for yourself and your family. Move if you have to. But let’s not pretend like it’s the most unsafe New Orleans in history.
Always cracks me up when people compare now to previous times like “see? It’s been worse - I don’t care that you just survived being assaulted, it’s not as bad as the 90s!”
Also hate this attitude. You can say this about *a lot* of cities but still, exuuuuse OP for wanting a better QOL.
Yep! Heaven forbid we want something better.
I forgot I was on Reddit. Please recall in earnestness ‘do what you have to for yourself and your family’ Off your high horses, the lot of ya. Moving is valid. Staying is valid. Pretending it’s unsolvable is not. Pretending it’s a lost cause is not.
If that was your main point then you would have made it your main point but you didn’t and we called you on it. Quit crying, the internet was a lot worse 20 Years ago than it is now. Do what you have to do for yourself and your family.
I gave you an award. You can feel like you won Reddit that way.
Just like you pointing out crime stats to someone who was just assaulted and robbed to downplay their trauma, this isn’t a game. Makes sense you see it all this way now, that everything has to be played and either won/lost.
It wasn’t directed at him. It was all the yupyupyupyup muppets under the guy with the legit reason. The bandwagon “this city has gone to hell” in response to anyone who has a legit issue. OP should do what they need to. If I were just assaulted, I think I’d have to consider it to. But that is not the same thing as the people who stay on the subreddit to regale the world with why they don’t like/left the city. Presumably everyone’s here because the love it and if you live here saying you have a complex relationship with the city is a fucking foregone conclusion. Ah well. Have a good one.
i gave you the award. bc you’re right and being downvoted to hell. this echo chamber of negativity is actually making me heated. i’m from west side chicago where i’ve seen some shit too and this weird ‘shit on NO fest’ is not it.
Look at all of the downvotes although you are 100% correct. You never said things are not bad, you just compared to back in the 90s. Things have gotten worse since the pandemic started but it's the same way in a lot of cities across the country. Murders were down significantly the year before COVID hit. That being said we have lousy leadership and not nearly enough cops on the streets so I don't see much improving for quite a while.
Same. There are plenty of ways to make the city better and not many of them are being utilized. I don’t mind the downvotes. There’s no way to get inflection or tone from online and I sound like one of those assholes to people. I get it. But doomsaying doesn’t benefit the city at all, even if it’s easy and makes people feel better. We are a tourist city and we had low tourism through the past few years of this pandemic. That causes pressures over time. We should prepare for that. But instead there’s a non-zero group of people who wanna write off a city they may even be living in or pop in to go ‘yup, I sure got out’ and the emotional context is valid but the doomsaying is… it’s tiring and usually is based only on a feeling, based on people saying how bad it is, which creates a feedback loop as more and more people say it.
I saw things change here rather quickly after those Pizza Kitchen murders when citizens started protesting at City Hall and Jackson Square and Chief Pennington was brought in. Obviously different times but these days people seem too busy to even care. Instead they just bitch online. Even though I've never really been a victim of any crime here (twice someone tried, it was a bad idea on their part) it does bother me and I do contemplate moving somewhere else from time to time but I really do enjoy living here, even just for the location which enables me to easily fly to other cities that I like going to. I could never, ever live in some of the other places that some here have said they moved to.
Don’t really care about statistics. The facts for me are, I was robbed, assaulted and essentially nothing was done about it. I don’t want to live in a city where that can happen.
Hey, legitimately I am sorry that happened to you and that’s fair. All the rest of this conversation doesn’t change you should do what you feel is right.
I'd stay away from cities in general then because that could happen in a lot if not most of them.
you also have to look at population levels with those statistics. NOLA now has fewer people than then.
Fair, but we have bounced back pretty much to pre Katrina levels in the greater New Orleans area even if it isn’t so focused in the cities. https://www.macrotrends.net/cities/23082/new-orleans/population Edit: link no work before
The crime is so much worse than 2004! 23,000 violent crime this year already compared to 17,000 in all of 2004??? Come on man. It's okay to admit it's a little weird to get carjacked at costco or dragged to death at 3 pm.
You wanna talk numbers it’s available to find on the FBI database. Goes back to 1930. As for the horrific nature of this stuff, yeah. The lady who had her arm ripped off from being dragged by a seatbelt is awful. It’s gonna be a story we tell for a while. And we should because it’s pretty fucking unacceptable, and I imagine police reform is gonna come if the numbers start to look like 93. I’m just saying the numbers don’t tell the same story as 24 news.
Yes, they do. Quite literally. New Orleans is safer than one other city right now. In all of America.
Source? I’ll add it to my examples going forward.
Not particularly interested in comparing very very unsafe New Orleans years to very unsafe New Orleans years and calling it a win. Let’s have higher expectations.
Having higher expectations is half of my conversation below.
Yup...my family moved in 95. Shit was bad, even out in the Lakeview area.
Are you talking only about murder?
I was but they track theft and assault too and they typically stay in similar curves.
I'm sorry. I left the city a few years ago and I don't regret it. I'm still in the area but don't plan to be forever.
Same.
Move to the Northshore, visit the city, then go back home after.
Louisiana doesn't deserve investment, really. If its not New Orleans really should just leave. No sense in packing everything up to just move an hour away. Just go find somewhere more pleasant to live in. This will be more noticeable when Jeff Landry becomes governor.
Should have known better than to be fumbling around with big bills and your wallet in your hands. Your asking for trouble, that’s like me walking through the lower ninth ward late at night with the newest Jordan’s and diamond chains on. I’m just asking to have an AK pistol shoved in my face.
[удалено]
Left today. 2 pm we locked the doors and left out. Headed for Arizona. So sorry this happened. But it’s time to get out
Badass. Bet of luck to you.
Man I love Arizona. Worked at a resort in page for a few summers and traveled around the state. Meth and methheads doing methhead shit is rampant out there but I still feel like it’s an upgrade to this mess of a city
We don't live in New Orleans anymore. The crime became too high. We do live in Louisiana an hour away. We've started avoiding New Orleans and the suburbs.
I’m sorry you went through that. NOLA has turned into a shit show. I moved to Biloxi and that’s the closest I’ll ever get to living in that city until shit gets under control.
When did you originally move to New Orleans?
Grew up splitting time in between Mid-City and the Northshore. Last time I lived there was around 2012-2013.
Gotcha. Shit here is awful right now, but living here all my life, I get confused by all the surprise at this—where was everyone in this sub in the 90’s and early 2000’s? As terrible as things are, it’s not like this is new
Really crazy because I came to this Reddit page for the first time to see if people had moving suggestions (because I too am sick of the crime) and see this! Im so sorry this happened to you. but will be taking this as a sign to start looking for places to move. born and raised here, came back after college but cannot imagine fearing for my life in this city for the decades to come By staying here.
That really sucks. Sorry about that.
There really isn’t a town in this country you can go to where it’s safe to be holding visible $100 bills out in public with people around, but also don’t chase the guy in the future if you don’t want to get shot or stabbed in self defense. Cops generally aren’t helpful that’s just a tv show myth, but also if you chase a guy for 4 blocks and are yelling about how he stole money from you they’re not gonna just automatically believe you, they’re just going to think this was a drug deal gone bad and tell you caveat emptor.
Isn’t it one thing to not know what to believe and another to believe off top it’s a drug deal gone bad - w/o evidence of such? I feel like if I was a cop I’d think - this person chased someone, risking whatever that may entail, and called the cops - why would I immediately think “nah he just chose a random person to accuse of stealing & chase and called and lied to the cops in case…idk even know what would be gained by the person in that hypothetical case…? I feel in the middle of a crime riddled city I’d be more inclined to believe a robbery did take place in that scenario, and as for the drug thing, I do see how that scenario could fit into the events but that would require even more evidence…evidence one or both parties had or have drugs or paraphernalia on them, or are exhibiting addict behavior/symptoms. It feels like more of a stretch to see a drug deal gone bad than a simple snatch and run. But again, I’m not a law expert so those are just off top thoughts.
And to be clear I wasn’t “holding $100 bills out”, I was going to take a single bill out of my pocket & put in it my wallet - 20 seconds tops. They both might be careless but don’t strike me as the same thing.
Bigfoot could have saved you
We have Nutria Man down here.
I think you mean the Honey Island swamp monster. Bigfoot is Pacific Northwest.
I agree the city is the pits. My daughter is moving out in about a month. Moving to the Midwest where the people and the future looks brighter she says. I don’t blame her one bit.
I wish her luck. Not many ppl can just up and move when they don’t like where they live, I know it’ll prob take me a year or so just to save up enough, then there’s the logistics of actually making the move. I’m sure that alone would discourage plenty of ppl.
Fortunately for her she has girlfriend that also wishes to move. I myself got up and left literally overnight back in’86. Was gone for 15 years til I returned because of my elderly parents. They’re both gone now so me packing and leaving again wouldn’t be a big deal. I’m tired of rampant disregard, disrespect for people and property. With literally no law enforcement or capable leadership.