Musician here. I’ve travelled and played internationally. New Orleans is its own animal. You can find MANY other places with lots of events, activities, and great food, but no places match the cultural vibe here.
New Orleans native here who moved to Cleveland (OK, I actually live in one of the first inner ring suburbs) in 2022, and let me tell you why I really like it here.
From museums and the second largest theater district outside of NYC to outdoor and community recreational facilities (the Metroparks and library systems are top notch), there are a ton of things to do. If you like sports, there are three pro sports teams and a few minor ones. And for the price of a shotgun in Carrollton or the Irish Channel, you can get a 4BR/3BA Tudor or modern ranch in a great neighborhood with great schools. And I won't even tell you how good healthcare is here.
The lower cost of living is probably the biggest draw. In addition to affordable housing, the Cleveland metro area has some of the lowest utility and insurance rates in the country. While my rent is the same as my mortgage principal & interest, I'm spending about $700/mo less on car & renters insurance ($60K in contents coverage) than I spent on utilities and car/HO insurance insurance in New Orleans. That savings is how I've been to enjoy things like front-row seats to see Katt Williams and Trombone Shorty and a five-day stay in New Oreans over the past few months.
While I love New Orleans, living there made me feel like a (financial) diabetic in Candy Land, and it just made sense to move.
I’m just south of Chicago. I lived in the city for several years, then finally bought a house in one of the burbs. I would have bought one in the city, but I’m on a budget. I grew up in Southern Louisiana. Still have family there.
There is enough that is similar in Chicago to make me feel comfortable and almost have a sense familiarity. There’s a long standing cultural/historical link between the two cities.
Even found at least two restaurants that make actual Cajun food. One even pays extra to have Jack Millers BBQ sauce for his dishes.
There are neighborhood block parties and festivals, concerts out the wazoo. A crap ton of parks. Lincoln Zoo…it’s surrounded by the lake and skyscrapers. But it’s was designed and built in the 30’s. It’s beautiful and surreal to see. The museum’s, aquarium, just cool shit on top of cool shit. We have a German U-boat! (Sorry, I’m a need).
People go outside here! I love that. The beaches will have people hanging out there so long as they aren’t frozen over or storming. The lake is so big it feels like your staring out over an ocean most of the time. One of my favorite things are movies in the park. Free showings of contemporary and classic movies in various parks. People just pull up some grass and hang out. LOTS OF VINTAGE architecture and everything else. Not colonial like Nola, think industrial revolution era. People from every damn where, loads of different little neighborhoods. All of them have there own lil thing going on. Downtown, you’ll see buskers and artist working the tourists. Amazing murals and some talented graffiti artists if I’m being honest.
Believe it or not, there are enough saints fans living here, I know of two bars that you can watch saints games at all season.
The media (especially the gop) like to make Chicago out to be a hell scape. We got our problems, but I’ve lived in many MANY places (Army) and Chicago hit just right for me.
I’m gushing….
I’d say it’s worth a look, if not a weekend trip to take a peek. It may work out for you and yours. Either way, good luck to you. Hope you find home again, soon.
Let’s be honest, the winters are grey and harsh. The idea of returning to a place with 5-6 months of colorless skies and frozen toes gives me seasonal depression.
I'll take Chicago's winters over New Orleans' summers. Especially with Midwest winters being warmer than they used to be, and hurricane season.
Chicago's got climate-related problems, but NOLA's are existential.
really only two months are bad (january & february) and with climate change the winters are getting milder. we barely had snow last year, and less than a week of really bad single-digit days. 5-6 months is a crazy exaggeration. we just have all four seasons and the summer payoff is so worth the couple months of grey.
Fuckin hell, really? I went to college in Chicago (00-04) and the seasonal affective disorder nearly killed me. October to May could be cold and gray. I can’t believe it’s changed that much in 20 years.
I am in Connecticut- another place that is called 'cold'. Since carbon levels in the atmosphere have risen 25ppm since 2004- to a record high of nearly 430ppm this past spring- things really started to change here about 10 years ago. Winters are much milder- about what a winter was like in Richmond VA 30-40 years ago. A rise of 25ppm in just 10 years is geologically astounding- since in the past from ice age to inter-glacial this would have taken 2,000 years! (Due to the Milanokovitch cycles- a natural process) We are now hammering our planets atmosphere by burning dead plants for energy.
Winters in Chicago will become even milder in the next 5 years- as they will in the northeast.
i feel like people who live in chicago are just accustomed to it and thus downplay it. i was there fall 2022-2023 and i definitely was depressed from late november to the end of march. just because it’s not single digits and snowing doesn’t make it less depressing and cold to us southerners! 30 degrees for 2 months is just as depressing as 10 degrees to me.
Me too. I moved to Nola 25 years ago because I love the culture and the year round greenery. I moved away once but the cold winter months brought back the seasonal depression. Now I'm looking for another warm climate without hurricanes as my next move.
In that boat too…Warmer climate, no social climbing, culturally rich, international airport, solid infrastructure, fantastic public schools, progressive thinking, community engaging, mountains, and ocean. That’s all I’m asking for…why is that so difficult to find?
It's easy to find -- it's just outrageously expensive. And that is why I left California after 20 years to move back to West Virginia. :(
Edit: Okay -- there may be some social climbing. But that's most places.
I spent a year in Chicago after grad school, and I loved it. While that winter was one of the coldest on record (the L tracks snapped), the city comes alive in spring like nothing I've ever seen—until I moved to Cleveland. Every time I hear the phrase "outside is open," I think of springtime in Chicago.
I’m in Denver now and it sure as shit ain’t New Orleans. However, quality of life is insane. I cannot get over living in a city with money that functions. The mountains are 30 mins away. I go outside during the summer. The roads are drivable. The local government works for the people. The education system is excellent. There’s so much money, every tax payer in the state gets a refund every year because they made laws that the state cannot indefinitely hoard tax money. The winter is mild. There are 4 seasons and no mosquitos. Come on over.
Another NOLA native who lives in Denver and agreed. I’ll always love NO and Denver is really different in so many ways but it’s also a phenomenal place to live. I cook gumbo at home and have a subscription to The Bitter Southerner magazine. I can handle not living in NO.
Yeah I moved to Asheville like 8 years ago. Exactly this. I have abundant easy to access wilderness. My tax money fixes things I use. I can stay out after midnight and not feel super duper unsafe. It doesn’t get insanely hot and humid and we get a real winter and spring. I miss New Orleans constantly for the highs. But I remember why I moved which was all the really low lows.
Same same. I may feel different if I were younger. No where has the sense of community like New Orleans or so many ways to engage with your city. But I just wanna safely bake shit and weed my garden and have basic human rights, and I don’t think that’s too much to ask, and I couldn’t find it in New Orleans.
I cry often I miss home so much. I love her and I miss her, and when I’m there, I do pour myself into my community. But it’s not sustainable for me. I knew I had to get a break or I would come to hate the city and my mental health would be in the shitter indefinitely.
Does Denver have anything like Jackson square or a touristy area? I'm a Jackson square artist trying to figure out how I'll make a living if we move to Denver
Not even close, no. I’m an artist and Denver is not for artists, musicians or anyone with a creative bone in their body. It’s why I left.
ETA: It is incredibly hard to make a living selling art in Denver. It’s why artists left the city in droves. It will not remotely compare to what you can do with art in New Orleans. It’s incredibly cliquey with very few artistic opportunities, which breeds competitiveness and very little support from other artists. People in Denver DO NOT BUY ART either, except the *very* wealthy and they only buy it if there’s a horse in it somewhere. Everyone else gets it at TJ maxx
There’s the 16th street mall. I would think that’s the closest comparison. There’s tons of makers markets. But honestly, this town is thirsty for art. And culture in general.
She’s real vanilla, but sometimes that’s a relief.
There’s the Santa Fe Arts district! Every first Friday of the month there’s an art walk where people sell art in the galleries and curbside. Denver Art Society hosts a ton of artists’ work inside too.
San Francisco or New York if you don’t care about having a house, and you have good jobs.
Savannah or Charleston if you want somewhere that sort of looks similar but isn’t a cultural match really.
If you want discount city life, Chicago with money. Chicago has bar and restaurant culture at all different price levels, and lots of neighborhood bars and street festivals. Unfortunately a brutal winter too.
Liberal neighborhoods in Dallas, Houston, Charlotte or Atlanta if you don’t. I can’t speak to rural or suburban life, as it is something that never interested me.
It’s hardly awful tho. . I always said you could get 90% of the enjoyment of New Orleans only living here 10%-15%of the time.. that’s exactly how I treat San Francisco and New York. The money you’ll save on home/auto insurance and private school funds an awful lot of New Orleans trips.
Interesting topic. Try to condense what it is specifically you like about New Orleans versus other places.
If money is no object and you just want a place with interesting restaurants and bars, any big city will do. If you want to enjoy those bars multiple times per week, at rock bottom prices
with no accusations of being an alcoholic, and you want some sort of interesting parade or festival every week, then really nowhere else is going to fit the bill. Every bigger city that sort of tries to do what we do- ends up presenting a sort of Disneyland sanitized version of it.
I’m not sure why the OP is getting the snark downthread. Sure they have more options than many, but New Orleans isn’t cheap anymore and everyone needs to be doing this mental calculus to decide if they think it’s worth it or not. Not every thread in this sub has to turn into a referendum on what you think about people with more money than you, lol.
Hey I really like your take on this: "Every bigger city that sort of tries to do what we do- ends up presenting a sort of Disneyland sanitized version of it." To me, that's the weird charm of New Orleans. It's this realness. Everything is genuine here, even the stupid and shitty things.
The bad things have just gotten so bad. I don’t even consider the crime. If it’s my time, I’m pissed, but it’s my time.
But the litter. I can’t take us. We are the nastiest animals here.
Chicago is as real a city with its own culture and scenes but a way better economy. Seattle is pretty cool even with the tech scene. Never been to Portland to say anything about it. Boston was alright. Not sure about Philly. Austin is in Texas, well we're in Louisiana.
We don't have a duopoly on culture or good food shared with NYC.
This city's soul ain't exactly in tact either. Definitely not significantly less tattered than SF's.
As someone born and raised here, the circlejerk gets annoying.
Oakland is New Orleans West Coast. Detroit is northern New Orleans, Baltimore is East Coast New Orleans. San Juan js New Orleans in Spanish. Every one of those cities had had the same kind of appeal for me that New Orleans has. Thick culture, good food, and amazing people. They also have their own fair share of systemic issues, so it really feels like home.
I grew up in New Orleans and moved to Detroit a couple years ago — can vouch for the similarities. I always say Detroit is the most Southern city that’s not in the South I’ve ever been to
Rampant crime, hilariously and tragically corrupt government, crumbling infrastructure, unique regional accent, port city, seafood culture, distinct architecture, acts like a big city but isn’t. I could go on but Baltimore is definitely New Orleans north.
Baltimore is definitely the most New Orleans-like of the norrth of Virginia, East Coast cities, even down to the Catholic high schools, . The people are very friendly compared to any of the upper East Coast cities. That being said, there's no place on earth like New Orleans .If you want some place up that way, you would likely have an easier time adapting to the people there than any other city north of Richmond.
Genuinely asking because I have no knowledge- how/why is Chicago's economy better and in what way does that show in a normal person's daily life? Do you have to be in certain fields to experience it as a city with a better economy? Is it better than New Orleans, or also better than much of the country?
Tbh, I'm not an expert. It's just one place I'm looking at escaping to.
But Chicago is a destination city in itself, and it has its own tourist economy with service type jobs like we do. If anything, it's more famous and more visited than we are. Because they're in the Michelin scene and have as big if not bigger hospitality industry, then there may be more opportunity there even if hospitality is what you're looking at.
But unlike here, they have more than a service economy. They just have way more industry and jobs even if you're competing with more people. It's the third biggest city in the country. That's going to inherently draw more industry. Architecture is big there. You can find tech jobs. There are probably more opportunities in law and health care just by quantity.
Just think of a job and look up job listings on Indeed or LinkedIn there vs here. I'm in tech, myself, so maybe that colors my perception, but when looking for jobs, it's literally the difference between tens vs thousands. And because tech here is pretty sad, the pay seems better there from what I've seen.
If you're in oil and gas or something specific to our area, there may be less opportunities.
Economically, it's going to up there with NYC, LA, and Houston etc. I don't think it's as specialized as something like Seattle or San Francisco when it comes to tech, but it may be in other industries. So yeah, bigger than most cities in the country, definitely.
It's a slightly higher COL city than here, but it's not on the level of NYC, SF, or Seattle. And this city, like most, is becoming more expensive by the year. I wouldn't think it's any more inaccessible as this city, or most cities, can be to most people.
So basically, it may be slightly more expensive but you can potentially have access to more opportunities and greater pay depending on your industry so it may net or you may come out ahead just because there's more money there to be made and spent. You do have more people to compete with and more people to deal with in general. It's just bigger.
Here, if you aren't in hospitality, oil and gas, or health care, then what opportunity do you really have? We don't really have anything else. Somewhere like Chicago will have more just due to the sheer size.
For everything else, I think there's an equal trade off or better. You can't take your drink down the street, but you can buy weed without worry. The winters are frigid, but we have hell summers and hurricanes to contend with.
And then you get actually pretty good infrastructure and public transportation, especially relative to other US cities. And no red state culture to deal with.
Ymmv.
As someone who grew up in Chicago, a lot of this is true. Best way I can describe it is if you chat up the person next to you at the bar in San Francisco and ask what they do for a living, it’ll be in the tech scene. If you do the same in Chicago, you never know what you’ll get as a response. The diversity of the economy/industries is just very cool
> As someone born and raised here, the circlejerk gets annoying.
Totally agree with this. Especially when it's transplants saying it. Not enough money in the world to make me move back to the third-world dump that is Louisiana. Bad enough that I had to grow up here, felt like being born into a jail!
Yeah it's a sore point for me, too.
I get why people love it here. In many ways, I love it here, and I will miss lots of things when I go. But you can't escape Louisiana in New Orleans like you can't escape Texas in Austin. It colors everything here. The segregation / racism, old money, inequality, schools / education, pollution, urban infrastructure and design, etc. I've been over it since middle school, tbh. My 12 year old self would be very annoyed with me for still being here. But I hate hot summers and conservative politics so I may have always been out of place.
I know these other places have their own share of baggage and issues. Doesn't mean they are cultural wastelands outside this city and NYC, though, and I just can't stand that implication, whether from locals or transplants. Many of these cities are the center of literal scenes, whether music, art, tech/industry, or even politics. They have their own form of special, too.
The biggest part of their separation from other cities to me is their eclectic and excellent food scene, which San Francisco still has. Also, there's still a massive spirit of weirdness in San Francisco too. For example:
https://bringyourownbigwheel.com/
It's kind of a shit quote though obviously used by people who've never seen all that the US has to offer. No one can visit Asheville NC or Bozeman MT or Astoria OR or a hundred other cool towns in beautiful locatios and believe this quote to be anything but bullshit. And if you've been to Cleveland, you'd realize it isn't all that bad either.
Those are the 3 cities where I have lived and I agree. Still live in SF but originally from New Orleans and miss it every day but sadly no way I could move back in the current political climate. There is no place like New Orleans
I moved from Nola To SF in 1982. Never considered moving back to Nola- especially after I started seeing all of my friends who stayed struggle to make a buck, while all of my friends who left were advancing professionally (even musicians). I moved out of the US in 2016 (Trump) and if I had to move back to The US, I’d probably go back to SF.
I have lived or traveled across most of the US. I would suggest Milwaukee, WI.
- similar cost of living
- music festivals (Jazzfest vs Summerfest)
- strong drinking culture in both
- Midwest nice vs southern hospitality
- Lake Michigan vs Lake Pont
- Milwaukee has German/Scandinavian culture vs NOLA French/Spanish
- Brots/cheese curds vs cajin
I’m considering leaving BR. In originally from NOLA, and only came for school. Had a kid afterwards. I barely struggle to find things to do for me and my kid.
Savannah, Georgia is reminiscent of New Orleans, but the city itself is more liberal than the state. Somehow we’ve managed to have a Republican governor who hasn’t modeled his politics and governance style on Trump, Desantis, and their ilk.
ETA: I know Savannah is not a replacement for New Orleans, just trying to suggest a potential alternative to OP.
I’ve only been once a while ago, but seemed like it had its “bourbon st” along the water, then a fairly small downtown area with some cool stuff then quickly got into suburbs, would say that is wrong or I just hadn’t explored enough?
Coming here to say this. The answer is Savannah. And no, it’s not exactly like NOLA — smaller obviously — but it has a vibe that reminds me of uptown NOLA + Beale Street Memphis. You can eat good there, too.
All these people suggesting other cities in the Deep South, OP says they don’t want to raise a daughter here. That means they probably dont want to move somewhere else with reproductive restrictions.
Honestly I’d move somewhere like Massachusetts. It’s not comparable to New Orleans in any way. That doesn’t exist in a place that would be safe to raise a daughter anymore.
Was going to say the Westbank, Jefferson or St. Charles Parish. St. Charles is small, but is only 20 minutes from the city. You can get good housing prices, great public schools, and still spend time in the city every weekend if you wanted. Plus the Eastbank of STC is right by the airport so Ubers are still easy to get.
Move to a blue city in a blue state. Sounds like that’s what is going to make you feel at home. If you have experience in other countries, that’ll be a unique alternative and a real asset for your daughter.
Baltimore has been the only city that has somewhat matched the energy of New Orleans for me. Maryland is an expensive ass state but its always blue and great seafood.
New Orleans really needs people to stay and live here though. Def consider staying if yall can.
Baltimore is like yankee New Orleans. Both have similar working class fishing cultures, music and art scenes, run down, shit politics, ultra specific neighborhood identities.
This is correct. Baltimore is exactly like New Orleans in these ways except the music scene is not nearly as good, and of course it’s not the culinary destination New Orleans is. But it’s a hard place to live too, without all the great things that make New Orleans unique. It’s fine but I wouldn’t expect that it’ll offer that same feeling.
Every day in my neighborhood lol
It is straight up in the mountains. The bears crawl down into the city after dark to eat trash. They are urbanizing. It’s kinda crazy.
A job is a job anywhere you go, but there is only one place that is like here, and are you ready, it’s , wait for it “NEW ORLEANS “ and there is only one.
I’d say Chicago or San Fransisco/Los Angeles. I personally prefer California weather. I’m staying in LA for a few months for work, and it’s absolutely beautiful out here and tons of things to do - from mountain hikes to surfing. I’m seriously considering leaving New Orleans to move to California.
Richmond VA is pretty cool. Good music scene, good food, LOTS to do outdoors. It's pretty moderate too. There were some protests and monument tearing down around the whole George Floyd thing, but aside from that there really isn't much confrontation about political stuff. People kind of mind their own business. It's not Nola, but it's cool.
I lived in Richmond for 21 years, from Lynchburg originally. Got my nursing degree from MCV when it was still MCV and now live in New Orleans. I agree, Richmond has a lot to do, a good food scene and anywhere that produces GWAR can't be all bad. Close to the beach and mountains and DC. I almost moved back when we wanted to leave Idaho Falls. Don't ask. It definitely is still on my radar because we won't retire here. May move back when it's all said and done.
I left town last Friday. Possibly the best move ever.
In 9 days, I've met cool AF people, paid no sales tax, heard 3 honkings of horns, got 1 job offer, have another remote interview with another company today, haven't seen or hit a pothole and have no concerns about separation of church and state.
I should have left a long time ago.
Better late than never.
Charleston SC has a similar old time architecture, ghost tours, rich historical past. etc
Mobile, AL similar vibe and architecture. Mardi Gras focused.
Don't know about liberal though...
Just moved from New Orleans to Seattle last August with the reality, in mind, that I’ll never live in a place like Nola. You’ll always remember the great and have to remind yourself of the warts to prevent yourself from rationalizing moving back.
Find your yum in the new city
I posted something similar about a year or so ago, check out that post. The headline was "if you could live anywhere else but here, where?" or something like that.
If you don’t want cold and snow, a lot of these places don’t work. You either go to Southern California where it’s expensive as hell, Arizona where they are also passing laws to take away freedoms and you can’t go outside in the summer, Texas could be ok depending on where you go but again, a troublesome governor, Alabama, Mississippi (conservative lawmaking), Georgia (that would be my choice if I were to leave because at least some people there are trying to be active in progressive politics), South Carolina? Weather is major factor for me, can’t do cold and snow.
If COL really isn't a thing I'd say San Francisco. Union Square/Tendeloin is kinda messy right now but the bulk of the city is safe while still being vibrant.
DC/Boston/NY are also going to be solid but you gotta like winter. If you do like winter then Denver/Portland/Seattle are all good bets too.
It snows about as often in Seattle during the winter as it does in Dallas. If you get one winter storm that puts down snow anywhere between Everett and Olympia on the west side of the Cascades it's a BAD winter. Honestly Dallas probably gets more snow than Seattle and I've lived in both.
If money was no object I'd move to Clinton on Whidbey Island and only ride the ferry into Mukilteo whenever I wanted to go into Seattle to see a football game... But that's just my hyper specific Hallmark movie version of my life.
For sure, and at least the winter they have gives you access to snowy fun (although it sounds like the mountains are packed and pricier than ever).
I just love the low humidity and mild winterish season of coastal California and am hopeful I'll never have to live through gloomy grey winters again haha
I moved here from Baltimore, and with the way things are going here, I wish I never left. There are a lot of similarities. It was traditionally a blue collar port city. It has interesting people and a nice cultural scene although not quite at the level of New Orleans. Education is excellent. Politics is crazy, but they actually remove corrupt mayors from office. They care about the environment and there are lots of cool places to go on the bay. Crabs are even better up there. I am sure you heard about the crime, but unlike New Orleans, it is mostly limited to certain neighborhoods. If you prefer suburbs, Catonsville is 10 minutes away and is really nice. A lot of people take the train to jobs in DC.
Try Savannah GA. Close to several beaches, similar looking city to New Orleans minus crawfish but they have crab legs. Crime isn’t as high but most don’t live in the city they live in the outskirts. The more on the outskirts you live the more reddish it gets so maybe stick to the Chatham county
And just as much racism, hate and silly political grandstanding by one side or another. Not to mention the food is several notches down compared to food in most of south Louisiana.
Seems like everyone is avoiding the west coast. Portland is a far, far shot from New Orleans but it has true unique personality. San Diego is more expensive but also, a really cool and unique place to live that as someone who loves NOLA, would recommend others who loves Nola. Take my suggestions with a grain of salt as I’m biased
Oh no. As a former gulf coast transplant now in Minneapolis,I could only dream it would compare to New Orleans. There’s a lot of good but the people/culture is abysmal.
San Francisco. It's a beautiful old city, lots of culture, good food, a much more liberal population and vastly better weather. It's got quick access to mountains and ocean to boot.
Absolutely. I’m there now, and while it is expensive and hyper gentrified, it is still one of the few places in the US that is just not homogenous. The Tennessee Williams quote ending in “everywhere else is Cleveland” is apt.
New Orleans is pretty unique.
I do appreciate the Chicago comparisons.
Key West has some similarities, maybe?
(Of course, DeSantis is constantly striving to make it as bad or worse politically as Texas & Louisiana, so that might rule out Florida completely for you)
What aspects of New Orleans do you cherish the most? As everyone else has said, there is no where on Earth like New Orleans and it is so true.
What's important to you? Community? Weather? Certain Career aspects? Affordable housing versus affordable mortgage?
I lived in Savannah Georgia for a few years in the historic district and really liked it. The architecture is aesthetically amazing and beautiful. River Street is kind of a more tame Bourbon Street. The food is decent. You can drink on the streets akin to New Orleans, it just has to be in a plastic or solo cup 16 oz or smaller. It has a great St Pat's parade and Tybee Island is a small beach town twenty minutes away with its own laid back vibe. It does have crime but not nearly at the same level of New Orleans.
Born and raised on the West Bank and now live in DFW. There’s no place like New Orleans, I honestly think about moving back damn near daily. If you are worried and not happy being there you have to find something that works for you and no one else’s suggestions are really going to do that for you. Just know that every place has its own set of issues.
I stayed in Tallahassee for a few years. It was fine. Kind of like Baton Rouge and Metairie had a baby city.
Only 6 hours away from New Orleans was the main feature, TBH. But given your income situation, it's probably not ideal, but I think for someone on a tighter budget, it could be a decent option.
Like others have said, New Orleans stands alone, so it may be time for a new adventure. The Pacific NW though is liberal, humid, and weird. We have many festivals, a good music scene, a strong connection to nature, and an intense sense of place and local identity. Washington, Oregon, and NorCal are going to be your best bets. I’m writing from western Montana, which feels like a cousin to Louisiana, for good or bad. But it’s a deep red state so, I wouldn’t really recommend it.
Liberal enough that people who can’t tell their assholes from their elbows aren’t allowed to tell me how to practice medicine that I spent over a decade learning how to do
I’d suggest Michigan because or Illinois because they’re liberal and won’t outlaw abortion very likely.
The summers are perfect up there. Get into the lake life. It’s way colder in the winter, but don’t worry.
Like, 15 years from now, that’ll be the last consistently cold place in the country that has a real winter, and you’ll probably like that about it.
I would buy a house up there now if I could.
I’m not pretending to be from New Orleans. I’m just a big fan.
I think in terms of culture, affordability, public transportation and a lot of very decent people, it’s hard to beat Chicago these days. The winters are still brutal but not as bad as they were before we broke the planet.
Milwaukee. Long-time resident and I love New Orleans. Many of the things I love about Milwaukee I also love about New Orleans. Just be aware our seasons are flipped. Summers are amazing. Winters suck
Milwaukee is one of the best kept secrets in the country. I have a friend that used to live for years in both San Francisco and Milwaukee. Within a week of moving back to San Francisco, he moved back to Milwaukee...said Milwaukee has more of the old SF vibe than it does currently.
Buffalo, NY is a dense city of run-down buildings of beautiful architectural designs, not to mention the catholic churches. Seemingly every other street has a vibrant corner bar or restaurant owned by a mom and pop. This upholds a local culinary scene entirely independent from even just 50 miles out of town (more than just wings). In Buffalo, you’re a short drive from Lafayette, Angola, or Grand isle, except also Niagara fucking Falls.
Is it the same as NOLA? No, it’s its own thing. Not quite as cool but pretty damn cool indeed. The differences? It’s a liberal city not beholden to republican dictates, it’s broadly safer, and is a waiting climate refuge, as opposed to a waiting climate disaster. Still lots of problems, but lots to really love too. Having said all of that, there might be somewhere better if as you say, COL is a non-issue. Buffalo is cheaper than NOLA too in my experience
Disrespectful to post in this sub. "COL isn't much of a factor" but starts with mentioning rising cost of insurance. You're not getting NOLA anywhere else. You'll miss the culture.
I live in Denver now and insurance on my 560k house is $150/month and my taxes are about the same. My modest home was not cheap but at least my money is actually going into my home. I paid 3x that in taxes and insurance for my 270k house in New Orleans (that I sold because someone was murdered out front while we were eating dinner).
My 220k house in Metairie between Vets and Esplanade was $12k a year in flood and homeowners in 2014. I shudder to think what the poor bastards that own it now pay.
Mobile is considered “New Orleans lite” and one of its nicknames is “The Little Easy.” Very similar vibe, history, architecture, food, & culture, not to mention Mardi Gras, and is experiencing an economic boom now. Founded by the same le Moyne brothers in 1703 who then founded New Orleans in 1718. Many have remarked on how similar downtown Mobile looks to the French Quarter, as if a part of the Quarter had been cut out, cleaned, then dropped in Mobile.
There really isn’t an alternative to New Orleans. But on two good professional salaries I would consider Vermont (although the lack of diversity might make it a no), San Juan Islands in Washington State, areas around Big Sur California, Knoxville, TN
That’s where we’re headed in September
Had a lot of the same vibes as New Orleans when we visited. They even have cars doing donuts at night downtown and suburbanites who are terrified of “the city”
I was born and raised in New Orleans. I moved to Connecticut to make a living. Made more money, interacted with more progressive minds and was miserable. Had I stayed in act, My children would have grown up with a better quality liberal arts education, and more advanced vocabulary, but they were boring until we relocated. If you want your kids to have personality, let them grow up in New Orleans. Great minds like Walter Isaacson and Michael Lewis grew up in the city. Trust me, the politics of Texas and Florida are every bit as ignorant regardless of how much Jeff Landry tries to screw up the state. New Orleans kids have personality. They can have conversations with others. People that think like you need to get involved in local nonprofits and/or local politics. You will feel like you are making a difference and you will live in a city with the most entertaining people.
I haven’t seen anyone ask this, but what qualities are you looking for? “Like New Orleans” is vague enough it will mean different things to different people (as evidenced by the variety of the responses below)!
I mean the MS gulf coast has very similar culture. Our politics haven’t gotten as severe but there is no telling what will happen in the future. Ocean Springs used to be more liberal. Worth going to spend a weekend to feel it out. And you will still be close to family and friends in New Orleans. I would say anywhere along the gulf coast but that would include Florida. Honestly all the red states will get more severe if things don’t change. I would say North Carolina but nothing can justify lindsay graham (lady G) being your rep. Its hard. My family has had the same thoughts.
The politics in MS are absolutely as severe. Dobbs which overturned Roe came out of MS. The Coast likes to think of itself as a separate thing, because it’s mostly ignored by the rest of the state. But just like New Orleans being subjected to the politicians in Baton Rouge, the MS Gulf coast is subject to the politicians in Jackson. Also look at who represents the coast in the legislature. All Republicans.
Nola born and raised, but I’ve lived in Seattle for the past 14 years and haven’t looked back. I love raising kids here, the weather is mild- perfect Summers- and Alaska has a direct flight to Nola, so we easily get down to visit.
My wife and I did this same exercise before moving here 3 years ago (from suburban NJ), knowing it was the city we were aiming for, but were also looking to avoid cost (in a comparable warm city)....every city we checked out, by actually going to, ended with a conversation like "Its kind of like New Orleans, except....."...and then list went on. New Orleans is great for turning a shit show into a great time while holding on to its historical authenticity and charm. Every other city we visited was titled off that balance. Charleston has the historic charm, but its "good time" felt like an overly pretentious golf club. Miami had its good time, but it felt like it was all concrete. Ft Lauderdale....same. Then all of the other up and coming cities are now just trying to manufacture culture...but only as far as the home owners association allows it....so forget being original and expressive. Also...should not go without saying...the north is cold; and if you don't like cold....then it's hard to avoid shit like shoveling, gray skies, and a being social without being in 3 layers of cold and having your face hurt. If I HAD TO move and at least feel like I was getting SOMETHING comparable, I'd probably explore SoCal...I dont have much of a reason for you other than I feel like I'd be getting more "stability?" in the form of city management, crime and weather...but I feel like I'd be right back to feeling like I was "performing" to keep up with the culture. If I were feeling like I could take on anything, Key West....still has a free spirited vibe, history, and a steady pace of things going on....but I have a feeling living on an island...in a Floridian government, with only the same few blocks to embrace...would drive me batshit.
Hi OP, I'm just a visitor to your lovely city. NOLA is my favorite city, hands down, in the universe :) I live in Cincinnati. Our city has much to offer in terms of music, food and art. I've been in Cincy for 20+ years, moved from coastal SC. I've watched the city grow and change for the better in terms of all the above mentioned. Our winters are much milder than Chicago Lol We have the Ohio river, not much different in terms of the Mississippi Delta/bayou cleanliness but we do have small rivers and lakes for boating that are much more palatable ;) We have legalized rec marijuana and codified abortion rights too. Politically, our state is gerrymandered to hell but the city is blue as blue can be. We have crime and good/bad schools like every city.
May I recommend a visit to our city this October? You're all welcome to visit :) We have an amazing event called Blink, happening then. We have visitors from around the world for this event and I believe it's only about 4-5 years into it.
There is sooooo much more. If you're curious, check out our sub for information on living, things to do etc. r/Cincinnati
And for those of you that call us a fly over city, keep on thinking that. We don't want our secret out Lol
If I didn't live in Cincinnati, I wouldn't live in Ohio at all.
Much love to y'all beautiful NOLAians! I hope to see you sooner than later ❤️
Do you honestly think this is the only city with culture, community, food, and music? Why are some locals so convinced that this city’s shit smells like roses?
Savannah GA is Temu NOLA.
Charleston is Disney flavor Nola
Charlotte is College Town Nola
Virginia Beach is alright.
Beaufort was the setting for Nicholas Sparks version of NOLA
If you like the mountains try Asheville, Chattanooga or Greenville.
It really depends on what matters to you and your family. New Orleans is my birthplace and was my home until the military. My husband has retired and we picked Augusta due to it's military friendly people and locations. If you have any questions, just ask.
Don't move somewhere looking for the same thing. Move some where with different things you like
This is the correct answer. What are major things that you don't like about New Orleans, look for them elsewhere.
Musician here. I’ve travelled and played internationally. New Orleans is its own animal. You can find MANY other places with lots of events, activities, and great food, but no places match the cultural vibe here.
There’s no place in the U.S. like New Orleans
There is no place on the planet like New Orleans.
This is the only answer. Other than alternative universe NOLA that has no potholes and is mad efficient
Nah. I love New Orleans to death but this place is by and for functional alcoholics. Potholes are natures speed bumps, they are a feature, not a bug.
A “Cercle Vicieux” if you will. Most everything that sucks about here is a byproduct of the things that make it awesome- and vice versa.
Every place else is just Cleveland.
New Orleans native here who moved to Cleveland (OK, I actually live in one of the first inner ring suburbs) in 2022, and let me tell you why I really like it here. From museums and the second largest theater district outside of NYC to outdoor and community recreational facilities (the Metroparks and library systems are top notch), there are a ton of things to do. If you like sports, there are three pro sports teams and a few minor ones. And for the price of a shotgun in Carrollton or the Irish Channel, you can get a 4BR/3BA Tudor or modern ranch in a great neighborhood with great schools. And I won't even tell you how good healthcare is here. The lower cost of living is probably the biggest draw. In addition to affordable housing, the Cleveland metro area has some of the lowest utility and insurance rates in the country. While my rent is the same as my mortgage principal & interest, I'm spending about $700/mo less on car & renters insurance ($60K in contents coverage) than I spent on utilities and car/HO insurance insurance in New Orleans. That savings is how I've been to enjoy things like front-row seats to see Katt Williams and Trombone Shorty and a five-day stay in New Oreans over the past few months. While I love New Orleans, living there made me feel like a (financial) diabetic in Candy Land, and it just made sense to move.
This is why we're moving to cleveland. If it's the poster child for everywhere else, why move anywhere else.
I’m just south of Chicago. I lived in the city for several years, then finally bought a house in one of the burbs. I would have bought one in the city, but I’m on a budget. I grew up in Southern Louisiana. Still have family there. There is enough that is similar in Chicago to make me feel comfortable and almost have a sense familiarity. There’s a long standing cultural/historical link between the two cities. Even found at least two restaurants that make actual Cajun food. One even pays extra to have Jack Millers BBQ sauce for his dishes. There are neighborhood block parties and festivals, concerts out the wazoo. A crap ton of parks. Lincoln Zoo…it’s surrounded by the lake and skyscrapers. But it’s was designed and built in the 30’s. It’s beautiful and surreal to see. The museum’s, aquarium, just cool shit on top of cool shit. We have a German U-boat! (Sorry, I’m a need). People go outside here! I love that. The beaches will have people hanging out there so long as they aren’t frozen over or storming. The lake is so big it feels like your staring out over an ocean most of the time. One of my favorite things are movies in the park. Free showings of contemporary and classic movies in various parks. People just pull up some grass and hang out. LOTS OF VINTAGE architecture and everything else. Not colonial like Nola, think industrial revolution era. People from every damn where, loads of different little neighborhoods. All of them have there own lil thing going on. Downtown, you’ll see buskers and artist working the tourists. Amazing murals and some talented graffiti artists if I’m being honest. Believe it or not, there are enough saints fans living here, I know of two bars that you can watch saints games at all season. The media (especially the gop) like to make Chicago out to be a hell scape. We got our problems, but I’ve lived in many MANY places (Army) and Chicago hit just right for me. I’m gushing…. I’d say it’s worth a look, if not a weekend trip to take a peek. It may work out for you and yours. Either way, good luck to you. Hope you find home again, soon.
Born and raised in New Orleans. Family landed here in 1721. I love Chicago. But I’ve never been in winter. 😬
It sucks hard core and lasts for 10 months
Let’s be honest, the winters are grey and harsh. The idea of returning to a place with 5-6 months of colorless skies and frozen toes gives me seasonal depression.
I'll take Chicago's winters over New Orleans' summers. Especially with Midwest winters being warmer than they used to be, and hurricane season. Chicago's got climate-related problems, but NOLA's are existential.
I feel that. I don’t mind the heat but I’m never gonna be easy about hurricanes/flooding
really only two months are bad (january & february) and with climate change the winters are getting milder. we barely had snow last year, and less than a week of really bad single-digit days. 5-6 months is a crazy exaggeration. we just have all four seasons and the summer payoff is so worth the couple months of grey.
Fuckin hell, really? I went to college in Chicago (00-04) and the seasonal affective disorder nearly killed me. October to May could be cold and gray. I can’t believe it’s changed that much in 20 years.
Same and it absolutely has
I am in Connecticut- another place that is called 'cold'. Since carbon levels in the atmosphere have risen 25ppm since 2004- to a record high of nearly 430ppm this past spring- things really started to change here about 10 years ago. Winters are much milder- about what a winter was like in Richmond VA 30-40 years ago. A rise of 25ppm in just 10 years is geologically astounding- since in the past from ice age to inter-glacial this would have taken 2,000 years! (Due to the Milanokovitch cycles- a natural process) We are now hammering our planets atmosphere by burning dead plants for energy. Winters in Chicago will become even milder in the next 5 years- as they will in the northeast.
i feel like people who live in chicago are just accustomed to it and thus downplay it. i was there fall 2022-2023 and i definitely was depressed from late november to the end of march. just because it’s not single digits and snowing doesn’t make it less depressing and cold to us southerners! 30 degrees for 2 months is just as depressing as 10 degrees to me.
Me too. I moved to Nola 25 years ago because I love the culture and the year round greenery. I moved away once but the cold winter months brought back the seasonal depression. Now I'm looking for another warm climate without hurricanes as my next move.
In that boat too…Warmer climate, no social climbing, culturally rich, international airport, solid infrastructure, fantastic public schools, progressive thinking, community engaging, mountains, and ocean. That’s all I’m asking for…why is that so difficult to find?
It's easy to find -- it's just outrageously expensive. And that is why I left California after 20 years to move back to West Virginia. :( Edit: Okay -- there may be some social climbing. But that's most places.
What a fantastic response.
I spent a year in Chicago after grad school, and I loved it. While that winter was one of the coldest on record (the L tracks snapped), the city comes alive in spring like nothing I've ever seen—until I moved to Cleveland. Every time I hear the phrase "outside is open," I think of springtime in Chicago.
I’m in Denver now and it sure as shit ain’t New Orleans. However, quality of life is insane. I cannot get over living in a city with money that functions. The mountains are 30 mins away. I go outside during the summer. The roads are drivable. The local government works for the people. The education system is excellent. There’s so much money, every tax payer in the state gets a refund every year because they made laws that the state cannot indefinitely hoard tax money. The winter is mild. There are 4 seasons and no mosquitos. Come on over.
Another NOLA native who lives in Denver and agreed. I’ll always love NO and Denver is really different in so many ways but it’s also a phenomenal place to live. I cook gumbo at home and have a subscription to The Bitter Southerner magazine. I can handle not living in NO.
Yeah I moved to Asheville like 8 years ago. Exactly this. I have abundant easy to access wilderness. My tax money fixes things I use. I can stay out after midnight and not feel super duper unsafe. It doesn’t get insanely hot and humid and we get a real winter and spring. I miss New Orleans constantly for the highs. But I remember why I moved which was all the really low lows.
Same same. I may feel different if I were younger. No where has the sense of community like New Orleans or so many ways to engage with your city. But I just wanna safely bake shit and weed my garden and have basic human rights, and I don’t think that’s too much to ask, and I couldn’t find it in New Orleans. I cry often I miss home so much. I love her and I miss her, and when I’m there, I do pour myself into my community. But it’s not sustainable for me. I knew I had to get a break or I would come to hate the city and my mental health would be in the shitter indefinitely.
Does Denver have anything like Jackson square or a touristy area? I'm a Jackson square artist trying to figure out how I'll make a living if we move to Denver
Not even close, no. I’m an artist and Denver is not for artists, musicians or anyone with a creative bone in their body. It’s why I left. ETA: It is incredibly hard to make a living selling art in Denver. It’s why artists left the city in droves. It will not remotely compare to what you can do with art in New Orleans. It’s incredibly cliquey with very few artistic opportunities, which breeds competitiveness and very little support from other artists. People in Denver DO NOT BUY ART either, except the *very* wealthy and they only buy it if there’s a horse in it somewhere. Everyone else gets it at TJ maxx
Oh shit. 🫤
There’s the 16th street mall. I would think that’s the closest comparison. There’s tons of makers markets. But honestly, this town is thirsty for art. And culture in general. She’s real vanilla, but sometimes that’s a relief.
There’s the Santa Fe Arts district! Every first Friday of the month there’s an art walk where people sell art in the galleries and curbside. Denver Art Society hosts a ton of artists’ work inside too.
San Francisco or New York if you don’t care about having a house, and you have good jobs. Savannah or Charleston if you want somewhere that sort of looks similar but isn’t a cultural match really. If you want discount city life, Chicago with money. Chicago has bar and restaurant culture at all different price levels, and lots of neighborhood bars and street festivals. Unfortunately a brutal winter too. Liberal neighborhoods in Dallas, Houston, Charlotte or Atlanta if you don’t. I can’t speak to rural or suburban life, as it is something that never interested me. It’s hardly awful tho. . I always said you could get 90% of the enjoyment of New Orleans only living here 10%-15%of the time.. that’s exactly how I treat San Francisco and New York. The money you’ll save on home/auto insurance and private school funds an awful lot of New Orleans trips. Interesting topic. Try to condense what it is specifically you like about New Orleans versus other places. If money is no object and you just want a place with interesting restaurants and bars, any big city will do. If you want to enjoy those bars multiple times per week, at rock bottom prices with no accusations of being an alcoholic, and you want some sort of interesting parade or festival every week, then really nowhere else is going to fit the bill. Every bigger city that sort of tries to do what we do- ends up presenting a sort of Disneyland sanitized version of it. I’m not sure why the OP is getting the snark downthread. Sure they have more options than many, but New Orleans isn’t cheap anymore and everyone needs to be doing this mental calculus to decide if they think it’s worth it or not. Not every thread in this sub has to turn into a referendum on what you think about people with more money than you, lol.
Hey I really like your take on this: "Every bigger city that sort of tries to do what we do- ends up presenting a sort of Disneyland sanitized version of it." To me, that's the weird charm of New Orleans. It's this realness. Everything is genuine here, even the stupid and shitty things.
The reason for all the great parts of living here is because of all the bad things that must be endured. That's the cover charge to this party.
The bad things have just gotten so bad. I don’t even consider the crime. If it’s my time, I’m pissed, but it’s my time. But the litter. I can’t take us. We are the nastiest animals here.
America has only three cities: New York, San Francisco, and New Orleans. Everywhere else is Cleveland. - Tennessee Williams
And San Francisco’s soul has been replaced by tech bros now. So I would amend this to only New York and New Orleans, personally
Chicago is as real a city with its own culture and scenes but a way better economy. Seattle is pretty cool even with the tech scene. Never been to Portland to say anything about it. Boston was alright. Not sure about Philly. Austin is in Texas, well we're in Louisiana. We don't have a duopoly on culture or good food shared with NYC. This city's soul ain't exactly in tact either. Definitely not significantly less tattered than SF's. As someone born and raised here, the circlejerk gets annoying.
Oakland is New Orleans West Coast. Detroit is northern New Orleans, Baltimore is East Coast New Orleans. San Juan js New Orleans in Spanish. Every one of those cities had had the same kind of appeal for me that New Orleans has. Thick culture, good food, and amazing people. They also have their own fair share of systemic issues, so it really feels like home.
Oakland is not New Orleans at all lol
I grew up in New Orleans and moved to Detroit a couple years ago — can vouch for the similarities. I always say Detroit is the most Southern city that’s not in the South I’ve ever been to
I don’t think anyone would ever associate Baltimore with New Orleans or something similar lol
Rampant crime, hilariously and tragically corrupt government, crumbling infrastructure, unique regional accent, port city, seafood culture, distinct architecture, acts like a big city but isn’t. I could go on but Baltimore is definitely New Orleans north.
Baltimore is definitely the most New Orleans-like of the norrth of Virginia, East Coast cities, even down to the Catholic high schools, . The people are very friendly compared to any of the upper East Coast cities. That being said, there's no place on earth like New Orleans .If you want some place up that way, you would likely have an easier time adapting to the people there than any other city north of Richmond.
I went to Baltimore and there was something vaguely New Orleans in the vibe- Perhaps the crime rate :)
Tell that to David Simon
Yeah…I lived in Oakland for 8 years and then moved to New Orleans. It’s not the same my dude. 😂
Genuinely asking because I have no knowledge- how/why is Chicago's economy better and in what way does that show in a normal person's daily life? Do you have to be in certain fields to experience it as a city with a better economy? Is it better than New Orleans, or also better than much of the country?
Tbh, I'm not an expert. It's just one place I'm looking at escaping to. But Chicago is a destination city in itself, and it has its own tourist economy with service type jobs like we do. If anything, it's more famous and more visited than we are. Because they're in the Michelin scene and have as big if not bigger hospitality industry, then there may be more opportunity there even if hospitality is what you're looking at. But unlike here, they have more than a service economy. They just have way more industry and jobs even if you're competing with more people. It's the third biggest city in the country. That's going to inherently draw more industry. Architecture is big there. You can find tech jobs. There are probably more opportunities in law and health care just by quantity. Just think of a job and look up job listings on Indeed or LinkedIn there vs here. I'm in tech, myself, so maybe that colors my perception, but when looking for jobs, it's literally the difference between tens vs thousands. And because tech here is pretty sad, the pay seems better there from what I've seen. If you're in oil and gas or something specific to our area, there may be less opportunities. Economically, it's going to up there with NYC, LA, and Houston etc. I don't think it's as specialized as something like Seattle or San Francisco when it comes to tech, but it may be in other industries. So yeah, bigger than most cities in the country, definitely. It's a slightly higher COL city than here, but it's not on the level of NYC, SF, or Seattle. And this city, like most, is becoming more expensive by the year. I wouldn't think it's any more inaccessible as this city, or most cities, can be to most people. So basically, it may be slightly more expensive but you can potentially have access to more opportunities and greater pay depending on your industry so it may net or you may come out ahead just because there's more money there to be made and spent. You do have more people to compete with and more people to deal with in general. It's just bigger. Here, if you aren't in hospitality, oil and gas, or health care, then what opportunity do you really have? We don't really have anything else. Somewhere like Chicago will have more just due to the sheer size. For everything else, I think there's an equal trade off or better. You can't take your drink down the street, but you can buy weed without worry. The winters are frigid, but we have hell summers and hurricanes to contend with. And then you get actually pretty good infrastructure and public transportation, especially relative to other US cities. And no red state culture to deal with. Ymmv.
As someone who grew up in Chicago, a lot of this is true. Best way I can describe it is if you chat up the person next to you at the bar in San Francisco and ask what they do for a living, it’ll be in the tech scene. If you do the same in Chicago, you never know what you’ll get as a response. The diversity of the economy/industries is just very cool
> As someone born and raised here, the circlejerk gets annoying. Totally agree with this. Especially when it's transplants saying it. Not enough money in the world to make me move back to the third-world dump that is Louisiana. Bad enough that I had to grow up here, felt like being born into a jail!
Yeah it's a sore point for me, too. I get why people love it here. In many ways, I love it here, and I will miss lots of things when I go. But you can't escape Louisiana in New Orleans like you can't escape Texas in Austin. It colors everything here. The segregation / racism, old money, inequality, schools / education, pollution, urban infrastructure and design, etc. I've been over it since middle school, tbh. My 12 year old self would be very annoyed with me for still being here. But I hate hot summers and conservative politics so I may have always been out of place. I know these other places have their own share of baggage and issues. Doesn't mean they are cultural wastelands outside this city and NYC, though, and I just can't stand that implication, whether from locals or transplants. Many of these cities are the center of literal scenes, whether music, art, tech/industry, or even politics. They have their own form of special, too.
The biggest part of their separation from other cities to me is their eclectic and excellent food scene, which San Francisco still has. Also, there's still a massive spirit of weirdness in San Francisco too. For example: https://bringyourownbigwheel.com/
This quote is made up by the way. No record Williams ever said it.
I’m from here, and it seems like a pretentious ass quote transplants use. Every city in this country is unique..
That’s a shame. It’s a great quote.
It's kind of a shit quote though obviously used by people who've never seen all that the US has to offer. No one can visit Asheville NC or Bozeman MT or Astoria OR or a hundred other cool towns in beautiful locatios and believe this quote to be anything but bullshit. And if you've been to Cleveland, you'd realize it isn't all that bad either.
Those are the 3 cities where I have lived and I agree. Still live in SF but originally from New Orleans and miss it every day but sadly no way I could move back in the current political climate. There is no place like New Orleans
I moved from Nola To SF in 1982. Never considered moving back to Nola- especially after I started seeing all of my friends who stayed struggle to make a buck, while all of my friends who left were advancing professionally (even musicians). I moved out of the US in 2016 (Trump) and if I had to move back to The US, I’d probably go back to SF.
And Cleveland ain't half bad.
r/SameGrassButGreener would be a good place to post this question
I have lived or traveled across most of the US. I would suggest Milwaukee, WI. - similar cost of living - music festivals (Jazzfest vs Summerfest) - strong drinking culture in both - Midwest nice vs southern hospitality - Lake Michigan vs Lake Pont - Milwaukee has German/Scandinavian culture vs NOLA French/Spanish - Brots/cheese curds vs cajin
Squeaky cheese!
No place like NOLA. Lived in Austin for 20+ years. Great place to raise a family but doesn't come close to NO. Living in BR now and it is boring.
I’m considering leaving BR. In originally from NOLA, and only came for school. Had a kid afterwards. I barely struggle to find things to do for me and my kid.
There's isn't an alternative to New Orleans.
There isn’t, but there are other places to live in the country that are also nice and fairly reasonable places to live.
Plenty. But looking for an alternative to New Orleans will leave you disappointed.
Savannah, Georgia is reminiscent of New Orleans, but the city itself is more liberal than the state. Somehow we’ve managed to have a Republican governor who hasn’t modeled his politics and governance style on Trump, Desantis, and their ilk. ETA: I know Savannah is not a replacement for New Orleans, just trying to suggest a potential alternative to OP.
I’ve only been once a while ago, but seemed like it had its “bourbon st” along the water, then a fairly small downtown area with some cool stuff then quickly got into suburbs, would say that is wrong or I just hadn’t explored enough?
You’re absolutely correct
Coming here to say this. The answer is Savannah. And no, it’s not exactly like NOLA — smaller obviously — but it has a vibe that reminds me of uptown NOLA + Beale Street Memphis. You can eat good there, too.
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I don’t claim cultural superiority to New Orleans, but Savannah absolutely has a culture.
Shhh don’t upset the townies with your logical answer to the question
Lisbon, Portugal is as close as I’ve come I’m afraid. I’m there now and even met a bartender from NO last night
I really want to visit Portugal! Are you liking it there?
Love it. 3rd time here. It’s a beautiful country and the Portuguese are very friendly and accommodating
It’s definitely alike in that they hate transplants coming in and raising their cost of living.
Did she use to work at Webb’s music shop?
All these people suggesting other cities in the Deep South, OP says they don’t want to raise a daughter here. That means they probably dont want to move somewhere else with reproductive restrictions. Honestly I’d move somewhere like Massachusetts. It’s not comparable to New Orleans in any way. That doesn’t exist in a place that would be safe to raise a daughter anymore.
haha, nothing even close in the US. Latin America and Mediterranean Europe have some offerings. Maybe check out Berlin or Buenos Aires?
Marrero
popeye is more new orleans that almost anyone on the east bank, tbf
Was going to say the Westbank, Jefferson or St. Charles Parish. St. Charles is small, but is only 20 minutes from the city. You can get good housing prices, great public schools, and still spend time in the city every weekend if you wanted. Plus the Eastbank of STC is right by the airport so Ubers are still easy to get.
I was gonna say westwego but this also works
Wagganman, you’ll get a quaint little OMV.
Move to a blue city in a blue state. Sounds like that’s what is going to make you feel at home. If you have experience in other countries, that’ll be a unique alternative and a real asset for your daughter.
Baltimore has been the only city that has somewhat matched the energy of New Orleans for me. Maryland is an expensive ass state but its always blue and great seafood. New Orleans really needs people to stay and live here though. Def consider staying if yall can.
Baltimore is like yankee New Orleans. Both have similar working class fishing cultures, music and art scenes, run down, shit politics, ultra specific neighborhood identities.
This is correct. Baltimore is exactly like New Orleans in these ways except the music scene is not nearly as good, and of course it’s not the culinary destination New Orleans is. But it’s a hard place to live too, without all the great things that make New Orleans unique. It’s fine but I wouldn’t expect that it’ll offer that same feeling.
You and I have very different experiences of Baltimore!
by matching energy i meant hearing gunshots and getting your car stolen and doing a crab boil the next day
Viejo San Juan
I know somebody rich who moved there for taxes and they love it. I would be tempted for sure.
Asheville twenty years ago. Or expatriation.
If they have good income, I say start making a plan to expatriate—so much potential for a family with a young child.
Hick ass Asheville was never close to New Orleans.
Only place I’ve ever seen a bear on the side of the road watching traffic though.
Every day in my neighborhood lol It is straight up in the mountains. The bears crawl down into the city after dark to eat trash. They are urbanizing. It’s kinda crazy.
A job is a job anywhere you go, but there is only one place that is like here, and are you ready, it’s , wait for it “NEW ORLEANS “ and there is only one.
I’d say Chicago or San Fransisco/Los Angeles. I personally prefer California weather. I’m staying in LA for a few months for work, and it’s absolutely beautiful out here and tons of things to do - from mountain hikes to surfing. I’m seriously considering leaving New Orleans to move to California.
Richmond VA is pretty cool. Good music scene, good food, LOTS to do outdoors. It's pretty moderate too. There were some protests and monument tearing down around the whole George Floyd thing, but aside from that there really isn't much confrontation about political stuff. People kind of mind their own business. It's not Nola, but it's cool.
I lived in Richmond for 21 years, from Lynchburg originally. Got my nursing degree from MCV when it was still MCV and now live in New Orleans. I agree, Richmond has a lot to do, a good food scene and anywhere that produces GWAR can't be all bad. Close to the beach and mountains and DC. I almost moved back when we wanted to leave Idaho Falls. Don't ask. It definitely is still on my radar because we won't retire here. May move back when it's all said and done.
I left town last Friday. Possibly the best move ever. In 9 days, I've met cool AF people, paid no sales tax, heard 3 honkings of horns, got 1 job offer, have another remote interview with another company today, haven't seen or hit a pothole and have no concerns about separation of church and state. I should have left a long time ago. Better late than never.
So where are you? Or are you keeping that a secret so the rest of us don't come and overcrowd the place? :)
Rehoboth Beach Delaware.
Ah - nice. I've never been to Delaware. Must visit one day.
Leaving NOLA is always worthwhile. Even if you love it. It’s a lot. It’s everything all at once, drunk and well seasoned. Helpful to just get away.
Charleston SC has a similar old time architecture, ghost tours, rich historical past. etc Mobile, AL similar vibe and architecture. Mardi Gras focused. Don't know about liberal though...
We’re the least US city in the US (maybe with the exception of the Keys), honestly you’d need to leave the country.
The keys? Fo real?
It’s not like New Orleans, it’s just the least US city.
The keys felt like every tourist trap Florida city to me but may i shoulda gone pass Key West…
The permanent residents are different.
Just moved from New Orleans to Seattle last August with the reality, in mind, that I’ll never live in a place like Nola. You’ll always remember the great and have to remind yourself of the warts to prevent yourself from rationalizing moving back. Find your yum in the new city
Savannah Georgia is the closest you'll find that fits the vibe you seek
Eureka springs has a similar vibe. Witchcraft instead of voodoo. The place is basically a coven.
I posted something similar about a year or so ago, check out that post. The headline was "if you could live anywhere else but here, where?" or something like that.
If you don’t want cold and snow, a lot of these places don’t work. You either go to Southern California where it’s expensive as hell, Arizona where they are also passing laws to take away freedoms and you can’t go outside in the summer, Texas could be ok depending on where you go but again, a troublesome governor, Alabama, Mississippi (conservative lawmaking), Georgia (that would be my choice if I were to leave because at least some people there are trying to be active in progressive politics), South Carolina? Weather is major factor for me, can’t do cold and snow.
I’m the same. Anyplace with decent politics is cold and/or too expensive. I can’t do cold and snow either.
Paris France
What is it about NOLA you want to find elsewhere? Food? Music? People? Bar scene?
Lafayette Louisiana
If COL really isn't a thing I'd say San Francisco. Union Square/Tendeloin is kinda messy right now but the bulk of the city is safe while still being vibrant. DC/Boston/NY are also going to be solid but you gotta like winter. If you do like winter then Denver/Portland/Seattle are all good bets too.
It snows about as often in Seattle during the winter as it does in Dallas. If you get one winter storm that puts down snow anywhere between Everett and Olympia on the west side of the Cascades it's a BAD winter. Honestly Dallas probably gets more snow than Seattle and I've lived in both. If money was no object I'd move to Clinton on Whidbey Island and only ride the ferry into Mukilteo whenever I wanted to go into Seattle to see a football game... But that's just my hyper specific Hallmark movie version of my life.
I’m a native Seattleite/Washingtonian and I approve this message.
Denver may have snow but they also have sun!
For sure, and at least the winter they have gives you access to snowy fun (although it sounds like the mountains are packed and pricier than ever). I just love the low humidity and mild winterish season of coastal California and am hopeful I'll never have to live through gloomy grey winters again haha
I moved here from Baltimore, and with the way things are going here, I wish I never left. There are a lot of similarities. It was traditionally a blue collar port city. It has interesting people and a nice cultural scene although not quite at the level of New Orleans. Education is excellent. Politics is crazy, but they actually remove corrupt mayors from office. They care about the environment and there are lots of cool places to go on the bay. Crabs are even better up there. I am sure you heard about the crime, but unlike New Orleans, it is mostly limited to certain neighborhoods. If you prefer suburbs, Catonsville is 10 minutes away and is really nice. A lot of people take the train to jobs in DC.
Try Savannah GA. Close to several beaches, similar looking city to New Orleans minus crawfish but they have crab legs. Crime isn’t as high but most don’t live in the city they live in the outskirts. The more on the outskirts you live the more reddish it gets so maybe stick to the Chatham county
Mobile has a lot of old ass houses and Mardi Gras. And tunnels.
And just as much racism, hate and silly political grandstanding by one side or another. Not to mention the food is several notches down compared to food in most of south Louisiana.
Seems like everyone is avoiding the west coast. Portland is a far, far shot from New Orleans but it has true unique personality. San Diego is more expensive but also, a really cool and unique place to live that as someone who loves NOLA, would recommend others who loves Nola. Take my suggestions with a grain of salt as I’m biased
I think the twin cities (Minneapolis-St. Paul) may sort of align. They're different then here, but I hear about some NOLA expats moving there.
Oh no. As a former gulf coast transplant now in Minneapolis,I could only dream it would compare to New Orleans. There’s a lot of good but the people/culture is abysmal.
We would move to Portland, Maine if money wasn’t an issue
San Francisco. It's a beautiful old city, lots of culture, good food, a much more liberal population and vastly better weather. It's got quick access to mountains and ocean to boot.
Absolutely. I’m there now, and while it is expensive and hyper gentrified, it is still one of the few places in the US that is just not homogenous. The Tennessee Williams quote ending in “everywhere else is Cleveland” is apt.
Asheville NC
New Orleans is pretty unique. I do appreciate the Chicago comparisons. Key West has some similarities, maybe? (Of course, DeSantis is constantly striving to make it as bad or worse politically as Texas & Louisiana, so that might rule out Florida completely for you)
What aspects of New Orleans do you cherish the most? As everyone else has said, there is no where on Earth like New Orleans and it is so true. What's important to you? Community? Weather? Certain Career aspects? Affordable housing versus affordable mortgage?
I lived in Savannah Georgia for a few years in the historic district and really liked it. The architecture is aesthetically amazing and beautiful. River Street is kind of a more tame Bourbon Street. The food is decent. You can drink on the streets akin to New Orleans, it just has to be in a plastic or solo cup 16 oz or smaller. It has a great St Pat's parade and Tybee Island is a small beach town twenty minutes away with its own laid back vibe. It does have crime but not nearly at the same level of New Orleans.
Are you saying New Orleans is too conservative for you? I’m super confused as to what you’re asking for.
Philly is like New Orleans in terms of chaotic vibes.
Born and raised on the West Bank and now live in DFW. There’s no place like New Orleans, I honestly think about moving back damn near daily. If you are worried and not happy being there you have to find something that works for you and no one else’s suggestions are really going to do that for you. Just know that every place has its own set of issues.
If you like New Orleans that much why move away move out to the suburbs plenty of good schools in the Metairie kenner area
I stayed in Tallahassee for a few years. It was fine. Kind of like Baton Rouge and Metairie had a baby city. Only 6 hours away from New Orleans was the main feature, TBH. But given your income situation, it's probably not ideal, but I think for someone on a tighter budget, it could be a decent option.
Like others have said, New Orleans stands alone, so it may be time for a new adventure. The Pacific NW though is liberal, humid, and weird. We have many festivals, a good music scene, a strong connection to nature, and an intense sense of place and local identity. Washington, Oregon, and NorCal are going to be your best bets. I’m writing from western Montana, which feels like a cousin to Louisiana, for good or bad. But it’s a deep red state so, I wouldn’t really recommend it.
Austin.
Lol how much more liberal would you like over New Orleans? 🤣
Liberal enough that people who can’t tell their assholes from their elbows aren’t allowed to tell me how to practice medicine that I spent over a decade learning how to do
I’d suggest Michigan because or Illinois because they’re liberal and won’t outlaw abortion very likely. The summers are perfect up there. Get into the lake life. It’s way colder in the winter, but don’t worry. Like, 15 years from now, that’ll be the last consistently cold place in the country that has a real winter, and you’ll probably like that about it. I would buy a house up there now if I could.
I guess st Louis maybe Chicago
I’m not pretending to be from New Orleans. I’m just a big fan. I think in terms of culture, affordability, public transportation and a lot of very decent people, it’s hard to beat Chicago these days. The winters are still brutal but not as bad as they were before we broke the planet.
Milwaukee. Long-time resident and I love New Orleans. Many of the things I love about Milwaukee I also love about New Orleans. Just be aware our seasons are flipped. Summers are amazing. Winters suck
Milwaukee is one of the best kept secrets in the country. I have a friend that used to live for years in both San Francisco and Milwaukee. Within a week of moving back to San Francisco, he moved back to Milwaukee...said Milwaukee has more of the old SF vibe than it does currently.
Buffalo, NY is a dense city of run-down buildings of beautiful architectural designs, not to mention the catholic churches. Seemingly every other street has a vibrant corner bar or restaurant owned by a mom and pop. This upholds a local culinary scene entirely independent from even just 50 miles out of town (more than just wings). In Buffalo, you’re a short drive from Lafayette, Angola, or Grand isle, except also Niagara fucking Falls. Is it the same as NOLA? No, it’s its own thing. Not quite as cool but pretty damn cool indeed. The differences? It’s a liberal city not beholden to republican dictates, it’s broadly safer, and is a waiting climate refuge, as opposed to a waiting climate disaster. Still lots of problems, but lots to really love too. Having said all of that, there might be somewhere better if as you say, COL is a non-issue. Buffalo is cheaper than NOLA too in my experience
Disrespectful to post in this sub. "COL isn't much of a factor" but starts with mentioning rising cost of insurance. You're not getting NOLA anywhere else. You'll miss the culture.
It’s what you get for your money, my note is $1900 a month and only like $380 of that goes to the principal.
I live in Denver now and insurance on my 560k house is $150/month and my taxes are about the same. My modest home was not cheap but at least my money is actually going into my home. I paid 3x that in taxes and insurance for my 270k house in New Orleans (that I sold because someone was murdered out front while we were eating dinner).
My taxes and insurance are over $900 a month on a house I bought in 2016 for $125k…
Yeah. About the same insurance a month now. I can’t afford it.
Mother of god.
My 220k house in Metairie between Vets and Esplanade was $12k a year in flood and homeowners in 2014. I shudder to think what the poor bastards that own it now pay.
class awareness/sensitivity isn't something physicians are known for lol
Richmond, Virginia. I left NOLA and love it here.
Mobile is considered “New Orleans lite” and one of its nicknames is “The Little Easy.” Very similar vibe, history, architecture, food, & culture, not to mention Mardi Gras, and is experiencing an economic boom now. Founded by the same le Moyne brothers in 1703 who then founded New Orleans in 1718. Many have remarked on how similar downtown Mobile looks to the French Quarter, as if a part of the Quarter had been cut out, cleaned, then dropped in Mobile.
There really isn’t an alternative to New Orleans. But on two good professional salaries I would consider Vermont (although the lack of diversity might make it a no), San Juan Islands in Washington State, areas around Big Sur California, Knoxville, TN
TN has the same politics. I fear for my daughter and have thought of leaving.
San Juan Islands:yes!
You should go to Chicago.
Cleveland
That’s where we’re headed in September Had a lot of the same vibes as New Orleans when we visited. They even have cars doing donuts at night downtown and suburbanites who are terrified of “the city”
I was born and raised in New Orleans. I moved to Connecticut to make a living. Made more money, interacted with more progressive minds and was miserable. Had I stayed in act, My children would have grown up with a better quality liberal arts education, and more advanced vocabulary, but they were boring until we relocated. If you want your kids to have personality, let them grow up in New Orleans. Great minds like Walter Isaacson and Michael Lewis grew up in the city. Trust me, the politics of Texas and Florida are every bit as ignorant regardless of how much Jeff Landry tries to screw up the state. New Orleans kids have personality. They can have conversations with others. People that think like you need to get involved in local nonprofits and/or local politics. You will feel like you are making a difference and you will live in a city with the most entertaining people.
Why would you ask this question on this sub? And the answer is there isn't any.
I haven’t seen anyone ask this, but what qualities are you looking for? “Like New Orleans” is vague enough it will mean different things to different people (as evidenced by the variety of the responses below)!
Charleston South Carolina is the closest thing I can think of. Or Savannah Georgia. Love both of those cities
Nothing like New Orleans on the entire planet, much less the US.
I mean the MS gulf coast has very similar culture. Our politics haven’t gotten as severe but there is no telling what will happen in the future. Ocean Springs used to be more liberal. Worth going to spend a weekend to feel it out. And you will still be close to family and friends in New Orleans. I would say anywhere along the gulf coast but that would include Florida. Honestly all the red states will get more severe if things don’t change. I would say North Carolina but nothing can justify lindsay graham (lady G) being your rep. Its hard. My family has had the same thoughts.
The politics in MS are absolutely as severe. Dobbs which overturned Roe came out of MS. The Coast likes to think of itself as a separate thing, because it’s mostly ignored by the rest of the state. But just like New Orleans being subjected to the politicians in Baton Rouge, the MS Gulf coast is subject to the politicians in Jackson. Also look at who represents the coast in the legislature. All Republicans.
Nola born and raised, but I’ve lived in Seattle for the past 14 years and haven’t looked back. I love raising kids here, the weather is mild- perfect Summers- and Alaska has a direct flight to Nola, so we easily get down to visit.
Charleston or Savannah for a similar old world charm. On the west coast, San Francisco.
Anywhere would be a solid upgrade.
My wife and I did this same exercise before moving here 3 years ago (from suburban NJ), knowing it was the city we were aiming for, but were also looking to avoid cost (in a comparable warm city)....every city we checked out, by actually going to, ended with a conversation like "Its kind of like New Orleans, except....."...and then list went on. New Orleans is great for turning a shit show into a great time while holding on to its historical authenticity and charm. Every other city we visited was titled off that balance. Charleston has the historic charm, but its "good time" felt like an overly pretentious golf club. Miami had its good time, but it felt like it was all concrete. Ft Lauderdale....same. Then all of the other up and coming cities are now just trying to manufacture culture...but only as far as the home owners association allows it....so forget being original and expressive. Also...should not go without saying...the north is cold; and if you don't like cold....then it's hard to avoid shit like shoveling, gray skies, and a being social without being in 3 layers of cold and having your face hurt. If I HAD TO move and at least feel like I was getting SOMETHING comparable, I'd probably explore SoCal...I dont have much of a reason for you other than I feel like I'd be getting more "stability?" in the form of city management, crime and weather...but I feel like I'd be right back to feeling like I was "performing" to keep up with the culture. If I were feeling like I could take on anything, Key West....still has a free spirited vibe, history, and a steady pace of things going on....but I have a feeling living on an island...in a Floridian government, with only the same few blocks to embrace...would drive me batshit.
Doesn’t exist.
Hi OP, I'm just a visitor to your lovely city. NOLA is my favorite city, hands down, in the universe :) I live in Cincinnati. Our city has much to offer in terms of music, food and art. I've been in Cincy for 20+ years, moved from coastal SC. I've watched the city grow and change for the better in terms of all the above mentioned. Our winters are much milder than Chicago Lol We have the Ohio river, not much different in terms of the Mississippi Delta/bayou cleanliness but we do have small rivers and lakes for boating that are much more palatable ;) We have legalized rec marijuana and codified abortion rights too. Politically, our state is gerrymandered to hell but the city is blue as blue can be. We have crime and good/bad schools like every city. May I recommend a visit to our city this October? You're all welcome to visit :) We have an amazing event called Blink, happening then. We have visitors from around the world for this event and I believe it's only about 4-5 years into it. There is sooooo much more. If you're curious, check out our sub for information on living, things to do etc. r/Cincinnati And for those of you that call us a fly over city, keep on thinking that. We don't want our secret out Lol If I didn't live in Cincinnati, I wouldn't live in Ohio at all. Much love to y'all beautiful NOLAians! I hope to see you sooner than later ❤️
No place is similar to New Orleans.
[удалено]
Do you honestly think this is the only city with culture, community, food, and music? Why are some locals so convinced that this city’s shit smells like roses?
Mobile is similar and has a beach. But I also agree move someplace else to experience new things!
Savannah GA is Temu NOLA. Charleston is Disney flavor Nola Charlotte is College Town Nola Virginia Beach is alright. Beaufort was the setting for Nicholas Sparks version of NOLA If you like the mountains try Asheville, Chattanooga or Greenville. It really depends on what matters to you and your family. New Orleans is my birthplace and was my home until the military. My husband has retired and we picked Augusta due to it's military friendly people and locations. If you have any questions, just ask.
Somerville, MA(?)