West Bank Living

Ask any native New Orleanian that question and the answer will almost always be the name of their high school.  It doesn’t matter if they have a doctorate from the most prestigious Ivy League university in the country, in New Orleans it’s all about what high school you attended!  Folks who relocate to New Orleans may find this a little odd, especially given the great colleges and universities located right here in the city, but to me it’s just part of the charm of my hometown.

Despite the fact that we are all proud of our high school alma mater, New Orleans is also home to some of the finest institutions of higher learning in the region.  Could one of these be right for you or your child?

Delgado Community College  Delgado has 2 campus locations in New Orleans, the City Park campus and the West Bank campus.   As part of the Delgado program, the Charity School of Nursing is ranked #8 in the nation among associate degree nursing programs.  The West Bank campus of Delgado is located right next door to the NSA New Orleans base in Algiers.

Dillard University   The academic divisions of Dillard include Business, Humanities, Nursing, Educational and Psychological Studies, Natural Sciences and public Health and Social Sciences.  Despite wide spread damage during Hurricane Katrina, Dillard has reopened and is continuing it’s 138 year tradition of educating students in New Orleans.

LSU Health Sciences New Orleans  One of the premier health related universities, LSUHS offers academic programs in Allied Health, Dentistry, Graduate Studies, Medicine, Nursing and Public Health.

Loyola University  Offering over 60 degrees programs in 5 different colleges:  Humanities and Natural Science, Social Sciences, Business, Music and Fine Arts and Law.  Loyola also offers bachelor’s and master’s degree program for non-traditional students in both day and evening classes.

Our Lady of Holy Cross College  A small, Catholic college located on the West Bank in Algiers, OLHCC offers undergraduate programs in a number of fields, including nursing, business administration, education and multiple branches of science.  The graduate program offers advanced degrees in education, arts theology and arts counseling.

Southern University at New Orleans  Offering both undergraduate and graduate programs, SUNO has on-line degree programs for students in Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education and General Studies.

Tulane University  With a student body made up of representatives of all 50 states and 40 countries, Tulane is truly a diverse university.  Schools and colleges that are part of the Tulane system include the School of Architecture, AB Freeman School of Business, Continuing Studies, Law, Liberal Arts, Medicine, Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Science and Engineering and Social Work.

University of New Orleans  Located near Lake Pontchartain, UNO offers a curriculum that includes Business Administration, Education and Human Development, Engineering, Liberal Arts, Sciences and Business Graduate Programs.  Masters programs are available in Accounting, Business Administration, Health Care Management and Hospitality and Tourism.  UNO also offers an Executive MBA program along with several other specialized fields of study.

Xavier University  Xavier offers studies in the College of Arts and Sciences, a graduate program in Education and the only College of Pharmacy in the state of Louisiana.

Don’t think that your relocation to New Orleans means that your children won’t have access to outstanding collegiate educational opportunities - they will.  In addition to all of the history, culture and architecture that the city has to offer,  we are a great college town too!

Welcome to New Orleans…

• West Bank Homes for Sale – Find a home for sale on the West Bank or other New Orleans metropolitan area.
• Contact Lisa Heindel for help buying or selling your New Orleans area home
• Free online home evaluation of your New Orleans West Bank home

Copyright 2008. Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.

Moving to a new city means adjusting to many changes.  Have you thought about the weather in your new home town?  If you are relocating to New Orleans or NAS JRB New Orleans,  here’s what you need to know about our weather.

New Orleans has a subtropical climate.  What does this mean?  Short, mostly mild winters and hot, hot summers!

January is traditionally the coldest month of year in New Orleans, with average daytime temperatures of around 55 degrees.  Nighttime temperatures can sometimes, but not often, fall below freezing.  During these cold nights, you’ll hear the locals talks about the three P’s:  pipes, plants and pets.  Raised houses with exposed pipes underneath can be at risk of freezing if the pipes are not wrapped, while the much loved tropical plants should be covered and pets should be brought inside for the night.

February, March and April bring fabulous springtime days, with high temperatures in the low 60s to mid 70s.  The mild winters are one of the reasons that New Orleans offers a year round planting season for gardeners!  This is also the time of year to have your air conditioning system cleaned and serviced, before the dog days of summer have the repairmen hopping!

Summer begins in earnest in May in New Orleans.  Hey Lisa, the first day of summer isn’t until June 21st.  True, but the average daytime temperatures begin to reach the 80s in early May, continuing through June and July with average temperatures hovering in the 90s through August and into September.  The humidity in New Orleans can take some getting used to and can be the cause of many a bad hair day!  Humidity of more than 80% is not uncommon during the summer months, so dress for the heat.

Our first nice cool snap usually occurs sometime in mid to late October, with pleasant temperatures in the 60s through Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Looking for a white Christmas?  If so, you’ve come to the wrong place, although we did experience a rare snowfall on Christmas Day, 2004.  I can count on my fingers the number of times it has snowed in New Orleans in my lifetime, so you can pack the parkas away in the attic!

Other New Orleans climate information:

Average rainfall:  Approximately 4 inches per month, with an average high rainfall of 7.6 inches in July and an average low rainfall of 1.7 inches in October.

Hurricane season:  June through November.  Read more about Hurricane Preparedness from the National Hurricane Center.

Now that you know what to expect in New Orleans weather, let me be the first to welcome you to the Crescent City!

• West Bank Homes for Sale – Find a home for sale on the West Bank or other New Orleans metropolitan area.
• Contact Lisa Heindel for help buying or selling your New Orleans area home
• Free online home evaluation of your New Orleans West Bank home

Copyright 2008. Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.

The boxes are unpacked, the new curtains are hung in the windows and the  pantry has been filled.  The flurry of activity involved in moving has subsided.  You are a new resident in an unfamiliar city with small children - wondering, What now?

Any move can be difficult, but if you are relocating to a new city as a stay at home mom, it can be even harder to adjust.  Spending your days at home with the kids can make it tough to meet new people and make new friends.  With four children of my own, I can relate to the stress of just being a mom.  Being a mom in a new town with no support system of friends and family to help out would be, I’m sure, overwhelming.  BUT, there’s good news!  When relocating to the West Bank of New Orleans, whether for a civilian or military relocation, there is a solution for the stay at home mom who is new to the city.

MOMS Club of Metairie - South Chapter is a terrific resource for all stay at home moms, whether you are new to the area or a life long resident.  A support group for stay at home moms, the Club provides organized outings for mothers where, of course, the kids are always welcome!  The Metairie chapter of the MOMS Club serves the West Bank of New Orleans, including Algiers, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and Belle Chasse.

No more wondering, what will we do today?  The MOMS Club meets at least two times a week (and sometimes as many as 5), usually at a local park or McDonald’s, with other outings scheduled throughout the month.  An example of some of the organized outings are the Audubon Zoo, the Aquarium of the Americas, local libraries during reading or craft times and more.  Play dates and luncheons at member’s homes are also scheduled throughout the year and members are encouraged to suggest new places to go and things to see that are mom and kid friendly.  And, since your membership doesn’t end when the kids reach school age, wouldn’t these outings be a great field trip resource for parents who choose to home school their children?

When all is said and done, even the most dedicated stay at home mom sometimes needs an evening to herself….a little me time.  Once a month, the MOMS Club members have a mother’s night out, where members get together to relax and chat, whether over dinner and drinks or at a movie.   And for those moms who are ill, recovering from surgery or at home with a new little bundle of joy, the MOMS Club Meal Coordinator organizes the preparation and delivery of home cooked meals.  What I wouldn’t have given to have someone help with dinner when I had a newborn to take care of!

For those looking for a way to serve their new community, the MOMS Club organizes several service projects each year.  Past projects have included  collecting donations for the local battered women’s shelter and participation in Project Linus, an organization that donates new, handmade blankets and afghans to children who are seriously ill or in need.  This is a great way to get involved in giving back to your new community while still connecting with other stay at home moms and their kids.

So, unpack those boxes, hang those curtains and contact the MOMS Club of Metairie.  They will be happy to join me in welcoming you to New Orleans!

Update 5/1/2008:  There is also a Westbank Meetup/Playgroup for moms and kids.  Check out their website to join or to get more information.

• West Bank Homes for Sale – Find a home for sale on the West Bank or other New Orleans metropolitan area.
• Contact Lisa Heindel for help buying or selling your New Orleans area home
• Free online home evaluation of your New Orleans West Bank home

Copyright 2008. Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.

The weather forecast for the weekend is sunny with temperatures in the low 70s, perfect for some outdoor activities on the West Bank.  If you are not out on the golf course or picnicking at the park, here are some other West Bank events you might enjoy.

Gretna BMX Raceway

A recent addition to fun things to do on the West Bank, the Gretna BMX track is  now open on Saturdays, with registrations from 10 am to 2 pm and races starting at 2:30 pm.  Staffed completely by parent volunteers, the motto of the BMX track is "Nobody Sits the Bench".  Races are held each Saturday for all entrants, from beginners to more experienced riders, with race results posted online each week.  My 12 year old has been begging to go here, so we have it penciled in on the schedule for this weekend!

West Bank Theatre

The Jefferson Performing Arts Society presents Flanagan’s Wake at the Teatro Wego! Dinner Theatre, starting Friday, February 22nd.  The hilarious, interactive show will run through March 16th, will performances on Fridays and  Saturdays at 7:30 pm and a matinee show on Sundays at 2:00 pm.  A buffet is available before each show.  For reservations or more information, visit the Jefferson Performing Arts Society website.

I’ve got tickets for Saturday night to attend The Great American Trailer Park musical as it continues its run at the Westwego Performing Arts Theatre through March 9th.  Shows will be held every Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinees will be performed at 2:00 pm.  Buffets are available before each show.  For reservations or more information visit the Jefferson Performing Arts Society website.  I’ll be sure to give a review before next week’s final performances!

Gretna Farmer’s Market 

Rain or shine, the Farmer’s Market is always the best place on the West Bank to get your fresh produce along with other locally prepared items.  Huey P. Long and 4th Street, under the Gretna Market.  8:30 am - 12 noon

Lenten Fish Fries on the West Bank

One of the great things about the Lenten season is that I know I don’t have to cook on Friday nights.  Get the family together and head out to one of the many locations holding a fish fry this week:

St. Anthony School  900 Franklin Ave.  Gretna, LA.  The St. Anthony Dad’s Club is sponsoring dinners of fried or broiled fish, fried shrimp, gumbo and more.  Eat in or take available, along with soft drinks and desserts.  6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Christ the King School  535 Deerfield Ave.  Gretna, LA.  The Knights of  Columbus is hosting this weeks dinner offering fried fish, corn and crawfish soup, combo plates, drinks, desserts and more.  5:30 pm - 7:30 pm.

St. Andrew the Apostle  3101 Eton Street  Algiers, LA.  The Knights of Columbus sponsors the dinner, serving fried fish, gumbo, dessert, and more.  5:30 pm - 8:30 pm in the St. Andrew cafeteria.

The Knights of Columbus is also sponsoring a fry at the KC Hall in Algiers Point, 342 Olivier Street, behind Holy Name of Mary Church, 6-8 pm.  Fried catfish plus lots of sides like cole slaw, potato salad, hush puppies and more.

The Knights of Columbus Council 6357 of Belle Chasse will hold a fish fry at 9016 Highway 23 (Belle Chasse Hwy) from 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm.  Plates and poboys are available and all proceeds help support local charities.

Are you the next American Idol?

J&K Bar and Grill will have karaoke, hosted by A Sound Above starting at 8:00 pm Friday night.  Get there early for dinner and have some of those yummy crawfish they’ll be boiling.  3700 General Meyer Avenue in Algiers.

Pet Adoptions

February is National Responsible Pet Owner’s Month.  Before you comb through the classifieds in search of a new, cuddly friend, have you considered checking out the Louisiana SPCA in Algiers to adopt a pet that needs a family?  Visit them at 701 Thayer Street in Algiers.

Make it a great West Bank weekend!

I know that New Orleans is a great place to live, but a recent poll shows that others think so too!  Rankings by Forbes.com put New Orleans in the Top 20 Cities for Singles across the nation.  Coming in at #17 overall, New Orleans also ranked in the top 20 in the following singles categories:

Best Cities for Culture

New York, Paris, Rome…New Orleans?  You bet.  A long program of cultural events takes place in New Orleans throughout the year in addition to the list of art, music, theatre and more that is always available for your enjoyment.  Read all about it at You Want Culture?  New Orleans Has Got It!

Best Cities for Nightlife

Well, duh!  Who hasn’t heard a friend’s story about Bourbon Street or Mardi Gras (or lived their own!) at least once in their lifetime?  But more than Mardi Gras goes into making New Orleans a legendary town for nightlife.  From the local diner to the gourmet restaurants, the corner bar to the downtown club scene, the lists of places to go to experience world class dining, live music and dancing is pages long.  Just check the weekly schedule at NOLA.com for upcoming events.

Best Cities for Coolness

OK, so this is a completely subjective category and your definition of what’s cool and mine may be two completely different things.  But, no matter how you look at it, New Orleans has always been a cool place to be.  Whether you are just visiting or are relocating to the area, New Orleans remains one of the most unique and yes, cool, cities in the country.  Once you’ve had a chance to breathe in the sultry air, listen to the sounds of the city, meet a few of the natives and experience this place that is like no other, you’ll want to call it home too.

Best Cities for Cost of Living Alone

No need for rent controls here.  New Orleans offers some of the most affordable housing in the country.  One bedroom rentals within the city limits are priced from $400 - $2,500 per month, with the average rent in the last 90 days coming in at a reasonable $986 per month.  Interested in buying instead?  The average 1 or 2 bedroom home or townhouse sale price in the city of New Orleans for 2007 was under $150,000.

The city has seen an influx of young, single residents in the last couple of years and we have a steady rotation of single military relocations to the area as well.  If you want to be a part of the growing number of people who are proud to call New Orleans home, contact Lisa Heindel, REALTOR®  about things you need to know when relocating to New Orleans.  I’d love to introduce you to my hometown!

• West Bank Homes for Sale – Find a home for sale on the West Bank or other New Orleans metropolitan area.
• Contact Lisa Heindel for help buying or selling your New Orleans area home
• Free online home evaluation of your New Orleans West Bank home

Copyright 2008. Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.