Take it for what it is, and enjoy.
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1/27/2008
My family and I relocated to Baton Rouge from Colorado for four years while I was in grad school at LSU. EVERYBODY warned us about the city's third world nature but, contrary to all opinions, we had a great time while there. Some things to note:
Forced busing has ruined the schools over the years but the city has a top-notch collection of private schools. Some public schools are OK, but make it a point to get your kids into the public magnate schools ASAP.
Home prices were very affordable. Even a grad student could afford a three bedroom brick home just off campus. Katrina created a shortage, however, and prices recently have begun to go way up.
The people are amazingly friendly, we had several come over to introduce themselves the day we moved in. It's a very stable family lifestyle and it's not unusual to see three generations of Baton Rougeans walking the malls or in a restaraunt. Religion is big, but most people keep it to themselves. We never saw any direct racism, but you know it has to exist in a city that's equal black and white. Two of my four immediate neigbors were black, however, and a growing black middle class is changing attitudes.
The food is fantastic. Sorry, New Orleans, but for affordable family style restaraunts BR has you beat.
LSU is a jewel and the city's center for sports and cultural entertainment. Gorgeous campus, my family hiked across it every Saturday ending up at the LSU Dairy School Ice Cream Parlor for a treat.
The climate is a mess. Massive refineries north of town make living in the south of town an absolute must.
The transportation system is taxed way beyond capacity. Live close to work or use flextime if you can.
Better yet, just slow down and enjoy the southern lifestyle.
Mark | Daytona Beach, FL