check out the quaint cottages in Old Jefferson...10 mins to uptown. Close to the levee jog/bike path. nice neighbors. this was grandmother's house.

You can find a townhouse in Uptown for around $200K. You can get a nice condo in the warehouse District for around $200K.

You really have to look at your lifestyle...do you run? want a park closeby? What about festivals?

The best advice is to drive around....start at the base of Canal Street, drive up to St Charles and all the way around to Carrollton. Then get on the interstate and take the CAuseway exit going north, come off on Veterans. Also walk from Canal at the River over to Frenchman Street via Royal Street in the Fauburg Marigny. This will give you a feel for the more historic and a taste of the other New Orleans.

To buy around $200 K expect to have a sizable downpayment buying a house especially because of the insurance and other associated costs. The easiest way in to buying a home is buying a Condo.

At the end of the day, you really need to consider your personal preferences...you can live anywhere in New Orleans...just less Square feet to live in...the more urban/less square feet..with the "fun" factor going WAY up when you live on/off St Charles, or around about the French Quarter.

My best suggestion to you is to go ahead and get pre-approved for a mortgage -- even if your not ready to buy. It will help you firm up the monthly figures, including what is needed for a downpayment. You'll be even more prepared when the time is right!

Good Luck!

Metairie, I agree will make you happier. Its close enough to the city, but far enough from the city. Plenty of shopping in Metairie.

Rent for 600 will be hard to come by, for something nice. A roomate may be the better idea if you decide to rent. But another difficulty you may find is a less than a year term

But why rent when you could buy, whats your biggest hang up. Is it the down payment or not knowing where to live?

realtorcraig@cox.net

I just came back from the Essence Festival. I got a chance to drive around the 9th ward, Metairie, and Eastover. My friends grandmother stays in Eastover area. I wouldnt mind staying in that area. The only thing missing was "...the quality shopping....everyone seems to go to Metairie to find goods."

This is game plan:

1) Rent (Find roommate or rent a room $600/mth)...do this for at least 6 months) Save more money...and use time as way to line up financing.....at least $200k) I want something at > $180k; a decent bachelor pad.

2) I will put $10k for the down payment (keep payment with escrows for insurance/property taxes >$1400)
I just feel a lot people rush into buying a home that I can't afford.

Let me get your feedback on this.

Hey Jaime, I recommend you purchase. Thing is, rents , in my opinion, are still over priced. For 1,200, you may still end up with a not so great place.
A couple question I have, are you putting any money down if you were to purchase?
With you monthly payment of 1000-1200, are you including escrows for insurance and taxes?
I know we can find nice townhomes and or condos in your price range.
I have a list of them ready for you, email me at realtorcraig@cox.net, or post your answers back here.

You can purchase a home but you may have a 20 minute commute to work.
Affordable insurance is hard to find and it's reducing the amount of house people can afford. You also work in the best part of the city that didn't have much damage from the strom. The average home in the uptown area is going for $177 sp/ft and there is only a 6 month supply in the area.
If you adamant about owning and not renting I would look to the Algiers or Gentilly area of New Orleans. They are both only 15-20 minutes from your job and they have nice nieghborhoods.

If you want... I can send you a list of home available in both area along with a map so you can see your bearings. If your interested email me @ awalker@latterblum.com or call me on cell @ (504)723-3273.

Goodluck with your decision and welcome to the Big Easy!