Louisiana
Louisiana Cruise Guests Warned – Avoid Two Popular Ports of Call
As the calendar moves into February in Louisiana those of us who call cities like Lafayette, Lake Charles, Shreveport, and New Orleans home are focusing on three major occurences. There is Mardi Gras. The parades are already rolling across most of Louisiana even though Fat Tuesday is still a week away.
Josh Guillory, Facebook
Then, there is Valentine’s Day which this year falls on Ash Wednesday. Many restaurants are having to rethink their strategy because of that quirk in the calendar. Some places are offering Valentine’s deals on both Wednesday and Thursday nights just in case a romantic evening on Ash Wednesday does not fit your sensibilities.
close up of a couple drinking wine on valentines day
The third aspect of consideration for this time of the year is spring break, which will be coming soon. And since many school systems in Louisiana shut down for Mardi Gras, you could say there are “two” spring breaks happening very shortly. And for many Louisiana residents that means an ocean-going getaway.
Nico Smit via Unsplash.com
Louisiana Cruisers Warned of Dangers in Certain Ports
Many cruises that begin and end in Louisiana have a Caribbean flair to them. Most of the itineraries that sail out of New Orleans include stops like Cozumel, Cancun, Jamaica, and the Bahamas. And while violence and trouble along the border with Mexico have been reported, the areas visited by tourists are still relatively safe.
The same statements can’t be made for Louisiana cruisers who are planning a stop in Nassau in the Bahamas or at any of the ports in Jamaica. The reason for the concern? Crime.
Shooting Crime
Both Jamaica and The Bahamas are now included in U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories. The advisories not only warn of crimes and potential crimes but the advisory for Jamaica suggests that medical care could be very spotty on the island. That is certainly something to consider before going ashore.
The U.S. Department of State advisory for Jamaica goes as far as saying “Travelers should reconsider their plans”. And while most guests in both The Bahamas and Jamaica can expect a certain amount of security in the well-guarded resort areas, it’s those areas outside the gated resorts where tourists could find themselves and their security compromised.
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Gallery Credit: Bruce Mikells
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When it comes to retiring, the best places to do so often are affordable, have a high quality of life and access to quality healthcare.
If you’re looking for a place to retire, Niche has identified the best places for retirees in Louisiana.
In its list, Niche has taken into account factors like weather, crime rates, housing costs and access to amenities.
The 5 best places to retire in Louisiana according to Niche
These are the top five best places to retire in Louisiana, according to Niche.
1. Oak Hills Place
Oak Hills Place is a suburb of Baton Rouge and is the overall best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb, located in East Baton Rouge Parish, has a population of 9,038 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. The area is highly rated for families, diversity, as well as health and fitness. Here, the median home value is $437,900 and the median rent is $1,422, according to Niche.
2. Westminster
Westminster is another suburb of Baton Rouge and is the second-best place to retire in Louisiana. Located in East Baton Rouge Parish, this suburb has a population of 2,559 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. This area is highly rated for nightlife, diversity, families, health and fitness, as well as commute. The median home value here is $266,100 and the median rent is $1,482, says Niche.
3. River Ridge
River Ridge is a suburb of New Orleans, located in Jefferson Parish, and is the third-best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb has a population of 13,312 and offers residents a dense suburban feel. The area is highly rated for public schools, family, nightlife and diversity. The median home value is $357,400 and the median rent is $1,127, according to Niche.
4. Westlake
Westlake is a town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. With a population of 4,743, this town offers residents a rural feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, jobs, cost of living, nightlife and weather. Here, the median home value is $166,100 and the median rent is $1,049, says Niche.
5. Prien
Prien is another town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. This town has a population of 7,119 and offers residents a suburban rural mix feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, nightlife and weather. The median home value here is $278,000 and the median rent is $1,292, according to Niche.
Presley Bo Tyler is the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team reporter for USA Today Network. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
A motorcyclist is recovering after a West Monroe crash involving an 18-wheeler, while Chevron won a Louisiana Supreme Court ruling shifting a major coastal lawsuit back to lower courts. Ouachita deputies arrested a suspect and recovered more than a dozen guns, Mississippi passed a new school social-media safety requirement, and Louisiana’s House advanced a unanimous state budget. A new recovery center opened, and multiple weekend events are underway across northeast Louisiana, plus national updates include stock-market stress guidance, a Ford F-150 recall, Spirit Airlines uncertainty, and tax-refund tips.
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