For some, the word “retirement” sounds negative. First, it means you are getting older. Second, your future is blank.
However, that is not the case. Leaving the military just ended a chapter of your life. This means that you just need to turn to the next page and read the next chapter. It is never blank. That is military retirement.
What do you do next? You could relocate yourself to another city. And one of the best picks to spend your retirement is anywhere in the Greater New Orleans Region or the New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner area. This metropolitan area has its center city in the New Orleans, and is the home of people who love to express themselves in this culturally rich area.
The combined statistical area has a recorded population of 1.18 million as of July 1, 2008. The metropolitan statistical area has a population of 1.17 million. This area is a home to many people meaning it’s a livable city, so this shouldn’t stop you from planning to live there. You could also check out the New Orleans Naval Air Station.
If you plan to stay in New Orleans, note that the expenses can get high in some areas. As of now, the cost of living index is 105 which is higher than the national average of 100 and the Louisiana State index of 97. Milk has the highest price but telecommunications expense, such as phones have the lowest price. Housing has higher prices, too, maybe a reason why there are more people who choose to rent a place rather than buy a house with a median asking price of $151,830. The median rent asked is $844, a little higher than the average. The crime rate is low since there are 1,725 police officers in the area. Police officers per 1000 resident accounts to 6.1, quite higher than the national ratio of 2.8 police officers per 1000 residents.
But you may also choose Metaire with a population of 145,852. The cost of living is 105, also higher than the average State and national indices. Milk is seen to have a very high price, far from the average prices. The Housing Index is the only index to go below the base index of 100. This means that the housing is affordable in Metaire. Currently, there are more homeowners than lessees. The median value owner occupied home is $288,120 and a median asking price for home of $296,940. Property taxes paid has a median of $2,082. Vacancy level of Metaire as of now is only 6%, with which 50% are for rentals.
Finally, Kenner. Kenner consists of the smallest population of the three with only 67,846 residents. The cost of living is the same with the first two cities, still more expensive than the average index of 100. Again, milk costs are very high. But with milk, potatoes and wine have prices that went over the national average prices. As to the housing, Kenner has a median value of homes owned and occupied at $228,480. Median rent asked is $1,205 and median asking price for home is $196,350. Vacancy status is only 7%, whose majority consists of the rental residences.
So if you are just looking at affordable housing costs as the main criteria then you may just scratch the New Orleans area off your list. However, if you looking for much more out of life including rich culture, a vibrant night life, tons of local live music, and some of the best cuisine the country has to offer then the New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner area has much to offer the new military retiree. And we didn’t even mention the Saints or Hornets – two high class professional sports teams.
Check out the resources below to help you through your military retirement: