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History
New Orleans is a city with French, Spanish, and American roots. The existing culture contains flavors and sounds from across the world. Founded by the French in 1718, New Orleans was transferred to the Spanish 1762 (although they didn’t take possession until 1767 because of a rebellion by the French settlers). The Spanish gave the city back to France in 1802 and Napoleon sold the Louisiana Purchase to the United States in 1803. As a major trading port at the mouth of the Mississippi River, Louisiana has had ties to many cultures and people. The city is still one of the busiest ports in the United States and the culture reflects these global connections.
Culture
The author and playwright Tennessee Williams supposedly once said “America has only three cities: New York, San Francisco, and New Orleans. Everywhere else is Cleveland.” That might be a little harsh to Cleveland (and all the other great cities in the U.S.) but he’s not wrong that New Orleans has a culture unlike any other. The abundance of local food, the mixing of cultures from being a major port, the European influence of the French and Spanish mixing with American ideas, and the vibrant mix of people of every background all make New Orleans unlike anywhere else. With a foot in both the New World and the Old, there is something for everyone here.
Cost of Living
New Orleans is the 38th most expensive city in the United States, cheaper than New York, San Francisco, Boston, Seattle, Philadelphia, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Houston and Dallas, among others.
Weather
New Orleans ranges from an average of 43* F during the night in January to an average of 91* during the day in July. June tends to be our rainiest month, where we get about 7 inches, and October is our driest with about 3 inches. The subtropical climate is temperate most of the year.
Education
New Orleans operates on an innovative charter school system that is a national leader in allowing parents a wide variety of educational choice. This flexibility includes schools with curriculums focused on everything from arts to math and science to maritime skills. A multitude of private schools exist as well, ranging from preparatory academies to religious education to French-language schools. NOPD officers who choose to live outside the city have access to the local and parish (the equivalent of a county) school system of their residence.