Forbes Magazine recently named New Orleans as their “biggest brain magnet,” and with that distinction, a number of young professionals have chosen to move here.
According to a recent article in New Orleans City Business, census figures show that members of Generation X and Y (ages mid-30s to mid-40s) make up almost one-third of the population in New Orleans, compared with a national average of just 26 percent. As a result, demographers were quick to name New Orleans as one of America’s fastest-growing cities.
In terms of where to find a home, apartment living is quickly becoming the most viable option for residency during this period of fast growth.
Finding an apartment in New Orleans can be challenging for incoming transplants. At 1st Lake Properties, we are empathetic to the emotional and physical energy it takes to choose a new place to call home. Living outside the city presents an enticing option for newcomers. Apartments are much more plentiful in areas like Metairie and Harahan. This up-and-coming area features suburbs like River Ridge and Elmwood, in addition to our upcoming luxury property, Bella Ridge.
Additionally, these areas offer perks like easy parking and quick access to downtown, both of which are harder to come by when you actually live within the city; congestion and street parking are two constant realities of the New Orleans lifestyle.
“People moving to New Orleans who aren’t sure how long they’re going to stay or who don’t want to buy a home are driving growth in Elmwood,” says our senior vice president, Stacey Shane Schott, in the City Business article.
The suburb offers not only unbeatable proximity to New Orleans, but also plenty of amenities. Elmwood Shopping Center features major stores like World Market, TJ Maxx, Ashley Home Furniture, Ulta, Zoe’s Kitchen, Five Guys Burgers, and much more.
Bella Ridge itself creates a luxurious atmosphere for residents with thoughtful details like an on-site dog park, office space within each unit, and clean, modern interiors.
“We’re expecting folks to stay with us for one or two years until they establish job security,” says Schott, noting that residents may choose to buy a house down the road. “Until then, they’ll be our residents.”
Take a look at all of our Greater New Orleans properties, and please don’t hesitate to contact us with your questions.
The Jazz and Heritage Foundation draws global recognition for Jazz Fest, but did you know the foundation puts on several other events in the city? From the Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival to annual competitions like Class Got Brass?, the foundation spotlights the importance of music in New Orleans throughout the year. And if you’re looking to enjoy some of the city’s finest food and tunes, head to the Treme Creole Gumbo Festival in Armstrong Park.
As the name suggests, this festival pairs brass band music – including the Treme Brass Band – with plenty of gumbo offerings. Seafood and meat gumbos will be in attendance, but guests can also look forward to a vegan gumbo competition. Each restaurant participating in the festival is eligible to enter a vegan gumbo, and competitors can also choose to create a gluten-free vegan gumbo. Culinary experts will judge each vegan creation, and visitors can purchase a sample to vote for their own favorite.
The second annual vegan gumbo contest aims to encourage healthy eating habits and also features a partnership with PETA.
A new addition to the festival is the organizers’ decision to merge the arts market with the children’s area. The decision adds to the allure of this family friendly event: local artists will lead interactive workshops for kids, providing a creative atmosphere for all to enjoy.
photo by @dobedoworks via Instagram
As always, music is at the forefront of this Jazz and Heritage Foundation event. Expect a near-constant stream of brass music throughout the festival, which runs all day on both Saturday and Sunday.
In addition to local high school bands, the festival has also featured standouts like the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Brass Band and the Soul Rebels, who close out the festival on Sunday.
So many of our Greater New Orleans properties are just a short drive from the event, and parking is plentiful. Take advantage of the city’s top-notch music and food at this fall festival!
Click here for a list of other iconic fests near our communities.
The next few months are rife with diet pitfalls as we head into fall and winter holidays. Corresponding with this calorie-laden season is the “fall back” time change. When we get home from work and it’s already dark outside, the last thing we want to do is exercise!
Choosing healthy foods and cooking at home are easy ways to steel yourself against junk food cravings. Our bodies also need plenty of protein to keep us full and satisfied.
Lean meats are a great source of protein, but plenty of plant-based sources can provide healthful protein with less fat and cholesterol than meat alternatives. Take tempeh, for example: this soybean-derived food has 21 grams of protein per 4-ounce serving, approximately the same amount of protein as a serving of beef.
Review our top ten list plant-based proteins, and aim to incorporate a few servings into your diet each day. Adequate protein not only helps support and repair muscles, but also provides the body with energy to fight fatigue. Avoid the sugar crash by choosing protein instead!
Another perk of plant-based proteins is their ability to play well with one another. In any single dish, you can include several of these options to double, triple, or quadruple up on your vegetarian protein sources!
To help get you started, we’ve put together a three-course meal using plant-based proteins:
Chickpea and lentil soup is a fantastic appetizer. This make-ahead dish tastes even better as leftovers and can be eaten hot, at room temperature, or even as a gazpacho.
For your main course, try quinoa stir fry. This dish gets meaty flavor from mushrooms and a hearty crunch from edamame and broccoli.
Dessert can have protein, too. No-bake pistachio chia seed pudding requires a bit of prep time for the homemade pistachio milk, but you can always substitute store-bought almond milk and add an extra handful or two of chopped pistachios instead.
All that’s left to do is enjoy this healthy, satisfying, and protein-packed meal!
We’re proud of each of our 1st Lake Properties, but today we’re highlighting one of our River Ridge apartment communities: Sawmill Creek. With easy access to downtown New Orleans and quieter suburbs like Metairie, Harahan, and Kenner, Sawmill Creek presents a range of exciting activities alongside amenities like double sinks, washer and dryer, and even a wood-burning fireplace in select units.
Even better? We’re offering reduced rents and reduced move-in costs for a total savings of up to $1,200.
Another draw of this River Ridge apartment community is its landscaping. 1st Lake Properties takes great care in creating a peaceful atmosphere at Sawmill Creek. Between lush stretches of pines and plants, you’ll find a variety of perks to enhance your time outside.
A playground, grilling stations, and two enchanting pools invite residents to enjoy the outdoors without the worry of lawn care or pool maintenance – we’ve taken care of everything so all you have to do is relax. Additionally, private patios and balconies offer residents a sense of peace and privacy.
We love the range of apartment home styles at this centrally located property. No matter what size space you’re looking for, Sawmill Creek can meet your needs. Our one- and two-bedroom apartments are available with either a townhome floor plan or that of a traditional flat. You can also customize how many bathrooms you’d like: anywhere from 1 to 2.5 bathrooms are available.
Comfortable and convenient, Sawmill Creek is one of our most coveted locations. Its proximity to all the attractions of greater New Orleans pairs with large floor plans and contemporary amenities: three prime reasons to make Sawmill Creek your new home. Call now for more information on our limited-time specials!
The season of entertaining is upon us. Thanksgiving and the winter holidays mean we’ll likely be hosting large crowds and worrying over whether or not the turkey is dry. Why not ease your way into holiday entertaining with a tapas party?
Tapas – bite-size portions similar to appetizers – are ideal for easy entertaining. You don’t need to worry about setting the table either: guests can simply use a small plate or even a napkin to hold these delightful little morsels.
With an eye toward local ingredients that are also in season, we’ve outlined a sample menu for an intimate tapas get-together.
Savory Starters
Tapas originate from Spain, so the use of Spanish flavors and techniques helps create an authentic experience for your guests. Skewer small bites of chorizo and manchego cheese on a toothpick for a no-cook snack – both ingredients have Spanish origins.
Spicy lamb meatballs in tomato sauce are a warming, comforting choice as well. Crescent City Farmers Market offers lamb on Tuesdays and Saturdays, as well as several choices for tomatoes, including heirloom and hydroponic varieties.
While you’re at the Crescent City Farmers Market, head to Pete & Clara’s Seafood and L’Hoste Family Farms to create a local version of sizzled citrus shrimp. Though the recipe calls for lemon juice, we suggest using organic satsumas instead. These incredibly juicy, easy-to-peel fruits will lend a sweetness and floral quality to the dish along with citrusy flavor.
Leek and mushroom croquettes add a vegetarian option for guests. Cap’s Flower and Vegetable Farm at the Crescent City Farmers Market offers fresh leeks – wash them thoroughly as this onion-flavored vegetable tends to hold on to dirt.
Sweet Dreams
Bite-size dessert portions can satisfy a sweet tooth without wrecking diets. For a seasonal nod to beignets, we suggest pumpkin fritters. The recipe calls for homemade caramel sauce, but simple toppers like powdered sugar, cinnamon-sugar, or even apple sauce are equally tasty pairings.
Elegant and deceptively simple, two-ingredient white chocolate mousse is another tapas choice when served in mini, edible dessert cups. Top each one with a mint leaf for a pretty finish.
1st Lake Properties | P. O. Box 73709 | Metairie, LA 70033 | info@1stlake.com
