We’re New Orleans, but we’re also N’awlins – which means, of course, we’re pretty Southern. Whether we show it through our signature hospitality or our irresistible comfort foods, New Orleans is a Southern city, and today, we’re embracing it!
Check out some of our favorite Southern lifestyle blogs. You’ll find enticing recipes, gorgeous décor inspiration, and style to (cowboy) boot. See what we did there?
It’s no surprise that Southern Living, the famed magazine, has a pretty great blog. The Daily South has fun features on Southern movers and shakers, interactive quizzes, competitions, recipes, and so much more. We especially love this blog for its constant stream of new and engaging content. You can typically expect multiple posts per day, and each one is definitely worth of a click and a read.
Foodies, this one is for you. Southern Bite has a pretty delectable tagline (“Simple. Sustaining. Southern.”) and site manager Stacey Little has a real passion for sharing his Southern-influenced recipes with the world.
In addition to sweet and savory recipes aplenty, Little also has helpful how-to videos like how to safely cut up a whole chicken. Fun, interactive elements like his recent Virtual Potluck let readers share their favorite home-style recipes. Extra points to Little for his authenticity, too: he has a category called Lagniappe!
HGTV star Joanna Gaines has a blog that’s as addictive as her show, “Fixer Upper.” Her Magnolia Homes blog features fun Q&As, easy (yet beautiful) DIY projects, and tips on using greenery inside your home. Everything on the site is simple and gorgeous, presenting a Southern-rustic aesthetic just like the homes she helps design with her husband in Texas.
Photos and music make for a great combination on Back Down South, creating a sensory experience for site visitors. From photographer Caroline Fontenot, the blog also includes interviews from fellow stylish Southerners.
A recent trip to NOLA on the blog talks about “killer po-boys” and includes popular spots like Erin Rose and the Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone. Did she nail it?
Louisiana represents with Haute Off the Rack, a style blog from New Orleans gal Jennifer Palpallatoc. But don’t worry – the blog isn’t limited to fabulous outfits. Visit Haute Off the Rack for helpful categories like “Haute Home Décor” and “Top New Orleans Hotels and Restaurants.”
The area of Metairie known as Fat City has seen some incredible improvements over the past few years, with even more to come. After a heyday during the 1970s, Fat City’s popularity waned in the following decades. However, a recent resurgence has made it one of the most desired locations in Greater New Orleans. And, lucky for you, we have a range of First Lake Properties located in and around Fat City.
Ready – set – explore!
Severn Avenue, a main thoroughfare in Fat City, has several development and revitalization projects in the works. From new hotels to pedestrian-friendly details like widened sidewalks, benches, trellises, and more, Severn Avenue is in the midst of a renaissance.
It wouldn’t be a part of Greater New Orleans without dozens of incredible restaurants. In addition to Morning Call for beignets, café au lait, and other New Orleans cuisine like red beans and rice, Fat City is home to several Asian-style restaurants.
A few of our favorites include: Ohana for incredible sushi rolls; Korea House for authentic bibimbap (a savory bowl of white rice with a variety of toppings like beef and fried egg); and Kanno for fresh, California-style sushi.
Not craving Japanese or Korean food? No problem. Fat City is home to other enticing restaurants like Mellow Mushroom, Taqueria Corona, Acme Oyster House, and Drago’s Seafood.
Perhaps you ordered the barbecue chicken pizza at Mellow Mushroom (it’s our favorite) or indulged in piping hot beignets from Morning Call. Fortunately, Fat City is also home to a sleek gym called Chronos Body Health and Wellness that features more than 7,000 square feet of space.
From a variety of workout classes to an on-site day spa and med spa to a fresh juice bar, Chronos is a beautiful, fully equipped facility to keep your body in tip-top shape. It’s also open 24 hours – no excuses!
Gallery Apartments in the Metairie area is nice and close to Fat City. The small, limited-access gated community features attractive landscaping, and inside each apartment you’ll find smartly appointed details like oval soaking tubs, bay windows, recessed lighting, and alarm systems. The interiors speak to contemporary luxury with plenty of space – and you’re just a short drive from Lakeside Shopping Center, Fat City, and the business districts of both New Orleans and Metairie.
In addition to a meticulously landscaped courtyard and sparkling swimming pool, Millstream offers convenient access to the best of Fat City. It’s also just a short drive to Lakeside Shopping Center and other Metairie retail destinations.
The New Orleans suburbs are fast becoming some of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the region. Offering close proximity to downtown New Orleans for work and play, the suburban area of River Ridge, Elmwood and Harahan are that perfect mix of convenience and quiet you simply won’t find in the city.
What’s more, apartments in River Ridge offer you space and luxury amenities like a pool, on-site dog park, gym, and much more. Our Bella Ridge property, for example, is in the heart of River Ridge and boasts perks like a covered parking garage.
Are you new to River Ridge, Louisiana? Whether you’ve just moved or are considering taking the plunge, explore a few of the things to do in River Ridge, Harahan and Elmwood.
With easy access to New Orleans, this neighborhood offers an endless array of activities for all ages, but you don’t have to drive into the city to be entertained. Here are a few of our favorite entertainment options in your backyard:
1200 Elmwood Park Blvd, Harahan, LA
The AMC Elmwood Palace movie theater in Elmwood offers 20 screens, including a full IMAX experience. In true New Orleans style, this movie theater also features a full-service bar, making it a great place for date night.
1200 Clearview Parkway, Suite 1106, Harahan, LA
Adventure Quest Laser Tag offers a variety of fun indoor activities for groups of any age. In addition to laser tag, they also offer bumper cars, cosmic golf, an adventure maze and an arcade. Look for their weekly specials and check out their membership option for extra savings.
6601 Jefferson Hwy, Harahan, LA
This locally-owned bowling alley features 24 wooden lanes and a laidback atmosphere. Colonial Bowling offers a variety of league bowling as well as group rates and parties. Need a break from bowling? Just head to their game room for arcade style games, or visit their Lamplighter Lounge for cocktails.
3000 Downs Boulevard, Metairie, LA
Nearby Lafreniere Park offers 155 acres of outdoor fun, including a 2-mile jogging trail, 18-hole disc golf course, two playgrounds and a 20-acre lagoon. It’s one of the many great places for a bike ride, and it’s the perfect place to get away from it all with a good book and a picnic.
Whether its classic American fare or local oysters joints, River Ridge is home to several casual dining options to satisfy any craving. We love how you’ll find a mix of not only prominent national chains but also local restaurants. Some of our favorites include:
279 Hickory Ave, Harahan, LA
New Orleans is of course known for its great seafood, and the suburbs like Harahan are no exception. Seither’s Seafood is one of the top-rated locally-owned restaurants in this neck of the woods, and for good reason. Enjoy classic Southern dishes like shrimp po-boys, gumbo, crawfish, fried green tomatoes and raw oysters.
1208 S. Clearview Parkway, Suite D, Harahan, LA
Specializing in Mediterranean flavors with a Southern twist, Zoe’s Kitchen is your ideal destination for healthful dishes like grilled chicken kebabs, veggie pita pizza, orzo soup, Greek salads, and much more. They offer a menu for those with food allergies (several items are gluten-free or vegetarian) plus a menu called “Simply 500” where all items clock in at fewer than 500 calories.
Not counting calories? Finish the meal with a slice of their YaYa’s Hand-Made Chocolate Cake.
1212 S. Clearview Parkway, Harahan, LA
This local pizza chain is a regular winner of foodie awards, including a Gambit Best of New Orleans Award for best pizza, and a New Orleans Magazine Tops of the Town nod. In addition to a comprehensive wine and beer list, Theo’s main draw is its pizza. Unexpected toppings like yellow squash, Anaheim peppers, goat cheese, and jalapeños make Theo’s a step up from your basic Margherita. Build your own pizza or choose from their own creative specialties. Salads, sandwiches, and appetizers are also available.
5608 Citrus Blvd, Harahan, LA
Noted for its consistently fresh and delicious sushi, Kyoto 2 is the Elmwood/River Ridge outpost of its Uptown New Orleans location. We go crazy for the poke salad or the ponzu-topped ceviche. Kyoto 2 also gets points for creative sushi names: order the No Name, Tiger Eyes, or Funky Margarita rolls on your next visit.
1212 S. Clearview Parkway, Harahan, LA
Sometimes you just need a burger and fries. Skip the typical drive-through options and head to Five Guys Burgers and Fries instead. At Five Guys, handcrafted burgers and real, handmade fries are just a dollar or two pricier than a drive-through and infinitely more delicious. Choose as many free toppings as you want (we suggest the grilled mushrooms) and try the fries Cajun style for an extra kick of heat.
6625 Jefferson Hwy, Harahan, LA
Oak Oven is a locally owned Italian style restaurant with a casual bistro atmosphere. Any restaurant in the New Orleans area can’t help but be inspired by local cuisine and Oak Oven is no exception – not only does Chef Adam Superneau pair southern Louisiana influences with his classic Italian recipes, but the restaurant also uses many locally grown and house-made ingredients. (The fresh mozzarella, pasta and Sicilian semolina bread are all made from scratch in-house!)
5171 Citrus Blvd #2000, Elmwood, LA
Comfort food classics with a Francophile spin are the order d’jour at La Madeleine. Quiche Florentine is the perfect meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and if you’re unsure what to order – well, they have an on-site bakery. Specialty coffees and a selection of wine are available; so, too, are traditional French classics like Croque Monsieur, Quiche Lorraine, and flaky Spinach Pochette.
1212 S. Clearview Parkway, Harahan, LA
Frozen yogurt is that perfect blend of tart and sweet that really hits the spot on a warm day. Pinkberry, an international chain, is known for its inventive flavors and options for people with food allergies. For example, their dairy-free mango frozen yogurt has bright, tropical flavors without any gluten, dairy, or added sugar.
Shopping is as easy as it is fun in River Ridge. Convenient shopping centers like Elmwood Shopping Center on Clearview Parkway pack a punch, while local boutiques offer unique finds.
Here’s a peek at our favorite shopping spots in River Ridge:
1915 Hickory Ave, Harahan, LA
This locally-owned fashion boutique is located in the heart of River Ridge and features trendy women’s clothing, shoes and accessories at affordable prices. Be sure to check out their sale rack for unbeatable deals.
1126 S. Clearview Parkway, Harahan, LA
Ulta is the ultimate high-low mix when it comes to cosmetics. Shoppers will delight at department store beauty brands like Bare Minerals, Tarte, and Benefit right alongside drugstore favorites like Covergirl and Almay. Check their website before you go: there’s almost always a sale and a coupon you can print or download.
1126 S. Clearview Parkway, Harahan, LA
Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW for short) has shoes for the whole family. With hundreds of pairs in stock, DSW offers a wide variety of styles, sizes, and prices. It’s the go-to spot for shoes whether you need a formal pair for a wedding, classic work pumps, or vacation-ready sandals.
1126 S. Clearview Parkway, Harahan, LA
Have you ever noticed how accessories can change the whole look of your outfit? That’s the ethos behind Charming Charlie, a sprawling accessories store with affordable jewelry that ranges from bohemian-chic to preppy. Hair accessories, purses, phone cases, and select styles of shoes are also in store. All you need to do is add your favorite outfit!
1134 S. Clearview Parkway, Elmwood, LA
In addition to furniture and other housewares, World Market features an international grocery store where you can find global favorites like Milka chocolate bars from Germany, Australian vegemite, and Britain’s favorite topper, HP Sauce.
Need more shopping options? Lakeside Mall in Metairie and Esplanade Mall in Kenner are both within just a few miles of River Ridge. And the boutiques in downtown New Orleans, such as The Shops At Canal Place, are just 15 minutes away.
This annual festival in Harahan celebrates everyone’s favorite Southern nut, the pecan, with plenty of food options including pecan pepper jelly, pecan pralines, pecan pies and much more. The weekend-long event takes place each November and features live music and fun activities for all ages.
Jefferson Parish residents, what are YOUR favorite things to do in the neighborhoods of River Ridge, Harahan and Elmwood?
If you live in one of our River Ridge apartments, be sure to join us on Facebook or Twitter and let us know your favorite neighborhood spots!
Metairie is a bustling place, no doubt – just a short drive from downtown New Orleans, the suburb is chock full of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, plus worthwhile residences like Crossroads apartments and Parktowne apartments (two of First Lake’s many Metairie and other Jefferson Parish properties).
However, Metairie holds a tranquil secret: Lafreniere Park. This ambling green space in the center of Metairie is home to multi-use lawns, fountains, picnic areas, hills, landscaped gardens, boating, fishing, paths, a running trails, a Frisbee golf course… the list goes on and on.
First founded in the 1970s, the park allows “all people of the Parish to rest and refresh their spirit in its peaceful, natural surroundings.” We couldn’t agree more!
One of the most enticing aspects of the park is a landscaped, 2-mile jogging trail called the Healthtrak. Cardiovascular activity is a great way to let go of a hectic workday, and while many of our properties offer gyms and pools for exercise, sometimes pounding the pavement outdoors is truly the best method to relieve stress.
Whether you take the trail at an ambling pace or at a full-blown sprint, you’ll experience scenic flora and fauna, water elements, and more.
Within the park, you’ll find Marsh Island, a water-surrounded area in the park’s southwest corner that is home to endemic flora and fauna of Louisiana. It’s also a dedicated bird sanctuary.
Authentic marshland habitat is home to different vegetation and bird life than you’ll see in other parts of the park. Keep an eye out for different species of plants and animals.
A meal outdoors is a spring and summertime tradition. Whether you pick up snowballs from a nearby Metairie snowball stand or pack your own picnic lunch, bring a blanket to Lafreniere Park and enjoy your food on one of several multi-use lawns or a designated picnic area (both are available at the park).
Not sure what to pack? Real Simple comes to the rescue with their simple Picnic Packing Checklist.
Perhaps you’re asking, “What the heck is Frisbee golf?” Well, it’s exactly what it sounds like. This hybrid of Frisbee and golf (also known as disc golf) has seen popularity recently, and is part of the reason Lafreniere Park created a proper Frisbee golf course.
The 24-hole course not only lets you explore the parks twists and turns, but also lets you make a game out of it – bring your own Frisbees and throw them at select targets throughout the course. It’s free to play! If you prefer City Park to Lafreniere, they also have a free Frisbee golf course on site.
Another enticing option at Lafreniere Park is the Spray Park for children ages 10 and under. With 4,000 square feet of water fun (featuring 13 water features), this large space is a great place for children to enjoy water safely.
Keep in mind that the spray park is only open on weekends and charges $5 per child for each session up to 90 minutes.
Spring and summer is often party season… but sometimes apartments (no matter how spacious!) can’t quite hold all your friends and family. Lafreniere Park presents a great alternative: you can rent out their Carousel, a spacious pavilion surrounded by a lagoon, for a private party.
Read their full rental agreement terms here, and contact the park for more information about hosting a private party.
Looking to settle down near this peaceful urban oasis? 1st Lake Properties offers plenty of nearby Metairie apartment communities you’re sure to love!
If you’re never had to find your own place to live, there are some first apartment essentials you need to be aware of.
Whether you’ve just finished college or are moving out of your parents’ house, you want your moving process to be as stress free as possible. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide for any first-time apartment hunter.
Here’s all the tips you’ll need to move into your first apartment!
For those who haven’t yet made the big move to apartment living, there are some first apartment essentials to consider. Keep these questions in mind when it’s time to start thinking about moving out of Mom and Dad’s.
Most experts will tell you when looking for an apartment for rent that rent should be no more than 25-30% of your annual income. While you might be dying to move into that two bedroom luxury apartment, you may not be able to afford it and should take many factors into consideration. Budgeting realistically for your new apartment, and finding one that suits your needs, is key.
Take the time to examine what your exact income is after taxes and subtract your expenses. Include food, household supplies, phone, car payment and insurance, credit card bills, clothing, gas, internet, healthcare, school loans, entertainment, and an extra category for “miscellaneous” for those unexpected expenses.
What you have left is the rental budget for your new place. Some management companies, like 1st Lake Properties, Inc., include a flat rate for certain utilities per month. With others, you may have to pay separate. Keep this in mind when considering monthly expenses.
Choosing who you’re living with should not be taken lightly. With the right roommate, sharing a space is a breeze and really fun, but if they’re the wrong choice, it can end badly.
Before agreeing to live with someone you didn’t know, make sure to spend some time with them first and decide if you’re able to get along and live in harmony.
On the other hand, living with your best friend can also be tricky. Best friends don’t always make the best roommates. It’s up to you to decide what’s best.
While apartment hunting, be sure to consider how close the location is to work, grocery stores, hospitals and entertainment. You might find your dream apartment, but it’s not worth it if the location is a nightmare.
Does the house or apartment you’re looking to rent have what you need, like washers and dryers, an alarm system, dishwasher, garbage disposal or outside space?
Also, you should never move into an apartment for rent before at least touring the community. It’s most helpful to view the layout of the apartment as it gives you a good idea of where and how much furniture you can have. Sometimes the actual apartment is not available to view – in these cases, its best to see an interior to view the fixtures and finishes.
Turn knobs, open and shut doors, and open windows. Do you get a cell phone signal inside your apartment? Don’t be afraid to test all of these things out when you’re looking at potential apartments. While it may feel awkward, it is a very necessary step in making sure your new home is right for you.
Ask as many questions when touring apartments as you need. You should be happy and comfortable and the tour should be a good experience.
Once the hard part is over and you’ve decided on your brand new first apartment, take the time to read the lease from cover to cover. Since this is your first time renting, you probably aren’t familiar with the legal lingo. Try to familiarize yourself with it before showing up for the lease signing.
Don’t be afraid to take your time combing through the details and ask the agent about any questions or concerns you may have. Sometimes, simple clarification can lend to peace of mind.
If you’re unclear about what your future plans may be long-term, ask about the possibility of a short lease term. Everything from re-painting the walls to what kind of roommates you can have is typically covered in the language of the lease. Reading the small print can make a big difference.
Download our free printable first apartment checklist to make your move a breeze.
Many first-time apartment renters find it hard to furnish their new apartment on a budget. While many of us would like a comfortable and stylish home, finding the finances to do so can be tough sometimes.
Thankfully, there are many resources and decorating ideas available for furniture shoppers without a lot of money to spare. It is possible to have a stylish apartment without a lot of funds! Finding everything you need simply requires a little hunting, a dash of luck, and a bit of scrutiny!
Begin by digging through your local classified ads. Whether you’re looking at your local paper or at a local site online, make sure you check in on all the ads you can find. Once you have some free time, devote a day or two to hitting up local flea markets, thrift shops or second-hand stores.
Sometimes neighborhood garage sales, yard sales, or rummage sales can yield amazing vintage finds, perfect for decorating! If you’re at a neighborhood sale, don’t be afraid to ask about the history of the item or why they might be getting rid of it. You can never be too cautious, and most owners are more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
If you don’t have luck with local resources, online sales and auctions are a possibility. However, do your research and try to stick to more reputable sites when buying larger items. If you’re unfamiliar with the website or source, there is a possibility of it being a scam. Even if the site is reputable, there are also risks involved. Generally, you will not be able to inspect the item in person before buying it and sales are usually final. You should also take into account shipping costs before bidding on or buying an item online. Depending on how much shipping costs, it may be cheaper to simply buy the item closer to home at a local store.
Whether you’re buying online or in person, it’s always important to inspect your item closely and thoroughly! Pull out drawers, look underneath the piece of furniture, and test doors. If the seller doesn’t allow you to inspect the item, don’t buy it! Even if the price of the item is cheap, you should expect it to be of good quality. Don’t be pressured into buying a sub-standard item!
Lastly, don’t be afraid to haggle. This can be most effective when buying from a garage sale or yard sale. Most times, the owner of the item is simply looking to get rid of it. As long as you remain realistic when haggling, you can generally come to an agreement on a lower price. Doing a little research and have a working understanding of the going rate can help you immensely. And if the seller refuses to lower the price, you can always shop elsewhere.
With these tips you may find it easier than expected to make your home look stylish on a budget. Your new apartment should reflect your personality and be a comfortable place to call home! Have fun searching for the perfect furnishings and trust your instincts when buying everything you need for your new apartment home!
Without a place to call home, your other expenses might as well go out the window. Make sure to prioritize rent above all else when payday comes. If money is tight, try to trim down by seeing what expenses you may be able to cut down on or remove completely from your expenditures.
Do you have a cell phone and no longer use your home phone very much? Switch to a cell phone only. If you’re going out to eat too much, try cooking at home instead to save money. There are always solutions to trimming your expenses down to help make ends meet.
Renting your own place for the first time can be exciting, but it shouldn’t be stressful. If you take the time to make sure your apartment and lease are right for you, budget your expenses, make sure your utilities get turned on, and plan for the unexpected, transitioning into this new step in your life should be a smooth and fun process.
Now that you’ve made all the important decisions about renting your first apartment after college, it’s time to start looking! Search for the perfect apartment in the greater New Orleans area at 1st Lake Properties and check out our map to see what 1st Lake location works best for you!
Be sure to also download our free printable first apartment checklist to ensure you make the move with everything you need.
1st Lake Properties | P. O. Box 73709 | Metairie, LA 70033 | info@1stlake.com
