The Cost of Living in New Iberia

Published/Last Modified on Monday, June 22, 2009 11:20 AM CDT

MeMeG

I am so frustrated with this area. I can't believe people have the audacity to rent homes here for anything over $1,000. Most of the places I've seen have not been worthy of that price by any means. I make almost $17 and hour and I can't afford to rent for that much and still maintain suitable living conditions. We don't live in a big city where those prices are normal. How can anyone here justify a raggedy 3br/1br house for more than $800? Its not like the areas that have rent houses are great places to live. Most of them are in run down areas that the owners have left for an upgrade.

I know I get paid a lot more than most residents of this town. How can a person that makes $10 or less an hour get by? Food prices are high, gas prices are high, and rent home owners are price hiking. I feel sorry for the people whom have gone to college, earned a Bachelor's degree and only get paid chump change. How dare any employer post a job that pays less than $15 an hour and have the nerve to say "Bachelor's degree required"... For what? To have to eat Ramen Noodles to survive? And not be able to afford rent unless its a broke down trailer that is still over priced?

All that eduacation and can't even buy a home because the realty market in this area seems to think New Iberia is the spot to be. There is a house on Loreauville Rd that has a price of something like $285,000 and it is a 3br/2br home. What makes it worth that much? I've stopped and looked at it and I would never in a million years pay that much for that house. And there are places like that all over New Iberia. How can people in this area (a poor/rural area for the most part) have the gaul to expect these kind of prices? I don't get it.

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Comments

renter wrote on Jul 16, 2009 2:30 PM:

" It would just be a pleasant change if the landlord would fix what needs fixing!!
It's an act of congress to get repairs done at my "apt". And then the wonderful landlord does everything humanly possible to make me feel guilty because I have called with a problem!
It's all about greed folks and not caring about people!!!! "

Answer to Whatever wrote on Jul 14, 2009 5:11 PM:

" Your stove has not worked for 2-months. I'm a rental find out what your rights are and exercise your god given rights landlord don't have all the rights.
A tip regardless what is not working you still have to pay your rent on time it will show you paid in good faith if you have to go before a judge. Good Luck!!!
Lack of knowledge, knowledge is power "

Sick Too... wrote on Jul 14, 2009 5:02 PM:

" "PLEASE" folks quit blaming Obama he only inherited what was passed on to him from past presidents and the next presidents in line are you going to blame them too, the torch willl be passed on to them . Rent your house for the $$ you feel is reasonable & at the market rate who cares. My goodness... "

sick of you wrote on Jul 14, 2009 2:10 PM:

" I don't give a rat's patootie what any of you make. If you can't make ends meet, that is not my problem. I am going to rent my house for what I want, or not at all. NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS! I don't care if you can't afford it, not my problem. Take it up with Obama. It is impossible for me to put into words what I think of people who feel entitled to what I have worked and slaved to pay for. You are what is killing this country. "

Matter of opinion wrote on Jul 14, 2009 9:50 AM:

" I work because I enjoy it and I don't work 2-3 jobs to keep up with the Joneses. It's sensless to me to work that hard to have the material things I posses and I can't even enjoy and to do what die and leave it all here or have family fighting over it. All my needs are met. The problem with society some folks just live beyond their means. Not a hater!!! "

biggie wrote on Jul 14, 2009 8:05 AM:

" In my situation I rent out a brick 3 bdr, 2 full baths in a decent area for the amount of ins. and mortage on the house which is about $750.00 a month, if you want to keep rip-raff out just charge a higher deposit- a one time fee not every month.If you were to have a contract make sure you are specific and to the point and back every word up. we need to make NEW IBERIA a better place. "

Entertained wrote on Jul 14, 2009 4:11 AM:

" To Whatever: Thanks for the entertainment. 168 IQ, in your dreams, baby. You're clueless on what an oilfield hand earns. An entry level operator makes way more, with no formal education. Please go back in time to kindergarden, when you could spell and collaberate coheriently. I beleave your IQ is now hovering around 68. "

NightNurse wrote on Jul 13, 2009 9:02 PM:

" To whatever:

Aren't you the perfect person to cast a stone! The point I was making was support higher education. I never stepped on anyone's toes, but here you are calling me "a rude pretentious nurse." You don't know me, so let me give you a few pointers about me: 1. I work 2 jobs to live the way I want to 2. I own-don't rent! 3. This "rude pretentious nurse" makes $1900/week! "

The perfect being wrote on Jul 13, 2009 12:49 PM:

" I'm so, tired of you folks whining and complaining about Obama and Biden. Get a life we the consumer help create the mess we are in and now we are crying wolf. Some one us just have to bite the bullet. "

whatever finalised wrote on Jul 12, 2009 8:46 AM:

" Oh and for the masses yes I do get a check each month 674 wow big surprise. I also dropped out of school in the 8th grade scored higher than anyone in my GED class including 11 grade drop outs. My IQ at 5 was 168. I've been to college and got fed up when i had to get a student load to pay for the high cost of college then extra to test out of mandatory frivolous classes. I am not lazy I can design a house, clothing, furniture, cook, paint, draw, and sing.... but "people" scare me. "

Whatever Continued wrote on Jul 12, 2009 8:27 AM:

" The fact of the mater is that land lords are like any one else out to get what they want. If that means that aside from the cost to maintain and minor improvements they pocket 10,000 a month or whatever absurd amount they are happy. Wouldn't you be with that kind of money each month trips where you wanted when you wanted. Able to buy you and anyone you so wanted to gift whatever. A carefree life to the point of disregard entirely. Who cares if you tenant doesn't have a working oven for going on 2 months "

whatever wrote on Jul 12, 2009 8:14 AM:

" Actually my landlord not saying names pays 1200 a month for insurance for the 30+ different units. The person has 4 units at 1200 and another 26 at 350-450 so don't say it is insurance that drives the cost. And for the i went to vo-tech and am now a rude pretentious nurse. Get over yourself you can hand off a chart miss a vein and gossip. Offshore oil workers make 9 an hour. People work fast food so you can run out when you don't want to cook after being at work all day for 5.15. "

outside looking in wrote on Jul 11, 2009 4:12 PM:

" To Websters

What does working in a restaurant have to do with rental property?

If you dont like the wage you make---go get an education and make good choices "

NewsBee wrote on Jul 11, 2009 2:29 PM:

" I was born in this town and grew up in Lafayette which is not that far. I lived in Baton Rouge. I agree with the person that posted this topic. New Iberia is not only a poor town but the property here is not only high but the people here do not want to change I see people walking around with beers in hand holding a child in another and this is suppose to be our "culture" well I want to move to Utah why hasnt anyone said we need to wake UP here! "

outside looking in wrote on Jul 11, 2009 7:14 AM:

" I agree that rental property is high but HEY this is a free country for the time being.....Soon to be a socialist state....thanks to Obama, Binden and Pelosi...which you probably voted for....I have the right to ask what I want for my property I own... I ask a higher price for I dont want it torn up by some idiot....and I dont want to rent to someone who cant afford the rent for they probably wont be able to afford to keep it up.....plus I keep rif raf out the neighborhood--hopefully "

Websters wrote on Jul 10, 2009 4:56 PM:

" I bet most of you are unaware that restaurant server's in this state make only $2.35 per hour. I suppose people think that they make it up in tip's. This is not the case. I have never seen worse tipper's anywhere in the several states I have worked, nor have I ever seen such demanding customers. Give these folks a break! "

SWF wrote on Jul 8, 2009 9:45 PM:

" to L.L. Onjou:

Is this HIA ??? "

SWF wrote on Jul 8, 2009 9:42 PM:

" to LOW PAY on June 22 @4:06pm -

ARE YOU SPYING ON ME??? You totally have my bills down to the "T"!!!

I don't know how I put groceries on the table for my 3 kids!! No wonder I'm so stressed out!! There are probably a lot of us in the same boat - we should unite and form some kind of support group... "

SWF wrote on Jul 8, 2009 9:39 PM:

" I totally agree with the original post. Rental properties have ALWAYS been in short supply here in the Berry. It is extremely frustrating, and the prices people ask ARE a JOKE!! I remember looking at a house for rent on Iberia St. - near Dale (so, this is not a great area...) at a house owned by a Dr. (Landry?) and this man was asking $550 a month - the house was old as dirt, and if you put a marble on the floor it would never stop rolling because the floors were like a roller coaster. "

big c wrote on Jul 8, 2009 7:07 PM:

" i do agree with the statement of the unfair housing market there. people are being taken fast there, i love that place but the unfair prices are not right at all.i moved to atlanta ga. and couldnt believe what you can get for 150 thousand dollars. the same thing you get in youngsville for 350 thousand thats a shame but if you can squeeze blood out a turniup why stop choking it "

NightNurse wrote on Jul 8, 2009 6:34 PM:

" By the way, some people will not mind if the rent is high--section 8 will pay for it silly! "

NightNurse wrote on Jul 8, 2009 6:33 PM:

" I, too, teach at a "local vo-tech." I graduated from one and then went on to ULL and graduate from there. Couple of pointers: 1) Bulk of my nursing skills were learned at the "vo-tech" 2) The tuition was cheaper at the "vo-tech" 3) It was my personal CHOICE to go to both 4) "Vo-tech's" are governed by the Board of Regents (just like UL, LSU, etc.) 5) When I finished at the "vo-tech," I was skilled enough to save your life in an emergency situation!

Support higher education, period! "

Bbean wrote on Jul 8, 2009 12:32 PM:

" Their is a lot of people putting New Iberia down on here , if you dont like it here or think it to expensive here then MOVE !!! "

renter wrote on Jul 7, 2009 2:38 PM:

" MeMeG...all I can say is "welcome to my world" and everyone elses for that matter. It is very frustrating!! I am a single mom of a medically comprised child. I do not have a college degree, however I make better than $19.00 an hour, and I can barely keep my head above water, constantly juggling bills. I worry every day that my rent will go up. And the sad thing is, there isn't a thing I can do about it other than look for a second job which I am doing. "

Haha wrote on Jul 7, 2009 2:19 PM:

" $15.59/ hr with a degree? You work for Air-Log, don't you? "

MeMeG wrote on Jul 7, 2009 1:15 PM:

" Once again, I see how twisted some of you can make this. A few pointers:

1. I am not struggling.
2. I don't have a degree.
3. I am an Army verteran.
4. I have never been lazy
5. I do not think anyone owes me.
6. I have never given birth, LOL@U
7. I have lived in many of our states, Italy, Korea, Kuwait (as a civilian), and traveled the world extensively, I think I know a lilttle teensy bit about the world.

People offended by this thread, throwing jabs are those with guilt. "

Wow wrote on Jul 7, 2009 12:58 PM:

" It's been a while since I have read this forum, but I see things haven't changed. I own a few rentals in NI, and yes some landlords do overprice, but insurance has played a significant role after the hurricanes and that's if you can find a company to write the policy. When you take in maintenance and debt service the profit is not that great unless it is free and clear. I have great tenants in marginal areas and my units are always rented and I don't overprice them either. In all I do agree with the original poster. "

Da Berry wrote on Jul 7, 2009 9:51 AM:

" Overpriced? Why wouldn't people want to live in New Iberia? Great Schools, top notch government, world class law enforcement, excellent job market, low crime, new businesses opening all the time. It is the jewel of the Teche. (insert sarcasm here). You could not pay me enough to live in that city. I enjoy reading New Iberia's local news because it is the only city on earth that can make Abbeville look like Mayberry. "

E. Landry wrote on Jul 5, 2009 8:43 AM:

" I heard the cost of living in South America is cheaper. Move there. "

Mais Jamais wrote on Jul 1, 2009 5:04 PM:

" Some of you people need to get over yourselves. It's not the education you have, but what you do with it. Whether it's Yale or the University of Pecan Island, if you get a job, be grateful and be the best at it. Getting a degree doesn't guarantee you anything but opportunity and you have to start somewhere. To many "fresh out of college" graduates think they should be in the big bucks right away. Here's a hint...all you've earned is a degree. Now you have to earn a living. "

L.L. Onjou wrote on Jul 1, 2009 2:48 PM:

" Judging from the witlessness of those who feel a University degree is not worth the money because the education 'ain't no better thin what I gots' and base their assumptions on how well they're doing as paid mules, then I strongly suggest the original poster look toward relocating, just as every son and daughter of every parent above the half-wit level do. There's a reason New Iberia, and South Louisiana in general, is fast becoming a vacant retirement community filled with an ever-shrinking pool of both workers . . . and oil. "

L.L. Onjou wrote on Jul 1, 2009 2:39 PM:

" it's greed, pure and simple. I particularly love the posters who point out how much they make, especially the statement that says anyone anywhere in LA can make $40 an hour. What planet are these people living on? It's greed. 'I've got mine, I'm going to get more, and if you're poor or underpaid you're either lazy, liberal, or being punished from on high for not praying hard enough.' The typical colonialist mindset of victims seeking the role of victimizer among their own people rather than seeking social change. Coalfield, oilfield, log woods, you name it. Fear and greed, folks. "

LibertyBelle wrote on Jul 1, 2009 8:30 AM:

" I have lived in many large cities due to my career in the Army. In large cities, a person without a four year degree cannot find a job paying more than 12$ an hour. In all of LA a person without a GED can find a job making up to 40$ an hour. There is no push for our students to stay in school when they can go offshore and earn more than I can with my master's degree. If you cannot afford your rental home, go make some oil. "

eco 101 wrote on Jun 30, 2009 7:12 PM:

" MeMEG, your posts point out your real problem. Hint, it's not the cost of rental property. I am not a landlord, but if I were, the LAST person I would want to rent to is someone who is struggling and thinks I owe him something. You have a lot to learn about the world. Good luck. I am done with this ridiculous thread. "

Dee wrote on Jun 30, 2009 4:54 PM:

" I total agree with you MeMeG. "

To Teacher wrote on Jun 30, 2009 12:19 PM:

" Amen! That is what I was trying to make "university grad" understand. Just because he graduated from a "university" doesn't mean he has a better education. Besides, most of my husbands professors previously taught at "universities" before they moved to the school he is at. I am proud of the education he is recieving and the salary he is making due to his "vo-tech" education. And that salary is way more that $15.59 per hour!!! "

Teacher wrote on Jun 30, 2009 11:16 AM:

" Are you people serious. Graduating from a University does not make you better than anyone else. I teach at one of these "local vo tech" schools and I encourage all students to strive and be the best at whatever. The same education you got for $60,000 I am giving to someone for less. I am a "local school grad" and a University grad and a graduate school grad and is because of people like you that has made me go back and teach. Education is important wherever you got it. "

To University Grad wrote on Jun 29, 2009 1:36 PM:

" Have you ever attended any of these schools? I think not, so unless you have you should keep your mouth shut. I can guarantee my husband is just as qualified to perform the same job as any "univerisity" graduate! Laugh all you want but you are the one making $15.59 an hour not him. I don't even have a degree and I make more than that!!! Guess the jokes on you and your small paycheck!!! "

To To University Grad wrote on Jun 29, 2009 9:15 AM:

" "Remington or Univ. of Pheonix"...What a joke!!!!

People need to stop trying to inflate their ego by trying to by pass the hard workers that actually attend a certified university. Attending the local vo tech does NOT qualify you to be in the same level as a person who attends a university and receives a 4 year Bachelor. So please, stop running around screaming "I am a college graduate." Unless, you want to add College of Remington, internet University of Phoenix or the local vo tech. lol "

Mais Jamais wrote on Jun 24, 2009 2:28 PM:

" Try this analogy...If you go to a bar and order a beer and the bartender tells you it's $2.50...you gripe about the price and complain that other bars charge $1.50 for the same beer. Then the bartender points to the prices set by the proprietor and says "Take it or leave it". See, the beer is not what you're paying for...it's the bar, the service, and the ability to mingle with the other people in that bar...that may be worth the extra $1 a beer to some people. Take it or leave it. "

Lynn wrote on Jun 24, 2009 12:29 PM:

" These outrageous rental prices seemed to have really skyrocketed after the hurricanes, Katrina and Rita. A lot of people knew FEMA would put out the money and they did. "

Grads wrote on Jun 24, 2009 12:27 PM:

" University Graduate....sounds like you didn't use your "COLLEGE" degree to market yourself properly. YOU settled for a job with pay you feel is beneath you. Not to mention, you may be receiving perks that others don't get, i.e insurance, 401k, etc. Insurance can cost a company anywhere from $200 - $800 a month for-an-employee.

I am a "votech" graduate. I make much more than you do. I've got one thing you probably don't have, that you can't get from your degree.....experience. Sometimes, that's much more valuable to a boss than your "degree". "

low pay wrote on Jun 24, 2009 8:38 AM:

" A Single persons federal, state, medicare and social security taxes is approximately 15% of their pay. "

neworleanscajun wrote on Jun 23, 2009 5:41 PM:

" Could another factor for high rent be the outrageous and insane cost of home owners insurance?

I would imagine that this escalating cost is being added to the rent. "

Kim wrote on Jun 23, 2009 2:11 PM:

" mmmmmmmm...I love ramen noodles! "

MeMeG wrote on Jun 23, 2009 8:13 AM:

" @ Eco 101, there is never a day that there are no rental properties advertised in the paper and there are plenty more that go unadvertised. The supply is there. These properties often stay in the paper for months because of the unreasonable prices. People are broke right now so they are trying to keep everyone else broke by overcharging for everything. When someone that makes near minimum wage how can they be expected to survive? Its not only residents around Hopkins on food stamps. Its your neighbor too now. The Rich have the poor in a head lock. "

To Universtiy Graduate wrote on Jun 23, 2009 8:02 AM:

" Just because you graduated from a "university" does not mean that you got a better education than someone who graduates from Remington or Univ. of Pheonix. My husband is going for his bachelors and is working full time and busting his rear every night and weekend to get his degree. His knowledge of the information is just as good or better than some of the people who graduated from a "university" so don't even go there!!!!!!!!! "

real world wrote on Jun 23, 2009 7:24 AM:

" You people crack me up. A person renting a home is not a charity. It is his or her duty to himself and his family to get what the market is willing to pay. They could not charge it, if no one would pay it. If you think it so lucrative, I suggest you buy and rent a few houses and see what the real world is. Low pay you overstate taxes, but still offer a good lesson on why one should pursue marketable skills and avoid having kids until you can afford them. "

zzriderr wrote on Jun 23, 2009 1:08 AM:

" I'm glad you've noticed what I noticed years ago. this city is real overpriced and I too wonder why, probably because they only build enough homes for the people who can afford them and that keeps the market up, no excess.. Lafayette is cheaper and has more to offer. I suggest moving there and spending your money there, New Iberia does'nt need the money, Ha, "

to MeMeG wrote on Jun 22, 2009 10:58 PM:

" You sound pretty bitter. I'm a woman with a high school education and I make more than you do. And I'm just half of the income. This isn't a poor "rural" area. Look around a little more. Money is getting spent big time. Life is hard so make the best of it. I hope you find something you like. "

This is crazy wrote on Jun 22, 2009 8:43 PM:

" The wages in this area don't warrant these high rent prices. You can rent a much nicer house in Houston for the price they are asking here for a two bedroom dump. Thank goodness I don't rent any longer. "

moved out of town wrote on Jun 22, 2009 4:55 PM:

" That the reason we bought a home in Broussard. We couldnt afford New Iberia home prices. The same home they wanted 225k for we got for 190k in Broussard and we dont have to pay 35 a month to flush a turd down the septic tank. Our garbage its picked up twice a week. New Iberia is a nasty dump to live in. Never once have we regreted leaving the area. "

Low Pay wrote on Jun 22, 2009 4:06 PM:

" Employers see $17/hour as a livable or rather high wage. This is ridiculous!
Very Conservative Breakdown:
$17/ hour = $2720/ month
Taxes @ 15%: $408/month
House/Rent: $1000/month
Auto note: $400/month
Insurance: $90/month
Electricity: $200/month
Gas: $40/month
Phone/Cable/Internet: $175
Cell: $60
Auto Care and Gas: $200/month
Water/Sewage: $50/month
This leaves $105 for Ramen Noodles!!!!

Oh!! I forgot about the student loans... there goes the ramen! "

University graduate wrote on Jun 22, 2009 3:54 PM:

" You are so correct! I have been working with a well known company for 5 years. I am paid $15.59 per hour. I have a Bachelor of Science. I am very frustrated.
To add to my anxiety, you have these votech grads saying they are COLLEGE grads. Am I supposed to say I am a UNIVERSITY grad? These votech grads go to school 18-24 months. I slaved for 4 YEARS! "

comment wrote on Jun 22, 2009 3:18 PM:

" They are selling and renting for these prices because they bought when the price was high and now are trying to make more. "

Verna Dixon wrote on Jun 22, 2009 3:11 PM:

" It is called greed. They think they can have someone stupid pay that high rent. In addition, they do not want to take care of the home repairs. New Iberia used to be a reasonable place to live. That is one of the many reasons I left that area. It is sad to know it is still going on after being away from there for 20 years. "

Bubba Dump wrote on Jun 22, 2009 1:34 PM:

" What, you didn't get your check from Obama? "

Eco 101 wrote on Jun 22, 2009 12:54 PM:

" Simple economics. Supply and demand. There is no supply, therefore the price is higher. That said, housing is still far less expensive on average than Lafayette and surrounding areas. "

jess wrote on Jun 22, 2009 12:25 PM:

" The answer to all of those questions are fairly easy.... GREED! And because they can, paying over $1000 in baton rouge is likely (which is where i now live), but it's not for rags. People know that rent houses are in demand, and eventually they usually get rented out. Ashame, but all too true! "

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The Cost of Living in New Iberia

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