Thanks Kimber. I am aware of the humidty yes, as for Sperlings, I read some place that those figures are pre Katrina, something like 2003-2004 FBI data. As well as the data used to determine race, cost of living etc.
I have a couple resources I used to contact locals there about rentals and such. I have found plenty of rental properties, as well as jobs in the area.
http://www.careerbuilders.com is a great place to locate work in the area.
http://www.apartments.com not only list Apartments but homes as well.
When I spoke with renters, I also asked about the condition and mood of the area, and most that have I spoken with said they see much progress in the area, and a renewed vigor. There is a long way to go, but they are going there fast. I would love to be part of that.
Kimber also look at the crime for Long Beach and for Biloxi, as well as Ocean Springs, each area is smacked right up to the next and the crime adjust from a 2-7 depending what area you live in. Now some of the crime stats I am sure are due to Casinos... Long Beach has no casinos, and a much lower crime rate, Gulfport and Biloxi do have casinos and there for a higher crime rate.. Ocean springs has no Casinos and the crime rate there was lower, more close to the national avg. Also going by the stats on Sperlings El Paso TX has a high crime rate double the national avg at 6,6... but everyone would tell you crime is not bad here at all. So I am not sure I want to follow what Sperlings has to say, the data seems faulty and out dated. But thank you for doing the research.
Baton Rouge huh.. thats very cool, I have a good buddy who lives there. He lives near the blackham coliseum.. oh wait thats Lafayette. Close to where you are.. Now there is a city with a girl guy ratio outta wack.. lol.
Duff, I ran the hotel security for the Fort Bliss Inn, on fort bliss. It has something like 20 locations scattered across Fort Bliss and Biggs AAF. With over 1000-2000 rooms, and as many guest there each day. Since there was no prior security there I had to write the SOP on how to protect the inn and its guest. I was hired though the Fort Bliss DAP.. and put in charge of the inn. My job was recently cut due to funding and the fact the inn is going private sector. So I have some experiance... in the field. =)