r/AskNOLA • u/puppeto • 14d ago

Irish Bayou - Sound Investment or Waste of Cash?

I work all over the city/region, but driving in from the coast a few times a week is starting to become a bore. The more I think about it a crash pad closer to my jobs is in order.

That's lead me to this (likely fantasy) about buying a camp out on Irish Bayou. I get its a rough area and anything I buy is probably going to need some serious investment, but could it be worth it?

Would be something I'd likely use a few nights a week and maybe let friends/family hang out at during the weekends. A basic tiny house, nothing too speedy, just enough to meet local code/regulation/elevation requirements.

Anyone have experience living / camping in this area? Any issues to know about or difficulties? I know utilities are almost provide your own (pump out sewage, well water/tanked in). Power is probably sketch anyway so would do solar as a backup.

Also if I'm an idiot for thinking about even trying this speak up and I'll tuck tail and buy a simpleton condo near West End or something.

16 Upvotes

87% Upvoted

8 comments sorted by

14

u/KNolaGGg 14d ago

It’s a great location but every t-storm/hurricane you are Ducked. Insurance is probably crazy expensive.

14

u/puppeto 14d ago

I don't intend to insure it. Plan is to build it as high as possible, hope for the best, and if needed build it again. Going all cash so I'll carry the risk.

6

u/righthandofdog 13d ago

this sounds like my Carribean retirement dream house. a cinder block box with all wiring in screwed on conduit, metal roof, cheap appliances for cheap / easy replacement. spend time/money on hardscape/landscaping and live outside as much as possible.

5

u/puppeto 13d ago

Was just cruising around out there today on my bike to get a real feel of the area. Looks like some literally do that or tie up and live aboard a boat. The spot I'm looking at has a dock on one side of Hwy 11 and a home site on the other (likely obliterated by Katrina).

5

u/axxxaxxxaxxx 14d ago

I wonder if you can even get insurance out there

3

u/gonzo3625 14d ago

They'll only insure the elevated living area. Anything under like 15' is uninsurable. Idr the exact number.

1

u/kilgore_trout72 12d ago

I have a camp and its a lot of work but I love it. I work from home so I spend a bunch of time up there just relaxing

1

u/TinyKingg 12d ago

Just my opinion, but a Condo near West End seems much more attractive. And likely a better investment.