My names Sam and Ive lived here for more than a decade now.
I love Louisiana but life here it aint all sunshine and crawfish boils.
And while taxes arent the lowest, theyre certainly not the highest.
Lake Charles, Louisiana (shutterstock/Felix Mizioznikov)
At least I used to loathe winter until I moved to Louisiana.
While its not for everyone, the subtropical climate here agrees with me famously.
What I couldnt handle was the ice and snow you wont find any of that here!
The average yearly temperature is over 67 degrees(more on that below as well)!
Forget stadium concerts and overpriced tickets.
Picture yourself:
This is just a taste of the musical feast Louisiana offers.
Denham Springs, Louisiana (Shutterstock/ungvar)
From Cajun fiddles to New Orleans jazz, every genre finds a home here.
Picture this:
Sure, it aint perfect.
Theres the occasional gossip and family feuds, like in any family.
(Shutterstock/Brent Hofacker)
Sunrise finds hunters stalking through misty fields, heartbeats syncing with the rhythm of the forest.
Meanwhile, on sun-dappled bayous, fishermen cast their worries with their lines.
Lures skip across mirrored water, the tug of a fighting fish a primal thrill.
Redfish in Lake Ponchartrain (Shutterstock/Eric Leininger)
Even if we hadnt caught a single fish it still wouldve been a great time.
Cons of Moving to Louisiana
Living in Louisiana aint all sunshine and crawfish boils.
While weve got some really great things to be proud of, theres lots that still needs work.
(Shutterstock/nektofadeev)
Because we let it happen.
And we let it happen for the sake of the economy and jobs.
Well what has that gotten us?
(Shutterstock/Jennifer White Maxwell)
Try (spoiler alert!)
the worst ranked state in America economically by US News & World Report.
In terms of job growth and economic opportunity, Louisiana has no rival its abominable.
Jobs here are largely limited to places that are generally considered hazardous to work.
Were talking oil & gas industry jobs and chemical plants.
I know many families that juggle multiple jobs yet still facing food insecurity.
The ripple effects touch every corner of society, impacting economic growth, public safety, and social mobility.
Child poverty, at 1 in 4, paints an even more heartbreaking picture.
A System Strained:
The Human Cost:
These systemic issues translate into real-world struggles for students.
Many residents lack health insurance, a stark reality further amplified by rural doctor deserts.
But its not just the tasty food.
Were talking about serious offenses like murder, assault, and robbery.
This isnt an overnight fix; its a complex issue that needs long-term solutions.
As residents, we adapt to this reality.
Most folks I know take extra safety measures like installing security systems and being extra cautious at night.
If youre thinking about moving to Louisiana, its important to be aware of this.
Tragically Low Life Expectancy
At just 73.1 years,Louisiana has the 3rd lowest life expectancyin America.
There are many reasons behind this.
Among these, access to quality healthcare (like I mentioned above) is a big one.
Then theres the lifestyle factor.
Were known for our rich food, which is delicious, but not exactly the healthiest.
Rates of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes are staggering here.
We also cant ignore the environmental factors.
Louisiana has areas with high pollution levels, which definitely impacts our health.
Plus, the stress from frequent natural disasters, like hurricanes, takes a toll on peoples well-being.
If youre thinking of moving to Louisiana and raising a family here, these are things to consider.
Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricane Laura in 2020 are stark reminders of how destructive these storms can be.
They caused billions of dollars in damage and deeply affected the lives of thousands of Louisianians.
This one hits close to home for me.
Nothing in that house was salvageable afterward, nothing.
Were constantly monitoring weather reports, and have evacuation plans in place.
We also invest in home reinforcements, like storm shutters, to protect against high winds and flooding.
Its So Hot
Now the heat usually doesnt bother me, Im used to it.
But for a lot of folks its just too much.
And while this is lovely in the winter, the summer is different.
Think lots of sweat and air conditioning as a means of survival.
If this doesnt sound agreeable then perhaps living in Louisiana isnt your cup of (sweet) tea.
Personally I dont mind it.
I cant stand the dry climate of the southwest with constant chapped lips and need for lotion.
After all,Louisiana is the 2nd buggiest state in the country.
What kinds of critters are we talking about?
Oh just about everything you wouldnt want.
FAQ Living in Louisiana
Is Louisiana a good place to live?
Louisianas not for everyone.
Kayak sun-dappled swamps, fight Gulf giants on your line, or launch your dream venture in booming ports.
If affordability and diverse opportunities outweigh occasional weather drama, Louisiana might just fit your beat.
Is Louisiana a good place to retire?
Kayak serene bayous, hook Gulf giants, explore plantation mysteries Louisianas your adventure oyster.
Embrace humidity & occasional storms, theyre the price of paradise.
What is Louisiana known for?
Louisiana is renowned for its vibrant culture, blending French, African, Spanish, and Native American influences.
Famous for its unique Cajun and Creole cuisines, Louisiana offers signature dishes like gumbo and jambalaya.
Louisianas rich history and diverse landscapes, including bayous and the Mississippi River, add to its allure.
