The state of Louisiana is full of rich history, diverse culture, and delicious foods. If you are considering a move to the state, learning about the pros and cons is wise.
Louisiana is a beautiful southern state with a French flair. Many people who visit Louisiana immediately feel at home.
Key Takeaways
- Louisiana offers a wide array of delicious regional foods.
- The cost of living is affordable.
- Louisiana often faces extreme weather.
- The state has a diverse culture.
- The job market has taken a downward turn.
- Louisiana’s educational system receives a low grade.
- The state ranks well for taxes.
- Residents face limited opportunities.
Is Louisiana a Good State to Live?
Like any state in the US, Louisiana has its good and bad points. Only you can decide if the good outweighs the bad or if you should keep searching for another state to call home.
Louisiana moves at a slower pace than big Northern states. People are generally friendlier here and willing to offer a helping hand to their fellow residents. No, Louisiana is not perfect, but it is perfect for many who call it home.
Below, we will discuss the pros and cons of living in Louisiana. After learning about the pros and cons, you should be equipped with the information you need for deciding on calling Louisiana home.
Pros and Cons of Living in Louisiana
There are many things to see, do, and experience in the great state of Louisiana. Louisiana is home to 4.624 million people, a number that has climbed over the last decade.
Pro: Louisiana Is Home to the Best Foods in the World
We realize this statement may not be agreed upon by all, but no one can deny that Louisiana offers some of the most delicious ethnic foods in the country.
Cajun cooking plays a primary role in the state, but there are also deep roots in French cooking. If you love Southern comfort food, Louisiana may be calling your name.
Popular dishes include the following:
- Beignets
- Boudin Sausage
- Jambalaya
- Gumbo
- Muffuletta Sandwiches
- Shrimp Etouffee
- Po’ Boy Sandwiches
- Crawfish Boil
Food is the spice of life in Louisiana. Creole cooking will delight your senses and make you want to come back for more.
Louisiana Crawfish Boil
Pro: The Cost of Living
Living in Louisiana is more affordable than in many other states. The median home value in the state is 35% less than the national average, making Louisiana attractive to those who want to buy a home.
If you are looking to rent, be not dismayed because Louisiana also has you covered. The state has a 30% lower rental rate than the national average for apartments.
Louisiana has grocery, healthcare, and utility prices that range 5 to 10% lower than the average in the United States. Everyone benefits from a lower cost of living.
According to livingcost.org, the total cost of living in Louisiana is $1830 which is 1.1 times less than the national average.
Con: Extreme Weather
Louisiana does not have four distinguishable seasons each year. Talk to Louisiana residents, and they will tell you summer lasts 11 months.
Louisiana is hot and unbearably humid in the summer months but stays warm much of the year. You will not have those white winter wonderlands or beautiful fall leaves to admire.
Those new to the state sometimes find the brutal summers challenging to master. Because of the high humidity levels, Louisiana is home to many bugs and other annoying pests that make summer more difficult.
Pro: Diverse Culture
Louisiana is a big state, and it is full of people. If you are comparing the state to its close neighbors, it mostly resembles Arkansas.
Louisiana is all about people, no matter where you go. Notable places of diversity include New Orleans, the French Quarter, and Lafayette. Imagine walking down the cobblestone streets of New Orleans or enjoying the musicians, artists, and entertainers in the French Quarter. Louisiana is an unforgettable place to visit and live.
Con: Job Market
While some areas of the country have a booming job market, Louisiana is falling behind. The job market shows a loss of 15,000 jobs since last July, and the numbers are expected to continue on a downward trajectory. Louisiana is also around $6,000 below the national salary average.
Con: Educational System
If you have children or want to pursue higher education, you may be concerned about the educational system in Louisiana. The state consistently receives a poor rating for its educational system, often getting a C grade or lower.
Louisiana ranked third-worst in student test scores, bullying rates, and teacher certifications. The educational system is lacking in the state, prompting many to move to states with better opportunities.
Pro: Favorable Tax Rates
If you are looking for a state with lower taxes, look no further than Louisiana. The national state sales tax is 6.44%, but Louisiana has a 4.45% rate. You will find the state has a max local sales tax of 7% and a combined state and local tax rate of 9.55%. Louisiana ranks number 39 in the United States for affordable taxes.
Con: Limited Opportunities
When one moves to a new state, they often look for opportunity. Will it come knocking in Louisiana? Unfortunately, the economy ranks near the bottom in Louisiana.
A lack of business opportunities, employment, and growth are all leading people to feel trapped, without opportunities to help them achieve their goals.
The state’s economy primarily relies on agriculture. Cotton is the major crop in the northern part of the state, and sugar in the south.
Other important industries in the state include health care, tourism, fishing, and energy. The state of Louisiana continues to beckon companies to come there, but slow growth remains.
Is Lousiana Right For You?
Louisiana is a beautiful state that is full of rich vibrancy and history. There is always something to see, do, and experience in this southern state, with notable attractions being found in Lafayette, New Orleans, and the French Quarter.
If you have never been to Louisiana, it is worth a visit. You will find this state is full of excitement. If nothing else attracts you, the food certainly will.
No, Louisiana is not a perfect state. It has its problem areas like the educational system and lack of opportunity. What it lacks in these areas, it makes up for in diversity, rich culture, and hospitality. Lousiana is a fun state that offers a level of excitement others do not.
Weigh the pros and cons if you are considering a move to Louisiana. Will you join the over four million people who call Louisiana home or pass to another state? The choice is all yours!