HELP! We need the inside scoop on Louisiana

[Kurt]

No one has mentioned Nachitoches--probably because it is too small--but it is growing in the hospitality industry field. A college town and lots of retirees there. Picture-perfect or should I say very Moviegenic--Steel Magnolias, etc.

Provenance was mentioned. It is definitely not suburbia. It is part of the New Urbanism movement and upscale--something that would be familiar to a Seatteite. But it is still a small community and not many jobs there.

I have heard nothing but good about Lafayette. Guess that suburban sprawl is caused by the NOLA folks with a bit more scratch that have moved in. And the oil and gas industry is booming.

Ruston is another up-and-coming area for the hospitality industry with college and retirees. But a smaller area for the job market.

You will never endear yourself to SBC Metroguy by strong negatives about his beloved Shreveport/Bossier. I am basically in his camp cause he sticks up for his burg. I fly into south Shreveport and drive through some of the more depressed areas of the city on my way to my fish camp on Toledo Bend.
But I am aware that it is a very small part of the overall metro and I see alot of nice areas in North Desoto parish.

And I am sorry if you can't get excited about a discount store like Walmart--but it is really the social center of alot of places in rural and small-town Louisiana. But if you really want a Pikes Place latte experience it can be had if you look for it.

Louisiana is less a place and more a state-of-mind. Come with an open-mind and not a preconceived mindset. People who complain about "racial tensions" are starting off on the wrong foot. There are such tensions everywhere--and if anything, Louisiana has a more tolerant attitude than most places. Oh, there are always some bigots anywhere--but most folks roll with a fascinating mix of ethnicities and cultures that cannot be found anywhere else.

Yes, I admit I am a Christian--but I don't force it on anybody. So the comments about Bible Belt in the North I find quite blown out of proportion. If you want to seek out a church you can have that experience. But people here mostly mind their own business and don't impose on others in regard to religion. Now politics and football--look out! That can be a hot topic.

I sum it up by saying--if you don't like one of the following: fishing and hunting, yummy cajun food, soulful or stompin music, and just folks getting together to just be together no matter their opinions or ethnicity--well, you can stay where you are and not come down. Now, surely, you all like at least one of these things!

God Bless.

[jilly171]

Move to Baton Rouge!
I just turned 30 and I lived in Seattle for 7 months.
I am originally from Chicago and I feel right at home here.
Baton Rouge has great food,shopping and LSU. Also TONS of hot guys!

[Petronilla]

Hello Jilly,
Just writing to say hello to a fellow Chicago transplant who is now living in Louisiana!

[Mike n Gina]

Ummm..... Tiffany and Ashley I would visit first if I were you. My family moved here this year from California. We love it, but it's not for everyone. It is a totally different world here than the west coast... which suites me just fine. I served three years here at Fort Polk in the early 90's and a lot of people don't make the adjustment well and can't wait to leave, some like myself never want to leave again, but it's all a personal thing. Again, I would take a vacation first and see how you like it before moving here..... unless you have employment already set up for you. Just my two cents anyway. Mike