Opinions on Alexandria and Lafayette. (Lake Charles, New Iberia: hotel, house, gardens)

[Innotech]

Originally Posted by Desert kid

Party all the time?

Quite often! But its the optimism and attitude of the people too. The city has an exciting vibe, and a very obvious joie de vivre.

[annie_himself]

Originally Posted by Desert kid

So, anything else I should know about that part of the state as an outsider?

Don't say no when someone offers you food!

[Desert kid]

Originally Posted by annie_himself

Don't say no when someone offers you food!

I actually can validate this!

When I was in Mississippi back in January something similar happened. He was, well an internet friend of mine who I met while I was out there. He was soused to the gills, getting off from his shift at the rest home and offering me a bigazz dinner right there on the spot.

I was so shocked by what he offered I couldn't say no.

[annie_himself]

Soused to the gills I'm assuming means he was pretty drunk?

[Desert kid]

Originally Posted by annie_himself

Soused to the gills I'm assuming means he was pretty drunk?

Oh yeah, he was drunk alright.

[bpollen]

Originally Posted by Desert kid

I'm fishing for opinions in general job growth, affordability and safety in these two towns.

Any info would be appreciated. First-hand accounts and opinions would be greatly helpful.

Homeowner's insurance is going to kill you in the southern part of Louisiana. And high sales taxes. And parts of Louisiana tax groceries, while most other areas in the country don't. And there's a state income tax, albeit small. The property taxes are very low, but that is more than made up for by the other taxes. And ALL of a property tax bill is deductible on your federal return, but homeowner's insurance is not. HO insurance is double what I paid in Dallas and what it is in Tyler TX. And there aren't many insurers who will sell HO insurance below I-10 or thereabouts. It's a natural disaster area.

[Desert kid]

Originally Posted by bpollen

Homeowner's insurance is going to kill you in the southern part of Louisiana. And high sales taxes. And parts of Louisiana tax groceries, while most other areas in the country don't. And there's a state income tax, albeit small. The property taxes are very low, but that is more than made up for by the other taxes. And ALL of a property tax bill is deductible on your federal return, but homeowner's insurance is not. HO insurance is double what I paid in Dallas and what it is in Tyler TX. And there aren't many insurers who will sell HO insurance below I-10 or thereabouts. It's a natural disaster area.

Good to know. I did realize that all along I-10 there would be a bit of a problem.

[Desert kid]

I quit my job here earlier this month. I'm down to picking three towns to move to in 3 states.

Broussard, Breaux Bridge or Pineville in Louisiana.

Tupelo, MS.

Dickson, TN.

I need a really compelling argument for Louisiana.

[cBach]

Originally Posted by Desert kid

I quit my job here earlier this month. I'm down to picking three towns to move to in 3 states.

Broussard, Breaux Bridge or Pineville in Louisiana.

Tupelo, MS.

Dickson, TN.

I need a really compelling argument for Louisiana.

I would pick Louisiana if you like awesome food and a relaxed culture. Those are the main features.

[Innotech]

Originally Posted by Desert kid

I quit my job here earlier this month. I'm down to picking three towns to move to in 3 states.

Broussard, Breaux Bridge or Pineville in Louisiana.

Tupelo, MS.

Dickson, TN.

I need a really compelling argument for Louisiana.

A lot of development is heading towards Broussard. Breaux bridge is a quaint Cajun tiwn. Pineville is a typical southern town without much southern louisiana flavor but its pretty scenery.