By pouring through a wide variety of rankings and articles explaining why this or that place is the best in Louisiana, we created this guide to finding the right place to live for you! Here are 10 of the most intriguing and dynamic places in the state of Louisiana, and the reasons why they would make a great places for you to live!
Best Place for Fishing – Venice
Ranked the #3 fishing and hunting place in the entire country by Outdoor Life, this Gulf outpost is the last community down the Mississippi in Louisiana accessible by automobile. It’s an amazing place to access all of the incredible outdoors activities that the Gulf of Mexico has to offer.
Best Place To Raise a Family---Leesville
With a population of less than 7,000, this parish seat of Vernon Parish offers some of the best schools in the state, with the school district consistently ranked among the top five. The popular downtown market, as well as numerous outdoor amenities, offers the excitement of city living with the pace of small town life. Leesville has consistently been ranked as one of the best places in Louisiana for young families.
Best Economy –Houma/Thibodaux Metropolitan Area
Recently named by Forbes.com as one of the fastest growing small metropolitan areas in the country, the greater Houma/Thibodaux area has seen tremendous job, income, and population growth in the past decade.
Best Historic Town – Natchitoches
The oldest permanent settlement within the borders of the Louisiana Purchase, Louis Juchereau de St. Denis established the town in 1714, naming it after the indigenous Natchitoches people who were already settled there. The historic downtown has been entirely restored, earning the town the Great American Main Street award in 2006.
Best Place to Be a Student – Baton Rouge
With many of the top elementary, middle, and high schools in the state as well as the premier university of Louisiana, LSU, Baton Rouge offers a unique place to grow and learn for students from around the nation. Plus, the incredible sports culture, vibrant bar scene, and small-town feel of the city give college students here the full scope of the American university experience.
Best Place for Art and Culture – New Orleans
Recently named one of the best places for artists to live, there’s just nowhere better for anyone who has an itch to live a creative, art-filled lifestyle. Everyone from filmmakers to jazz pianists can find their place in the Crescent City.
Best City for Those That Love the Outdoors–Shreveport
The Red River, Toledo Bend Reservoir, Kisatchie Forest…Within two hours of almost all of the best places for hunting, fishing, and camping in the state, Shreveport is the perfect place to live for those that want a taste of city life with all of the benefits of living out in the country.
Best Place To Retire – Lake Charles
Louisiana has been named time and again as one of the best places to retire because of its low tax rates and health care amenities. Lake Charles is a certified retirement community in Louisiana and is home to both beautiful natural areas as well as numerous recreational activities.
Best Overall City –Lafayette
Frequently named one of the happiest cities in America, Lafayette is home to great food, great music, and a truly incredible community. With great job opportunities, easy access to beautiful natural areas, excellent educational options, and the annual free blowout that is Festival International---what more could you want?
Best Kept Secret in Louisiana – Ruston
Home to Louisiana Tech and nearby Grambling University, this unassuming town is a true academic powerhouse in the state. LA Tech has consistently been ranked among the most respected universities in the nation. Ruston is home to a great number of talented and creative people ranging from indie music darlings to hall of fame NFL stars.
Of course lists like this are always controversial. Let us know what you think and what your nominations would be in the comments below!
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