Louisiana is the 18th state of the United States of America; it is also the 31st largest state in terms of area and the 25th largest in terms of population. Located in the south of the country, the state borders 3 others, Texas, Arkansas and Mississippi. To the south is the Gulf of Mexico. The state capital is Baton Rouge although the largest city is New Orleans. Other major cities include Lafayette and Shreveport.

Louisiana has a sub-tropical climate, with long hot summers and short mild winters. There is usually an equal amount of rainfall throughout the state but summers tend to be slightly wetter than winters. The state is prone to cyclones and hurricanes.

Louisiana is famous for its Mardi Gras and Global Wildlife Centre. There are also many famous faces who originate from the state. These include Louis Armstrong, Harry Connick Jnr, Truman Capote and Ellen DeGeneres.

Louisiana – Employment

Agriculture is a large part of the Louisiana economy, with the seafood sector of the industry employing thousands of people. Other agricultural products include cotton, dairy products and rice. Jobs in this area are mainly seasonal although there are some opportunities for people to set up their own business in this area. Other industries which support the state’s economy include chemical production, paper and petroleum. There are opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workers.

Tourism is also an important contributor and there is always room in this sector for those who want to run their own hotel and guest house, although there is greater chance of success if you have experience in this area. Other vacancies may be seasonal and there will be a lot of competition for jobs. Large numbers of people are also employed by the Port of Louisiana, a major port for cargo ships. The rate of unemployment in the state is around 7%, which is lower than many other states.

Louisiana – Property

Louisiana is a large state and there are many areas to choose from when deciding where to live. There are several areas which are very popular with expats. The city of Baton Rouge is the state capital and is very popular with visitors. Beauregard Town dates back to the late 19th century and is a popular neighbourhood in Baton Rouge. The area is popular with families and many of the homes there are single family homes. The properties are much sought after and prices are higher than the regional average. In contrast, the Business district is home to many high rise buildings that house both commercial enterprises and residential apartments. There are many shops and restaurants in this sector and the area is popular with young professionals.

The Riverfront district is situated on the Mississippi River and is ideal for those who are looking for a variety of nightlife. The area has theatres, restaurants and jazz clubs. The area has a mix of family homes and apartments and prices here are a little higher than average. The Spanish Town area is one of the oldest sections of the city and has been heavily influenced with European style. It is a popular area with expats and there have been several new developments which have extended the town. The outlying areas are a little less expensive and are ideal for families and they have all the amenities that are required for daily living, such as schools and shops.

The city of Lafayette also has a number of areas that are ideal for families that want to settle there. The area of Highland Park Historic Neighbourhood is popular but properties on the market are rare as there has been no new development for many years. The houses are in several architectural styles and the demand has helped to keep the prices higher than in other districts. Downtown Lafayette has a range of properties on offer from apartments to town houses, with many new apartment buildings. The area is attractive for professional people working in the area, although not ideal for those looking for a quiet area to live in. There are many new businesses, shops and restaurants in the area. Property prices are expected to rise as some areas are still undergoing redevelopment and more businesses are expected to move into the area.