Moving to Louisiana?
One of the most culturally diverse and unique southern states, Louisiana seems to be a
whole different country all on its own. Those who have lived in Louisiana or even visited for just a few days can tell
you how enchanting of a place it is. From the allure of great food, the colorful Creole and Cajun culture, the uplifting
sound of jazz music and the vibrant nightlife in New Orleans that attracts millions of people every year, to the comforting
sense of community that you get from the people who live there, Louisiana is truly a hidden gem.
The resiliency
of the state and the city of New Orleans to rebound from the disaster of Hurricane Katrina even stronger is a true sign
of the strength of the people from Louisiana. It is a place where one can experience an array of different sights, sounds,
smells and tastes, and still never fully experience it all.
If you’re moving to Louisiana, there are a lot
of things you’re going to need to know. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place.
Things to Know When Moving to Louisiana
Louisiana Climate
Located in the southern United States on the Gulf of Mexico, the state of Louisiana features a subtropical climate
that is relatively mild, albeit humid during the summer months. At that time of year, temperatures can hit the
upper 80s and low 90s, although the humidity can often add to that in terms of how hot it feels. During the rest
of the year though, the temperature tends to stay mild, with fall and winter temperatures rarely dropping below
freezing and spring temperatures hovering in the 60s and 70s.
Registering your Car
Upon your arrival in Louisiana after moving to the state permanently, you have a total
of 30 days to update your registration and have your vehicle registered in the state before you may be
required to pay a penalty.
Obtaining a Louisiana Driver's Licens
A Louisiana Driver’s License can be obtained at any Louisiana OMV
(Office of Motor Vehicles) location. The state requires new Louisiana residents to update their license from
their previous state to a Louisiana driver’s license by providing proof of insurance and registration of the
vehicle in the state of Louisiana. If you fail to update your driver’s license you may have to pay a fine.
Crime Rankings
As of 2011, Louisiana was ranked 44th out of 50 states in violent crime, with a total of less than
45 violent crimes for every 100,000 people in the state.
Industries
Its prime location on the Gulf Coast makes Louisiana one of the biggest producers of seafood in the world.
The fishing industry is one of the driving forces of Louisiana’s economy and also one of the most reliable and consistent
forms of state revenue, right alongside the bustling tourism industry. Although the fishing industry was threatened in
2010 by the BP oil leak, the industry has since recovered. Louisiana is the biggest producer of crawfish in the world,
accounting for almost 90 percent of the world’s supply. Also, there is a thriving film industry in the New Orleans area
as well. The Port of South Louisiana is the largest volume shipping port in the western hemisphere.
Employment Statistics
As of early 2012, the state of Louisiana had an unemployment rate of 7.1 percent, which is lower than the national
average of 8.2 percent.
Average Income
The median household income in the state of Louisiana is $43,445, while the average per capita income
for the state is $23,094.
Moving and Storage
If you are looking for a moving company or storage facility to help you with anything,
you should check to make sure the company is registered with the United States Department of Transportation or
with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Real Estate
The average listing price for homes in Louisiana is $209,391, while the median sales price is
just over $165,000. The Louisiana Association of Realtors is the official real estate resource for the state of Louisiana.
Major landmarks and attractions
Bourbon Street; Abita Mystery House; the French Quarter; Café du Monde; Global
Wildlife Center; Blue Bayou; Swamp Tour; Melrose Plantation; the Lalaurie House; Acme Oyster House; Pat O’Brien’s;
Superdome
State Capital: Baton Rouge
Largest Cities: New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Metairie, Lafayette, Kenner, Monroe
Schools
The state of Louisiana is broken into different areas called parishes. Each parish, which would be comparable to
a county or township in most other states, has its own individual school district. There are hundreds of different
school districts spread throughout the state, each containing varying levels of education ranging from elementary
school to middle and junior high school to the high school level. In addition, there are a number of well-known
colleges and universities located within the state such as Louisiana State University, Grambling State University,
Louisiana Tech University, the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, the University of Louisiana-Monroe, McNeese
State University, and Southeastern Louisiana University.
National Parks
Cane River Creole National Historical Park
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park
Cane River National Heritage Area
State park System
Located on the Gulf Coast, and also featuring the mighty Mississippi River running down
the center of the state, Louisiana is full of beautiful natural landscapes that are among some of the best in
the southeastern United State. The state park system of Louisiana, featuring a total of 22 state parks located
throughout the state, provides many opportunities to appreciate the natural wonders of Louisiana by hiking, fishing,
biking and hunting.
Major Airports
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport
Alexandria International Airport
Shreveport Regional Airport
Lafayette Regional Airport