Living in Louisiana

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Louisiana Housing, Demographics, State History and Leisure Activities

Welcome to our Louisiana Relocation Resource Center! We hope you'll find some interesting information about Louisiana's state history, places to visit and local attractions and as well as housing and demographic statistics and visit our referral links to state and local government agencies.

State History

Louisiana, a southern state within the U.S. is approximately 82,500 square miles in area with a long coastline along the Gulf of Mexico. Louisiana joined the Union in 1812. No other state has a more varied or colorful past than Louisiana. Louisiana has been governed by over 10 different sovereignties until it was purchased by the United States from the French in 1803 for $15,000,000 under the Louisiana Purchase agreement between President Thomas Jefferson and Napoleon. Louisiana was an import asset to the United States because New Orleans and the surrounding territory controlled the mouth of the Mississippi River where much of American mid-west produce traveled to reach distant markets. The fertility of Louisiana's land made it one of the richest regions in America excellent for growing indigo then subsequently cotton and sugar which gained prominence in world markets. When the Civil War erupted and Louisiana joined the Confederacy, the plantation economy was shattered although the state continued to be a powerful agricultural region.

The discovery of sulfur in 1869 and oil in 1901, coupled with the rise of forestry sent the state on a new wave of economic vitality. Eventually, Louisiana became a major American producer of oil and natural gas and a center of petroleum refining and petrochemicals manufacturing, which it remains today.

Housing and Demographic Data

The 2006 U.S. Census Bureau data estimated the population of Louisiana to be 4,287,768 and the 2005 survey reported the number of housing units to be 1,940,399. The 2000 U.S. Census Bureau data estimated the home ownership rate to be 67.9% as contrasted to the national average of 66.2% and the Median value of owner-occupied housing units to be $85,000 contrasted to $119,600 nationally.

For more Louisiana housing information, you may wish to contact one of these local real estate agents for assistance.

Official State Flower

You may also be interested to know the state flower of Louisiana is the Magnolia flower known for its especially rich fragrance and very large and creamy white blooms.

Local Attractions and Points of Interest

If your relocating to Louisiana, you'll want to explore Louisiana's numerous local attractions. Savor the world renowned New Orleans French Quarter cooking, explore the Cajun country and visit the antebellum plantation homes. Louisiana is know for its Jazz music, food, deep sea and freshwater fishing, hunting, Mardi Gras, and more than 100 other festivals. If you're planning to visit some of Louisiana's state parks, you can make park reservations at the Louisiana State Park website and find maps to park locations and information on guided tours, activities and events.

State and Local Governments

For information about Louisiana's state capital, we have provided a link to the Official Site for Baton Rouge, Louisiana which provides information, services, and details of the people who represent the Metropolitan Government. For information on travel and recreation, business, events calendar, learning in Louisiana, news, services, and Louisiana Disaster recovery, you can visit The Official Site for the State of Louisiana