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It's Official! Louisiana is the HAPPIEST State!

By
Industry Observer with formerly with Keller Williams Realty Parishwide Partners

According to an article for the journal Science, the research is complete, and there were many surprises. Here are the top 10 happiest states (includes the District of Columbia): 

The happiest states:  
1. Louisiana
2. Hawaii
3. Florida
4. Tennessee
5. Arizona
6. Mississippi
7. Montana
8. South Carolina
9. Alabama
10. Maine

The study took into account a state's weather, home prices and other factors that are known reasons to frown (or smile).  The self-reported information came from 1.3 million U.S. citizens who took part in a survey between 2005 and 2008.

On the other end of the list
46. California
47. Indiana
48. Michigan
49. New Jersey
50. Connecticut
51. New York

Researcher Andrew Oswald of the University of Warwick in England observed, "Many people think these states (numbers 45-51) would be marvelous places to live in. The problem is that if too many individuals think that way, they move into those states, and the resulting congestion and house prices make it a non-fulfilling prophecy."

People I know are generally pretty happy about their lives here, and I so am I! Yes, we may have our  problems, but Louisiana has a reasonable cost of living, good weather (although HOT in summer), and the best food in the USA! In addition, home values continue to appreciate in a stable market. What's not to like?

If you are considering moving to this happy place, give me a call. I love helping people find their new home in Monroe, West Monroe and the surrounding towns. I promise not to smile so much that it's annoying :-)

Posted by


REALTOR, Relocation Specialist
Direct: 318-614-5615
Find your house with your mouse: http://WestMornoeRealEstate or http://GayleCausey.com

Keller Williams Realty Parishwide Partners
1390 Hudson Lane, Monroe, LA USA 318-812-SOLD

Each office independently owned & operated.
Licensed in Louisiana. We Support Equal Housing Opportunity.

Comments (5)

Tiffany Torgan
Harcourts Prestige Properties of La Jolla - La Jolla, CA
Featured on HGTV's New Show! How Close Can I Beach

I'm happy everytime I go down Bourbon St.!!!!

Dec 19, 2009 02:50 AM
Vickie McCartney
Maverick Realty - Owensboro, KY
Broker, Real Estate Agent Owensboro KY

Hi Gayle~  How wonderful for you that your state is the happiest state!  Ky doesn't rate as happiest and at least it is not on the other end of the spectrum either!  I have lived in SC and TN, so that should count for something, LOL!

Dec 19, 2009 02:55 AM
Li Read
Sea to Sky Premier Properties (Salt Spring) - Salt Spring Island, BC
Caring expertise...knowledge for you!

Interesting list...does seem, though, that good weather and good local economic conditions might be the reasons for the high placement???

Dec 19, 2009 03:21 AM
Sallie Williams
Keller Williams Realty RED STICK PARTNERS - Baton Rouge, LA
REALTOR - MBA, Baton Rouge

Gayle, the study says that LA residents are also among the heaviest.  Just goes to show that we love our Cajun food, like you said, best food in the country.  I'm finding that it is possible to eat Cajun, count my calories, and still lose weight. 

Dec 21, 2009 06:21 AM
Troy Jowers
Pogo Realty, LLC - New Orleans, LA
New Orleans Realtor

And with the Saints and Mardi Gras coming, we're getting a whole lot happier over the coming months! Thanks for the post, Gayle!

Dec 24, 2009 10:37 PM