December 18, 2009…If you are
tired of all of the state rankings that place Louisiana near the bottom, today
is your lucky day. A new nationwide study conducted by Economics Professor
Andrew Oswald of the University of Warwick in England has determined that
Louisiana is the happiest state in the country. So, we are number one for a
change!
With hurricanes, corrupt
politicians, crime, substandard roads and schools, and poor healthcare
services, how can Louisiana residents be so happy? Well, the authors concluded
that there are several important reasons:
1)
Sunshine. People in states that
receive plenty of sun and do not have to deal with months of frigid
temperatures tend to be happier. In Louisiana, the climate is great for most
months and people can partake in a variety of year round outdoor activities
from golf to fishing.
2)
Affordable Housing. In
Louisiana, home prices are reasonable and there is a relatively large housing
stock. While Katrina led to a dramatic reduction in the supply of available
housing and a spike in prices, the situation has improved significantly in
recent years. Even after Katrina, Louisiana possesses more affordable home
prices than most states.
3)
Short Commutes. The vast
majority of people in Louisiana have relatively short commutes to work. Even
with bottlenecks in Baton Rouge and New Orleans, the average commute is a
fraction of what is seen in metropolitan areas such as New York, Atlanta and
Houston. While those communities have grown at our expense, there is a cost
involved, time. It impacts quality of life, which is what this study is testing
Louisiana is a laid back state,
which is irritating to those of us who want quick political reform, but it does
allow for a more relaxed lifestyle. People in Louisiana enjoy life and take the
time to appreciate the great food, the best music and, of course, one of the
most unique cities in the world, New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz.
In Louisiana, we know that the
state offers what no other area in the United States can provide: a rich and
distinctive culture, a unique history and wonderful people who enjoy life. In
Louisiana, people cherish family and friends and make everything a party, from
the Saints and LSU games to the countless festivals every weekend.
This study is timely because it
reminds us what brings Louisiana people together and why we live here. As we
lament the countless failings of our politicians, we should not forget all of
the many treasurers of Louisiana such as the beautiful bayous, the historic
French Quarter, and the greatest free show on earth, Mardi Gras. No other state
has so many gorgeous oak trees, the mighty Mississippi River, the majestic
plantations and the diversity of influences that make for such a robust
culture. From the Cajun and the Creole to the African and the Caribbean, the
Louisiana is an ethnic melting pot that no other state can match.
Louisiana is a rich environment
that has produced colorful politicians such as Huey Long and Edwin Edwards. Of
course, they oozed corruption, but they were also dynamic, charismatic and
spellbinding orators. They make the politicians of every other state look
downright boring.
On the other end of the spectrum,
the study also determined the unhappiest states. The ones with the high taxes,
long commutes, crowded conditions and high home prices. Not surprisingly, the
unhappiest state is New York.
This study was exhaustive,
involving surveys from 1.3 million people across the country and it was
conducted from 2005 to 2008.
Of course all of this was done
prior to the 2009 football season. Just imagine what the results will be after
the Saints win the Super Bowl.
