re: What keeps you in Baton Rouge?

I left NOLA in 2005. Love being by the mountains and most of my family had already moved to the Las Vegas area. 3 years of Air Force life in California made me appreciate the west. I still miss many things about South Louisiana and NOLA (especially many of the people) but I can always come back and visit when I feel the need.

As nurse said, you can get tired of the desert and the blast furnace dry heat in summer...but just a short drive away are places like Flagstaff, Sedona or Big Bear. Places with much more temperate summer climates and in the middle of lush forests. You're also a half day's drive away (at most) from the Pacific beaches and the incredible natural wonders of places like the Grand Canyon and Zion NP. Plus, being able to sleep a little late on Autumn weekends and have football on the TV just as you get up doesn't suck.

ETA: After 40+ years in NOLA...I can attest to the fact that there's something to be said for this whole "living above sea level" thing.