Where were you born?

Census data shows that slightly more than 77% of Louisiana’s 4.57 million residents were born here.

Even though I was born in Louisiana and had no choice in the matter, I traveled extensively, visited all 50 states, most of Canada, the Caribbean, and some of Mexico. For whatever reason, Europe never appealed to me.

Almost every place I spent some time in, I considered whether I could or would live there but never made the move. What kept me from moving was, those people who were dear to me would not go. Reasons were their own familial connections of in-laws played a huge the biggest part in it.


My theory on why Louisiana ranks top of this map is:

• We have a strong (even though diverse) culture that outsiders can't or won't relate to. Whether black, white, or other, Louisiana's culture holds its own.

• Our food is like none other

• Living is cheap here

• For years our state's education system was ranked at or near the bottom so most of our children were not sought out by advanced corporations. So they stayed here.

• Outsiders like to visit but the opportunities are somewhat limited for them, so most do not stay.

"I can't go...my daddy is buried here!"

Thoughts?