Texas Residents Moving To Louisiana Might Be In For A Rude Surprise

(KHLA - Lake Charles, Louisiana) - In recent years, many people from Texas have decided to move to Louisiana. Maybe it's for a new job, cheaper homes, or just a change of scenery.

At first, it might seem like an easy move, after all, the two states are neighbors.

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But for many new Louisiana residents, life isn't quite what they expected. Here’s why:

Higher Insurance Costs In Louisiana

One of the first big shocks is the cost of insurance. In Texas, insurance can be expensive, but in Louisiana, it’s even worse, especially for car and home insurance. Louisiana drivers pay some of the highest rates in the country. That’s because of things like frequent lawsuits, bad roads, and lots of accidents. Homeowners' insurance is also pricey, mostly because of hurricanes and flooding. If you’re not ready for these extra costs, it can feel like a punch to the wallet.

Different Laws And Rules In Louisiana

Louisiana doesn’t follow the same laws as the rest of the United States. Most states use “common law,” but Louisiana uses “civil law,” based on old French and Spanish rules. This can make things confusing if you’re buying a house, signing a lease, or going to court. Even small things, like dealing with traffic tickets, can be more complicated.

Taxes Are Tricky In Louisiana

At first glance, Louisiana’s taxes look low — the property taxes are much cheaper than in Texas. But the state makes up for it with higher sales taxes and income taxes. In some towns, the combined sales tax can be over 10 percent! That means everyday shopping costs more than you might expect.

Rougher Roads And Infrastructure In Louisiana

If you think Texas has potholes, wait until you drive around Louisiana. Many roads, bridges, and public buildings are old and in bad shape. The state has struggled with keeping up repairs, so you might spend more time dodging bumps and dealing with traffic problems.

Louisiana Is A Slower Pace — For Better Or Worse

Life in Louisiana tends to move slower than in busy parts of Texas. Some people love the laid-back lifestyle, but others find it frustrating. Services like getting utilities hooked up, scheduling repairs, or getting a government document can take longer than you’re used to.

The Good News

Of course, it’s not all bad! Louisiana is full of amazing food, unique culture, friendly people, and beautiful landscapes. If you can handle a few surprises and take the time to adjust, you might just fall in love with your new home.

In short: Moving from Texas to Louisiana can be a bigger change than it seems. If you come prepared, you’ll have a much easier time fitting in, and maybe even start enjoying the differences.

READ MORE: Louisiana Car Insurance Prices Are Out Of Control

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