With its many festivals and rich cuisine, Louisiana is well-known around the world for its high times, a big reason some 24.1 million tourists visit the state each year. The state's Cajun and Creole influences inspire crawfish etoufee to homegrown music styles. The state also hosts dozens of festivals including the largest Mardi Gras celebration in the U.S.

The Pelican State year-round warm weather is wonderful for outside fun and there are plenty of things to do outdoors. Louisiana's is great for bird-watching.

The median home in the state runs just over $127,000, while the cost of living is 11% lower than the national average.