New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is ALL about the culture and NOLA is one of the few remaining cities left with a real, pervasive personality but being a culture vampire only gets you (and the city) so far. Most of the jobs are service sector jobs and this is one of the few places where people just move here, without jobs, just because they want to be here -- they’re drawn to it, they want the adventure. There’s a lot of moving here on a whim going on. Nevertheless, that’s not everybody. Tulane is a major draw as is The Gulf. Although not a wealthy city, it is pulling itself together post Katrina. Some of those people moving here on a whim are professionals and people doing non-profit work.

NOLA is not a city in which to be anonymous or to be left alone with your imagination. There will be good mornings, goodnights, how y’all doings, and head nods and smiles and eye contact. Neighbors will walk out on their front porch to give treats to your dog. There is polite chit-chat. Prepare yourself.

You can walk out of a bar with your go cup. Also, food and music are seriously good here. (Not to mention the King Cakes which are a Friday ritual.)

Here's a note from a local about this culture thing:
I like living in a funky neighborhood, and I can’t really speak about daily life in other parts of town, but I can say that there is more weirdness here than other cities. As an example, I was walking down the street with my friend Eric one time and we met a guy coming the other way in full clown regalia, red nose, big shoes, etc. We spoke a greeting as we passed. My friend said “That guy would attract a lot of attention most places but here he’s just a man going to work.” Real neighborhood bars where you socialize with people who live near you, parades for any reason or no reason, and neighbors who watch out for each other. I have missed lots of things, come on down and check it out. Just be yourself, unless you’re no fun.

For more reviews of New Orleans from locals check out: The Buzz

There are big bugs and roadwork (the city is sinking) and traffic cameras.

Local advice about the bugs:
The big tree roaches live outside, under your house, in your pipes and in your walls. There is nothing you can do to get rid of them. No amount of cleanliness will keep them from finding their way into your house when it's raining. A good tomcat is your best method of defense, but you can help by sprinkling diatomaceous earth in all cracks around pipes and doorways and then use steel wool and spackle to cover any holes in the walls.