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 doing, 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.

Favorite thing about New Orleans: 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.)

Least favorite things: there are big bugs and constant roadwork (the city is sinking).

As has been noted, this city is all about the Lifestyle. Live music plays 24/7 - Jazz, Blues, Brass, and Rock, take your pick. Combine that with amazing food, Cajun and Creole in particular, rocking bars and nightclubs, and seemingly nonstop festivals, Mardi Gras among them. While there is also plenty to do outside the city, fishing, hunting, and beaches an hour or two away, it’s fair to say that if you’re looking for peace & quiet perhaps pick another city.

Check out the New Orleans calendar of events to see what happens here year-round.

New Orleans and the surrounding areas are working hard to attract new businesses and jobs to the area. Economic incentives for Film, Music, Tech, and Healthcare are available for new businesses, new hires, and investments. The state provides much of that funding via the Louisiana Business Incentives Program. The city also has incentives through the New Orleans Startup Fund that fund and guide business launches throughout the region.

All that said, many people simply move here for the culture and end up working in the service and tourism sectors, which remains New Orleans's #1 industry. The costs are lower than you’d think, for a city so popular to visit, so if you’re a long-haul wfh’er looking for a cool city to call home this could be it.