11 Things to Know When Moving to Louisiana
Louisiana is a state in the Deep South and South-Central regions of the United States. People call it the “the Festival Capital of America” because of the countless festivals that happen year-round. Louisiana is known for its distinct and rich culture, delicious food and natural beauty. The job market in Louisiana is also getting better. In addition to this, the cost of living in Louisiana is low, education is affordable and it has a calm and slow-paced lifestyle. So, if you are considering moving to Louisiana, there are several things you need to know and prepare. Here are 11 things you need to know before moving to Louisiana.
What to Know Before your Move to Louisiana
1. Before you Arrive in Louisiana
Find a reliable moving company, truck rental or moving container
For your move to Louisiana, you will need to hire a reliable moving company or take on the move yourself. To find the best moving company in Louisiana, look for good reviews, a professional-looking website, and years of experience.
Planning a move to Louisiana? Have a look at our selection of
Forward your mail
If you are moving to Louisiana permanently and you receive a lot of mail (excluding packages), you may want to sign up with USPS’s mail forwarding service. Mail forwarding will allow your mail to be redirected to the right address for a given period of time. The fee for regular mail forwarding is only a little over a dollar for 6 months. If you want to extend the service, you will have to pay around $20 for 6 months more. You can begin your mail forwarding process by signing up on USPS’s website or directly at your local Post Office.
Sell or donate the items you won’t need in Louisiana
Moving to a new place is an opportunity to start afresh. If you’re moving to Louisiana, selling or donating the items you won’t need will go a long way in making your move easier. You can sell your old household items and personal possessions, and anything that will not be useful. Pick out the items that will not be useful for you in Louisiana, then decide if you want to sell them on websites like Craigslist or Facebook MarketPlace or donate them to a non-profit organization.
2. What are the First Steps to Take When Arriving in Louisiana?
Change your address
Along with mail forwarding, you will also have to update your new address with the concerned authorities in Louisiana like the DMV. To exercise your right to vote in Louisiana, you can register to vote online, by mail and in person. To register by mail, you need to mail a completed Louisiana Voter Registration Application (Form LA-VRA) to the applicable address listed on the form. To register in person, you need to submit a completed Louisiana Voter Registration Application (Form LA-VRA) to The Registrar of Voters office. You should also change your address with your employer, bank, doctor, insurer, and service providers so that you can avoid any complications further down the road.
Exchange your driver’s license
Once you move to Louisiana and establish residency, you must transfer your out-of-state driver’s license with the LA Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) within 30 days. In order to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license, you’ll need to visit your OMV office in person with a completed Application for License or Identification Card (Form DPSMV 2003), proof of identity, proof of social security number and some other documents. You’ll also have to surrender your out-of-state driver’s license. If your out-of-state driving license is valid, your driving exam, pre-licensing course, or any test except the vision test will be waived.
Register your vehicle
If you have just moved to Louisiana, you’ll have to register your out-of-state vehicle with LA OMV within 30 days of establishing residency. Failure to do so might result in penalties and additional charges. You will also have to pass an inspection. To get your car registered in Louisiana, you will need to submit The Vehicle Application (Form DPSMV 1799), current title and registration, your driver’s license, payment for fees and some other documents. You can submit these documents either by mail to the address on the form, or in person at a local Louisiana OMV office.
Consider getting health insurance
Getting health insurance is an excellent way to get peace of mind when it comes to your health. With health insurance, you will not have to worry about spending a ton of money in case of a health-related emergency. The state of Louisiana proposes a website to help you with your health insurance search. Simply choose Louisiana as your state and create an account.
Consider getting home insurance
Getting home insurance is essential, whichever state you are residing in. It is a kind of financial protection that will cover for your expenses if a natural disaster damages your home. Due to its geographical position and climate, Louisiana is often visited by severe natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and storms. Therefore, getting home insurance will prove to be valuable.
3. Best Places to Live in Louisiana
If you are a couple, you might want to consider living in Baton Rouge. It is the fastest-growing capital city in Louisiana with a lot of opportunities in terms of jobs and education. In addition to this, it has a comfortable & friendly neighborhood with a lot of restaurants, shopping areas and parks.
If you are a family, you might want to consider Lafayette. Lafayette has pleasant year-round weather, some great schools and plenty of outdoor activities such as camping spots, golf courses, fishing, biking trails, parks and much more.
If you are single, you should consider moving to New Orleans. It is the most populous and happening city in Louisiana and offers plenty of amenities and is full of great food options. In addition to this, Louisiana is home to Tulane University and has a college-city charm.
4. Housing and Renting in Louisiana
How to find an apartment in Louisiana?
If you are looking for an apartment for rent in Louisiana, these websites will help you out.
How to find a house in Louisiana?
5. How to Set Up Utilities in Louisiana?
Electricity, water, and gas in Louisiana
The Louisiana Public Service Commission is responsible for regulating electricity, natural gas, water and telecommunication services in Louisiana. They ensure that consumers are provided with accessible, safe and reliable energy services at reasonable rates. You can visit their website and search for electricity, water and gas providers and even reach out to them if you have any inquiry. The main purpose of LPSC is to keep the customers well informed regarding the services they are getting from the utility providers.
Internet and cell phone in Louisiana
Getting a reliable internet service provider is what everyone desires. The state of Louisiana has some of the best internet providers and is the 33rd most connected state in the USA with 137 broadband providers and 93% residents having access to 10 Mbps internet service. Internet providers in Louisiana offer a wide range of prices, speed and connection types. When it comes to a high-speed internet connection, there is a wide variety of options to choose from in Louisiana, including cable, DSL, Fiber and Satellite. The best internet providers in Louisiana will have bundling options, various speeds, and multiple package options at reasonable prices.
6. Cost of Living in Louisiana
The average cost of living in New Orleans, Louisiana per month is $3225 for a couple.
Cost of living per month for a couple in New Orleans
Expense | USD $ |
Rent – Mortgage | $1250 |
Utilities (gas, water, electricity, phone, internet) | $300 |
Groceries | $400 |
Entertainment | $275 |
Insurance (home, car, health) | $600 |
Other (transportation, material goods) | $200 |