How are things (business (from anyone who lives there or has experience touring there), nightlife, the people etc) in other areas: Shreveport, Lake Charles, Monroe, Baton Rouge etc in themselves and compared to New Orleans?

Seems to be good.  I, personally, love Monroe.  Not everyone feels the same because it is a small town.

This is my home!! I love going to Lafayette(Breaux Bridge ,Carencr, Broussard, and Scott) to Shreveport and the casinos. You should be a hit with the Cajuns, my mama and daddy seem to hit it off pretty well! Good Luck Bae.

Houma )

Not a ton of nightlife, but some good people and a growing population. Lots of BP execs live here, good places to eat, some decent hotels, and not a long drive to Grand Isle if you want to dip your toe into the Gulf.