North Louisiana VS South Louisiana – 9 Main Reasons They’re Totally Different

Is there a difference? Oh, yeah, cher! There is a huge difference! Some people say North and South Louisiana may as well be two different states. That's not to say there's anything wrong with it. It's just a fact. Louisiana is beautiful; no matter where you go, you'll find a friend and fantastic food!

It might seem strange to some, but Texas cities such as Houston, Beaumont, Port Author, and Orange are more in line with the culture of South Louisiana than the northern portion of the state. Most people from South Louisiana will tell you, 'Anything above I-10 is considered North Louisiana.'

If you plan on visiting, coming to work, or even living in Louisiana, there are a few things you need to know. There are nine reasons why North and South Louisiana are so different.

1.) CULTURE

•  Both have a diverse population, but two main differences:

NORTH - Mostly Protestant

SOUTH - Mostly Catholic

2.) MUSIC 

• Louisiana has a rich musical legacy, being the birthplace of several music genres, including Zydeco, Jazz, Cajun, and Swamp Pop

NORTH - Fiddler band, Country, Southern Gospel & Folk Music

SOUTH -  Zydeco, Cajun, Swamp Pop, Swamp Blues, Gospel, Jazz, Rhythm & Blues

3.) FOOD

• The food is good everywhere in Louisiana. Different cooking methods and seasonings separate the taste of food in each region. There is also a vast difference between local delicacies and main or specialty dishes.

NORTH - Mini Natchitoches meat pies, frog legs, fried catfish, BBQ, deer meat, purple hull peas, and hot water cornbread. Desserts include sweet potato pie, peach cobbler, and several others.

SOUTH - Boiled crawfish/seafood, crab, shrimp, gumbo, boudin, cracklin, cornbread dressing, rice dressing, sauce piquante, etouffee, and Creole/Cajun Cuisine. Desserts include sweet potato and pecan pie, banana pudding, bread pudding, praline candy, and more.

4.) SPORTS 

• The North has more Texas ball fans, while the South is more of the state's 'Who Dat Nation' region.

NORTH - Dallas Cowboys or Texans

SOUTH - New Orleans Saints and LSU

5.) ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION & SALES

• Louisiana has an open-container law
• The legal drinking age is 21
• People 18 or older can drink alcohol in private residences or for religious/medical purposes.
• Some Louisiana Parishes ban hard liquor on Sundays.

NORTH - More restrictive. Liquor Stores are open, even on Sundays. However, on Sundays, for the most part, bars are not open.

SOUTH - Less restrictive. Liquor Stores and bars are open, even on Sundays. Hard liquor can be purchased outside of city limits in some Parishes. Drive-thru daiquiri shops are open Monday through Saturday.

New Orleans  - Alcohol beverages are available 24/7!

6.) ACCENTS

• Some will say everyone from Louisiana has an accent. However, there are differences in how people talk in the North and South. The further south you go, the less you can understand what folks are saying.

NORTH - Country

SOUTH - Country, Cajun or Creole, or just plain "Frenchie"

7.) WEATHER

NORTH—The summer is warm on average, with temperatures in the 70s. The winter is, on average, in the mid-50s to 60s. There is some snow and sleet. Ice storms are common. The region is prone to tornados.

SOUTH - Hot and humid, 80s and up in the summer, with humidity on average, 74% and up. Snow, sleet, and ice storms are rare. The region is prone to hurricanes.

8.) TERRAIN

• Louisiana is 50% forest and 15% water.

NORTH - Inland hill country with valleys and terraces.

SOUTH - Flat with bayous, river valleys, natural levees, coastal marshes and swamps

9.) CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS, HISTORICAL SITES, & OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

• Louisiana is abundant with wildlife and lush vegetation. It is known as the "Sportsman Paradise" and offers much to tourists through tours, museums, national parks, hunting, camping, and fishing. Another major draw is the many festivals throughout the state.

NORTH - Known for its rolling hills, this region has plenty of Camping sites, birdwatchers, nature photographers, and bass and trout fishermen. There are also plenty of museums and historical sites to tour.

Some of the biggest festivals in North Louisiana are the Natchitoches Christmas Festival and the Red River Revel.

SOUTH - Most of the state's waterways are south, where you can kayak, canoe, boat, fish, crab swamp airboats, and several other historic sites and museums for tours. Another major draw is the many festivals throughout the state.

Some of the biggest festivals in South Louisiana are Mardi Gras, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage, Essence Festival of Culture, and French Quarter Fest.