I don't know what the complete metrics used in this study were, but their tools weren't calibrated. I know I can bitch about my own hometown, but never ever ever would I have thought I would ever read an article lumping Alexandria, LA into a group of happiest cities. Perhaps these "scientists" should visit these places before publishing their study. http://www.ijreview.com/2014/07/159540-five-happiest-cities-america-one-state/
Funny, because I read an article recently that listed Louisiana as one of the worst states in the country, along with pretty much all of the mid-western states, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Tennessee... One of their categories was happiness of residents, along with other things like the environment and others.
Maybe a little off-topic, but are Tennessee and Kentucky really mid-west states? I grew up in the mid-west and we always called them southern. Granted, the breakup of regions in the US is pretty arbitrary and doesn't always make a whole lot of sense.
Like this: http://247wallst.com/special-report/2014/01/31/americas-fastest-growing-and-shrinking-economies/5/
I think every state in the SEC is considered the south except Missouri, unless you pronounce it Missoura and have a hard time deciding to put your faith in God or Josey Wales. And Texas, well feck Texas; they can keep four of their six flags.
Louisiana is the 4th worst state in the country according to the list I saw. http://www.cnbc.com/id/101770101/page/1
