Opelousas, LA, United States

Capital City

With a population of just 15,786, Opelousas is a small, sleepy town that offers little excitement beyond zydeco music and an annual gumbo cook-off. The economic mainstays are agriculture, oil, and a Walmart distribution center - hardly the dynamic job market one might hope for. And under the long tenure of Sheriff Cat Doucet, the city was infamously rife with gambling and prostitution. While the town embraces its Creole heritage, the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache, with strict codes that once severely restricted the freedoms of Black residents. Opelousas may appeal to those seeking a slower pace of life, but it's hardly an ideal choice for young professionals or families seeking opportunity and excitement.