It's interesting that the article puts Louisiana at #50. I've been in Louisiana as a "camp host" at a state historic site for a total of 14 months out of the last 18 months. I absolutely love Louisiana. Granted, we head to North Carolina for the months of July and August, and then back to Indiana for September (the hottest months in Louisiana), so not sure how terrible the weather conditions get here during that time. They say, the humidity is awful.
I think the success or failure of living in any state depends upon one's own personal preferences and how they handle unusual or different situations they've never encountered before. Plus, it makes a huge difference if you are living off the local economy (have a job and pay taxes) or if you are a retired old fart (like me), living on social security ... on the cheap ... as a camp host.
Location has a LOT to do with it too. There is no way I'd want to live in down town Baton Rouge or on Bourbon Street in New Orleans (It's too crazy there). But, get out of the mega-metropolitan areas and get out in the smaller towns (and especially in Louisiana) .... plantation country ... and life is 180 degrees different.
Every state has it good, bad, and ugly locations. As a tourist or a visitor, every location is interesting. It's just .... some locations are a lot scarier than others, but still ... if you live to tell the story ... even that was interesting!
In the end, it really is very, very subjective what is bad and what is good, what is desirable and what is not. In the end, it really all boils down to individual expectations and how flexible or adaptable one is to change from their past life.
I'm from Indiana. Born and raised there. It's about as boring there as watching snow melt, or watching corn grow. The most exciting thing happening in Indiana is when a tornado comes ripping through. Then, life gets real exciting!
In Louisiana, every day is something new.... but again ... I have to apply myself. Living on a historic plantation has permitted me to learn a LOT about US history, Louisiana history, enslavement, plantation life, 1800 blacksmithing and carpentry, working with authentic tools and learning how things were done (and why) in the 1800's.
Again ... some may find that extremely boring. Myself, I find it exhilarating and very rewarding to actual become a part of "living history." I cannot get that in Indiana.