Baton Rouge one of the best places to ride out a recession!

Baton Rouge, a Great Place to Ride Out Recession

By David D'Aquin

Story Created: Oct 17, 2008

Story Updated: Oct 17, 2008

A national magazine says Baton Rouge is one of the best places in the country to ride out a recession. Economic forecasts are grim across the nation, but in Baton Rouge, its a different picture.

Baton Rouge appears to be on stable ground. Economists expect about 2,500 new jobs over the next year and Business Week says it's the ninth best city in the nation to ride out a recession.

Most folks in Baton Rouge hear about the national economic problems and they fear financial turmoil here at home.

Jimmy Russel, who is worried about the economy says, "It's just going downhill real fast."

According to Business Week, don't worry. Business Week Magazine says Baton Rouge is one of the safest spots, and because of post-Katrina recovery there is currently $6.5 billion in construction going on in Baton Rouge. On a typical year there is only $750 million worth of projects.

Jimmy Russel, who is worried about the economy says, "it's just going downhill real fast."

Another driving force behind Baton Rouge's solid financial foundation bottom line is a diversified economy and workforce. And it's a workforce that is scheduled to grow by 2,500 workers over the next year.

Some Baton Rouge investors say they've been a lot more careful when choosing where to put their cash.

Baton Rouge resident, Bill Morgan, says he has, "been trading stocks - betting against the Dow for example. But I would much rather lose money on that and see the economy recover."

Although there's national trouble, things in Baton Rouge are good and getting better. Although credit lines may get tighter and natioanl economic forecasts look discouraging, economists say Baton Rouge, through construction and a diversified workforce, will be a great place to ride out the recession.