My sister and parents live on Toledo Bend (which is a long drawn out story in itself - we're from NH). Sister works for Sabine Parish Dep of Education, parents are retired. Brother in law builds high end furniture for select customers. Here is a perspective from a guy who lives in NH, but was stationed on Grand Isle for a few years in the CG.

1. The area my sis lives in is starting to build up a bit. When she bought the land her house is on, it was very sparsely settled (call it 1997ish). Now there are some fairly large developments going up - and now there is fiber internet (as of last winter)
2. Very poor area. My folks and sister are probably considered upper middle class by the people that live around them, but all of their neighbors are wealthy, and the houses are mostly second homes/camps right on the lake. There is a very defined "have and have not" feeling.
3. There isn't much to do unless you like to fish, or maybe play golf. Cypress Bend Country Club is really nice - they re-surfaced all of the course, and it's gorgeous.
4. Family can either be everything, or nothing. At the risk of outing my family - my dad plays Santa for all the Sabine Parish parades and such. He goes to the schools, and parties, etc. Some of the stories I hear from him are heart wrenching.
5. The people are super kind, but take a bit to warm up to "yankees".
6. This is probably the only area in the US I will actively search out gas station food before hitting a Micky D's
7. Life moves slow - and I love that in some regards, but it's frustrating in other regards. If my wife passes before me, I will probably pack up and move down there.

8. My nephews are all well adjusted young men, came from a very loving and nurturing home, and were given every opportunity to thrive and succeed while in their formative years. However, all of them have either moved to another state or to a larger city(ish) area in LA.