That is how they were made, especially in New Orleans. As others have said air conditioning is cheaper and you can have a concrete slab as a foundation instead of a basement.
However, this problem is tackled a bit differently in other countries. In Hungary the slab is two meters thick and supporting walls can be up to a meter in size. They are all brick and reinforced concrete construction. The things are built like tanks, even the communist-built ones.
The bulk of the house maintains an even temperature, much like a cave.
Hungarians have to do this because they have only a small quantity of low-grade coal, no uranium, and little hydroelectric. Most energy is imported.
During the summer it can easily get to 40 degrees Celsius, during the winter -40 degrees. In this respect it is a continental climate similar to the states of the Great Planes.
That wouldn't work for my friends in Birmingham Al. They wouldn't be able to hang onto a slab when the tornado hits. They built their home and the basement is glorious: billiard room, extra kitchen, den, spa, garage access, wine cave, home theater and a cool secret room for security. Outside, lots of shade trees.
Me, I'm in PA and we have problems but they don't include tornadoes, quakes, cyclones, anti-gun laws, fire ants, palmetto bugs, invaders on the border, wildfires...so I stay here. However, I do wish more people would put the kitchens, laundry and baths on the south-facing side, and the porches on the north-facing side. Less mold and pipe freezing on the south face, and far cooler lounging around on the north face. Save a bundle on utilities and plumber services.