How Community Investments Are Shaping Home Values and Lifestyle In New Orleans

New Orleans is one of the best American cities if you’re looking for culture. Jazz, Mardi Gras, diverse architecture, and Bourbon Street are only some of the reasons you’ll find yourself here. The city prides itself on its social fabric and is one of the most unique towns thanks to its residents. How have recent community investments shaped New Orleans? Here are some of the historic city’s recent developments. What Has Helped New Orleans Real Estate? The New Orleans real estate market has set a new course in the last few years by emphasizing the cultural and social aspects. Here are a few changes you can see in the Big Easy. Local Investments New Orleans has a population of around 356,000, making it one of the largest cities in the South. The residents are integral to its culture, so investing in the community is a priority for city leaders. Last December, the New Orleans City Council allocated $5.6 million for 200 local organizations and nonprofits to improve youth and community welfare. For instance, some recipients include the 18th Ward, the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music and Girls on the Run New Orleans. These grants improve neighborhoods, engage communities, raise morale and offer uplifting experiences in the city.  New Orleans City Council members also prioritized housing investments in their most recent budget. City housing programs received about $1.57 billion for the 2024 fiscal year. Affordable housing is one of the primary goals for the Big Easy as the city council created a $17 million trust fund to support new construction. Outside Investments Seeing New Orleans succeed is a priority, and outside groups have noticed opportunities to improve the city. The city’s median age reached nearly 39 years old, a new high demonstrating the aging population. Affordable housing is essential for older adults, so organizations have taken steps to support these residents and foster healthier communities. In 2021, the Gulf Coast Housing Partnership and CVS Health announced a $25 million partnership to build 224 affordable housing units for Louisiana seniors.  Zoning Ordinances The city is over 300 years old, and some urban planning might not fit your needs today. The Office of Community Assets and Investment (OCAI) has developed strategies to modernize land use while preserving affordable housing and supporting the city’s neighborhoods. Changing zoning laws has been a significant step in helping New Orleans neighborhoods. In late 2021, the city council passed legislation to permit triplexes and fourplexes and increase the number of units available. Properties adding these extra levels must keep rent affordable for 15 years to receive permission for this development. City Redevelopment New Orleans’ age and small size give the town an intimate feeling as you walk the streets. Many buildings here have existed for centuries, providing a unique architectural feel that’s hard to find in other cities. Finding new opportunities can be challenging in New Orleans, so the OCAI has dedicated plans to redevelop the area while maintaining its social fabric and culture. Government officials have worked with business and community leaders to find underused properties. The city identifies these places and lets the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) take over the bid process to find developers. The goal is to improve these buildings for the community, creating new businesses and affordable housing. For instance, NORA data shows the city invested $1.75 million in affordable housing construction in 2022. How Do Home Values Stack up in New Orleans? New Orleans home values have been turbulent in recent years because of slowed development and supply chain disruptions. The median home price fell to about $325,000 in February 2024 — a decline from its $400,000 peak in June 2022. However, home values have seen appreciation in particular New Orleans neighborhoods. Area code 70112 — including the French Quarter — saw its price per square foot increase from $386 to $438 in 2023. While this center of New Orleans is popular because of its architecture and culture, other areas have also seen increased home values due to community investments. For instance, St. Charles Parish homes have appreciated due to post-Katrina building efforts. What Can You Expect in New Orleans Homes? New Orleans is world-famous for its architecture, blending influences from French, Spanish, Creole and many other cultures. What makes Crescent City homes unique? Here are the typical features you’d see when walking the streets. Diverse Architecture New Orleans has become synonymous with shotgun houses, dwellings where you must pass by each room to reach the back door. This housing idea became popular in the early 19th century as people from the Caribbean migrated to the Big Easy. Homeowners back then lived without air conditioning, so they had to be creative when designing their structures. A shotgun home’s design gives it better airflow, helping you stay cooler in the summertime. Screened Porches Summers in New Orleans get hot and humid, creating a ripe environment for mosquitos and other unwanted pests. Louisiana has about 60 mosquito species, and many want to enter your house to cool off. Thus, New Orleans residents often install screened porches to ward off these insects and protect their families and pets. New Orleans architecture also includes shades and awnings to block the blazing summer sun. These fixtures can block winds up to 60 mph that you might see in a thunderstorm and keep heat away from the home. Balconies and Galleries The old architecture features balconies and galleries throughout the city’s homes, especially if you’re in the French Quarter. While similar, these features have tiny differences. New Orleans residents will tell you a balcony is a viewing area outside your window. In contrast, a gallery is the same idea but with poles. Some people climb up the poles to get better views of the parades, thus prompting locals to grease the poles as a tradition. Mardi Gras brings about 1 million annual visitors because of the city’s celebrations, so the greasing is more important than you might think. Colorful Houses Purple and yellow aren’t just the colors of the Louisiana State University Tigers — they’re two of many shades you can see throughout the city’s architecture. Colorful houses are a New Orleans staple, as you’ll find unique designs and combinations in the French Quarter, the Irish Channel, the Garden District and plenty of other sections. These houses remind you of the unique communities throughout the Big Easy. The city and its residents are integral to continuing this culture and shaping the lifestyles and home values. New Orleans Architecture and Community Investments New Orleans is a popular destination for those who enjoy classic architecture, incredible food and a bustling nightlife. Residents have seen tough times in the past few decades, but the outlook is positive thanks to community investments. Local and outside groups have allocated resources toward redevelopment, zoning law changes and support for nonprofit organizations. The Big Easy’s footprint will grow while keeping its influences from cultures worldwide. *Written by Rose Morrison renovated.com

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5 Ways To Capture The Spirit Of New Orleans Through Your Home's Aesthetic

  *525 Governor Nicholls Street #204, Listed by Scott K. James There is a spirit in New Orleans that is irreplicable. With cultural influences from around the world, the culture combines them in its style, food, and art scene. If you’re interested in moving to NOLA or want to pay tribute to it in your home, here are five ways to do so through your home’s aesthetic. 1. Embrace the City’s Architecture in Your Design New Orleans has a rich architectural history spanning more than 300 years. From Creole to Art Deco, there is so much you can use to make your home feel like NOLA inside and out. Whether you live in a cottage, shotgun home or modern house, you can take from the many other types of homes around the city to feel more connected to it. According to the NOLA government, the city has nine common architectural styles: Creole, Greek Revival, Italianate, neoclassical, eclectic, arts and crafts, art deco and modern. There are many ways to incorporate architecture and design into your home. You can use cast iron to replicate the look of the iconic Creole townhouse balconies in the French Quarter. Crown molding is an excellent way to incorporate neoclassical. Decorative columns reflect the stunning pillars of Greek revival homes. Incorporate eclectic or art deco interior design style in your home to pay tribute to the techniques from the 19th and early 20th centuries, or bring in the elegant artwork of romanticized Italianate homes. You could add rustic elements from arts and crafts and smooth facades of modern styles. 2. Bring in the Colors and Festivities of Mardi Gras Mardi Gras and NOLA go hand in hand. It’s safe to say no other location in the world has influences from France-inspired ballsand Spanish carnaval celebrations. Today’s festivities hold a special place in the hearts of NOLA locals and those visiting each year. Keep the spirit of Mardi Gras alive all year by adding green, purple and gold throughout your home. You can create a gallery wall with different masks, beads and photographs from prior celebrations. Use the celebration’s patterns in throws, pillows, curtains and other home decor items. You can make your home as festive as you prefer, but there are ways to add a more subtle touch while still paying homage to Mardi Gras. Instead of making the colors your home’s primary palate, use them as accents for a cream or neutral interior color. Choose subtle patterns and elegant decor pieces to play throughout your home. 3. Make Jazz-Inspired Spaces If you love music, you’re far from alone in this city. New Orleans is a magical place for it — especially jazz. There are clubs throughout the city and it is not uncommon to hear groups get together and play in the street. The music permeates the culture from festivals to funerals. You can bring jazz to life in your home by dedicating a space to display your favorite instruments. Please pick them up when you want to play and use them as fun decor when you don’t. Just ensure you care for them so they stay ready for the next time the rhythm calls you. Pay tribute to your favorite local musicians and jazz legends by displaying photographs on a shelf or a gallery wall. Place them with mementos from your famous clubs and concerts. You can create a comfortable area for you and your guests to listen to your favorite records, whether on vinyl, through your favorite streaming platform — or live music! *525 Governor Nicholls Street #204, Listed by Scott K. James 4. Create a Welcoming Outdoor Space Sunshine and warm nights are a staple of the South — New Orleans included. Spending an evening with neighbors on a porch or patio is a large part of NOLA’s community-centered culture. Sharing a meal, having tea, playing music or just enjoying a conversation still helps connect neighborhoods in the digital age. Being in the sunshine and fresh air makes the city “The Big Easy.” You can choose an open space like a patio or courtyard or sit under a sunroom or covered porch to keep your furniture out of the direct sun and closer to home. Incorporate wrought iron furniture and colorful cushions to make NOLA-inspired seating. Make it feel tropical by incorporating lush greenery in pots and hanging baskets. You can plant native oak, Cyprus or magnolia trees around your property to create a shady retreat. 5. Showcase Local Artisans Community is a part of New Orleans and supporting one another’s efforts helps the city thrive. Many creative minds flock to NOLA to expand their talents and hone their craft. It has a magic that keeps experts making their masterpieces for decades. You can support local artists and their unique styles by purchasing and displaying their pieces around your home. A block from Bourbon Street is Royal Street, which features galleries, boutiques and antique shops where you can search for your new favorite items. Other great spots for local art include the Warehouse Arts District, Magazine Street and the many open-air markets. Pictures, paintings ,and pottery are some of the finds you will surely cherish in your home for decades. *525 Governor Nicholls Street #204, Listed by Scott K. James Capturing the Spirit of New Orleans in Your Home There is so much to love about the city — you can include it all in your home aesthetic. When you pay tribute to old and new style influences and capture NOLA's celebration and community culture, you can always have the spirit of New Orleans with you. It  *This post was written by Rose Morrison of renovated.con

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Rêve Triumphs In 2023 HGTV Ultimate House Hunt

With immense pride and enthusiasm, Rêve is proud to announce our triumph in the esteemed HGTV Ultimate House Hunt 2023 contest. The HGTV Ultimate House Hunt presented by the HGTV network, Luxury Portfolio International®, and Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® is an annual event that celebrates exceptional homes from around the world, captivating audiences with stunning design, unique features, and the artful representation of these properties. From a curated selection of outstanding entries, Rêve’s submission captivated both the panel of judges and the public at large, receiving over 77k votes, and claiming victory in the Homes With A History category. 3723 Carondelet Street by Joey Walker tells a divine story of architectural heritage. The magnificent home captures the soul of Uptown New Orleans and represents the coveted charm this city is renowned for. 3723 Carondelet Street is an exquisitely preserved Italianate Center Hall Cottage that features 13-foot ceilings, original pocket doors, marble mantles, original plaster medallions and moldings, and period crystal chandeliers. This beautiful home sits just off of St. Charles Avenue, which rever its own history in the historic Garden District, New Orleans, and adorns a custom mural by artist Matteo Nievert. Rêve’s victory in the Homes With A History category is a testament to our brokerage’s ability to effortlessly blend the past with the present and showcase our passion for legacy homes with historical significance.  Thank you to HGTV and everyone who voted for Rêve. This incredible win is only possible due to your profound love and unwavering support. As Rêve revels in the glory of this achievement, we hope to serve as a beacon of inspiration for real estate professionals worldwide.  For media inquiries, please contact: Deveney Marshall, Mara Creative Agency 504-258-8195 deveneymarshall@themaraagency.com

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