New economy reshapes greater New Orleans real estate

Ginger Wiggins, NOMAR 

September 22, 2025

For decades, the rhythm of Greater New Orleans‘ real estate market has been dictated by the enduring cadence of tourism and energy. While these foundational pillars remain, a new economic ground is being broken, fundamentally reshaping the property landscape across our region. The emergence of a vibrant and diversified economy, powered by technology, life sciences, logistics and sustainable industries, is creating unprecedented shifts in both residential and commercial real estate.

This new economy is attracting a different kind of resident: tech entrepreneurs, research scientists and digital nomads drawn not only by our unique culture but also by burgeoning career opportunities across the Gulf South. Their arrival is fueling demand for housing in vibrant, walkable neighborhoods from Uptown New Orleans to the Westbank, the Northshore and even river parishes, leading to a notable appreciation in property values. While this presents challenges to affordability, it also signals a growing confidence in our region’s future beyond its traditional economic drivers. Communities throughout Southeast Louisiana are seeing a surge in the renovation of historic properties and the development of modern living spaces tailored to this evolving workforce.

On the commercial front, the shift is equally transformative. The demand for real estate is no longer solely defined by hotel occupancy and retail storefronts in the French Quarter. Office and industrial spaces are being reimagined to support startups, biotech research, film production and advanced manufacturing. From Jefferson Parish’s emerging hubs to St. Tammany’s growing innovation corridors, the region is experiencing a broad redefinition of how we live, work and invest.

As these trends take hold, it’s clear that the future of real estate is not confined to one parish or one city — it’s a regional story of resilience, innovation and growth. To dive deeper into these shifts and what they mean for every corner of our community, join industry leaders at the 15th Annual Economic and Real Estate Forecast Symposium on October 16 at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center. This is the Gulf South’s premier forum for understanding how today’s economic forces are shaping tomorrow’s opportunities. More information is available at nolaforecast.org.