Given the current situation in New Orleans, with elevated homeowners’ insurance and about 7 HOT months a year, you might wonder who is moving there. Well, I am here to tell you that there are more people than you may expect.
This spring, we are getting more calls and inquiries from folks who need to find new digs in The Big Easy than in the last few years. It might surprise you to find out who is packing their bags and making our heat and humidity their next home.
#1: Military Moves
Every spring, we get an influx of military personnel stationed in the New Orleans area. We have the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NAS JRB), which has members of the Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Air Force, Army, and the Louisiana Air National Guard.
There are also other Coast Guard bases and a Marine Corps Support facility.
These people and their families tend to pick out houses and start planning their moves from April through June. With these military moves, you can see more activity in home buying in the suburbs, as that’s where many of them choose to live.
#2: Doctors
Match day for doctor residencies is in March. Right after they find out which hospital they are headed to, many of them begin their home searches in the New Orleans area. Most of them start their residency by July 1st, so they are rushing to pick out their new homes.
Many of these residents tend to land in condos or homes in Lakeview, Uptown, and Metairie.
#3: The Returner
As many native locals know, leaving New Orleans for good is hard. So, not surprisingly, we are seeing a flood of locals returning home. We aren’t even at the peak of our spring market, but we have helped a handful of people return home.
Why are these natives coming back? Many have stated they are tired of being away from family. Others have noted that they are ready to have culture back in their lives. Whatever the reason, we are here to embrace them and greet them at the airport with a frozen daiquiri and a bag of crawfish!
#4: Grandkids
Many younger people move to New Orleans to attend Tulane, Loyola, Xavier, UNO, or Dillard and them find themselves in LOOOOOOVE with living here. In turn, when finishing school, theu find jobs here and then end up never leaving. We get it. We love it here too!
Next thing you know, you’ve met someone and you’re having babies!
Once y’all have kids here, your parents want to be close to those grandbabies. Our phones start ringing because your parents need a home for themselves so they can watch them grow up. We are here to help Mimi, Poppy, Gigi, Grammy, MeeMaw, Paw Paw (or whatever you’re calling them!) find their New Orleans home!
#5: Retirees
You might be shocked by the number of retirees we find who want to move to New Orleans. Many of these people have been coming here for Jazz Fest or Mardi Gras for decades, and now they are finally retiring. With that retirement, they are ready to get somewhere warm, laid-back, and have everything they love. And what they love is New Orleans!
What neighborhoods are retirees buying in? ALL OF THEM. We have sold them Warehouse District condos, houses in Musicians Village and the Lower 9th Ward, Uptown cottages, and everywhere in between.
#6: Those who fell in love with New Orleans and won’t leave
We have all heard the story, “I came down for Mardi Gras and I just never left!” We even have a client who came for a conference and decided this was her forever spot.
While this type of transplant has been moving here for a looooong time – it’s becoming a heck of a lot easier for them with more companies offering work-from-home opportunities.
Some of these folks are moving here with high-paying jobs and can buy luxury homes in the Audubon neighborhood, while others are looking at 7th Ward cottages. It’s worth noting that the people moving to New Orleans have varied incomes, jobs, and motivations, but they all share a love for the Crescent City.
If you’re looking to buy your New Orleans home this spring, there are opportunities for everyone. New Orleans has homes in many different price points, varied neighborhoods to suit your needs, and great suburbs that don’t lack in options either. If you’re ready to make your move, we are here to guide you.
Ready to start your home search? Contact us!
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Buying A House Sight Unseen