Louisiana Real Estate - A French Influence
Obviously, Louisiana had a rough year in 2005 with Hurricane
Katrina. The state will recover as will Louisiana real estate.
Louisiana
Louisiana has obviously been in the news because of the
devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. To say the entire
episode is a tragedy is to understate the obvious. Louisiana is
a state that has overcome problems before and it will do it
again. For the purposes of this article, I am going to discuss
the state pre-hurricane because, frankly, the state will recover
within a year or so. It has done it before.
Louisiana is a state with an absolute ton of character. In fact,
you will find no other state in the country that can match it.
There is a heavy French influence and the people, towns and
cities are eclectic to say the least. From plantations to Mardi
Gras to funky little towns to incredible food and music,
Louisiana is state that can capture your imagination.
New Orleans
Yes, New Orleans took a beating in the hurricane and subsequent
flooding. This was not the first hurricane to cause damage and
the city will recover. If you base your opinion of the city on
the things you saw on the television or heard in the media, you
are making a mistake. This is a city with extremes in many
areas, from food to music to lifestyles and so on.
New Orleans is like no other city in the country. Here you will
find fire-eaters and street artists, old river steamboats, food
to die for, old plantation homes and a music scene that can't be
beat. The French Quarter is beautiful and chaotic, particularly
during Mardi Gras. Walking through the city, you'll find little
street markets, walk up eateries and eclectic little spots like
the Voodoo Museum. The redeveloped River Walk area on the
Mississippi River is a good spot to while away the hours as are
the tours around the city. Keep in mind, New Orleans is the home
of author Anne Rice and the location of her Vampire Chronicles
book series. Words will never accurately describe New Orleans,
it is just a place you have to investigate. You will either love
the chaos or hate it.
Baton Rouge
The state capitol of Louisiana, Baton Rouge is New Orleans
without the edge. An easygoing city with a heavy French
influence, the city feels more like a place you could actually
live in compared to New Orleans. Although the city was hit by
Hurricane Katrina, it did not suffer the devastation seen in
other locations. Home to Louisiana State University, the city
has a college feel with college football being the name of the
game.
Louisiana Real Estate
Obviously, figures for Louisiana real estate are irrelevant
following the events of this year. Generally, single-family
homes averaged $200,000 throughout the state prior to the
hurricane. Appreciation rates were also a modest 6.5 percent.
If there is a silver lining to Hurricane Katrina, it is the
redevelopment that will occur throughout the state. Hundreds of
billions of dollars are flowing into the state, which will lead
to a major makeover. New Orleans, in particular, is going to get
a major face-lift with as many as 40,000 structures being
replaced. As things settle down, real estate opportunities may
be plentiful.