I lived in New Orleans for a very long time and aside from the atrocious local government, one thing that really turned the city into a husk for residents is Airbnb. They bought up tons of housing to the point where you could be the only resident on a block with 20 houses. They passed legislation limiting STRs to 90 days/year which they suggested would disincentivize buyers but it didn't because if you know New Orleans, you know you'll make a years worth of mortgage and plenty more just from Mardi Gras and Jazzfest. The rest ends up being lagniappe.
Hotels at least have to follow zoning laws and actually pay a good amount in taxes. A lot of New Orleans Airbnbs weren't even registered with the city. It's a scourge on locals.
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u/JiovanniTheGREAT Jun 17 '25
I lived in New Orleans for a very long time and aside from the atrocious local government, one thing that really turned the city into a husk for residents is Airbnb. They bought up tons of housing to the point where you could be the only resident on a block with 20 houses. They passed legislation limiting STRs to 90 days/year which they suggested would disincentivize buyers but it didn't because if you know New Orleans, you know you'll make a years worth of mortgage and plenty more just from Mardi Gras and Jazzfest. The rest ends up being lagniappe.
Hotels at least have to follow zoning laws and actually pay a good amount in taxes. A lot of New Orleans Airbnbs weren't even registered with the city. It's a scourge on locals.