Rising rent in New Orleans squeezes Gen Z
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Illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios
Rent is often the deciding factor for Gen Zers debating between staying in New Orleans or leaving for more affordable markets.
Why it matters: The policies of the next elected mayor could have an impact on the housing crisis.
The big picture: New Orleans real estate agent Van Truong, who is a Gen Zer, says she's seeing her clients of all ages have trouble with rising rent prices.
- "It's not just a Gen Z problem, although it's tougher for us," she says. "The current pay and salaries don't match inflation prices."
- But Gen Z renters often rely on part-time jobs, internships or entry-level pay while juggling school costs or debt, which makes rising rent harder to absorb, she says.
- The average rent in New Orleans is $1,650 per month for a two-bedroom apartment, according to Zillow.
Case in point: Loyola student Liana Obiol, 20, says she couldn't afford a place to rent near her internship in Uptown so she opted to live at home on the West Bank and commute to work.
- Loyola student Ava Dufrene, 19, says she was priced out, too. "Apartment hunting without a roommate is almost impossible," she says.
What's next: Read how mayoral hopefuls Royce Duplessis, Helena Moreno and Oliver Thomas plan to address housing issues.
By Isabelle Kehoe Lopez, Loyola Pack News
This story is part of a special project with Loyola University mass communication students exploring Gen Z's thoughts about the New Orleans mayoral race.