It is certainly true to say that out of misfortune there is always some good that comes, and where New Orleans real estate is concerned, this is most certainly true. Mention New Orleans to almost anyone in the world, and the one thing which will most likely spring to mind is the appalling tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, and the aftermath which took such a long time to clear up. But it is rare that an event like this doesn't have a happy ending, and New Orleans is experiencing that at this very moment.

When a city like New Orleans experiences such a major clearing of existing real estate, the building process can be seen not simply as a repairing and rebuilding task, but as an opportunity to create the New Orleans from a fresh perspective, a chance to start again in many significant areas. Real estate re development on the kind of scale that New Orleans is experiencing now happens very rarely, an event like Katrina is so incredibly rare that for it to happen at all is almost unbelievable. But it did happen, and so the people of New Orleans, realtors and investors are becoming very excited about the developments and building projects taking place there.

Indeed, many investors from elsewhere are coming to purchase New Orleans real estate because of the incredible way that whole sections of this city, and much of the Gulf Coast, is being re-built in ways that would never have been believed prior to the flooding. Many higher parts of the city survived relatively or entirely unscathed, and a huge proportion of the residents chose to migrate to these areas. As a result, many people have been on hand to oversee and take part in the redevelopment program, and many of the older properties on land higher up have survived.

Elsewhere, however, and it is another story. Where else in the world can you find a city where most areas of the centre are brand new, built in almost one continuous phase with designers and architects looking not simply at small, individual plots of land, but swathes of the city in one go?

It is this way of visualising the city as a whole, and planning the development of its real estate that has resulted in some of the most beautiful and enchanting areas of the city gaining a life and beauty that could only have been imagined before. Large, open grassy areas nestle comfortably and conveniently within communities that have a charm and a sense of character all their own. The French Quarter has retained its rustic charm and sense of the old world, with the famous Royal Street very much designed to appeal. On the other hand, the Garden District, which has always lived up to its name, is now one of the most fabulously designed parts of any city, with the word elegant simply doing it insufficient justice.

Of course, it isnt just investors and large building firms which have moved in and taken over. Whilst there certainly is a large amount of support there, many people have also taken to refurbishing houses which escaped the flooding enough to remain standing and secure, but need a complete gutting and starting afresh. These present interesting opportunities for people to purchase property at a very modest sum, and create a property that is either perfect for themselves, with control over almost every design aspect, or even creating a property to then sell for a profit.

For those who enjoy the opportunity of renovation, or who are thinking of starting out as a property investor, New Orleans real estate offers a tremendous choice for anyone. There are family homes of a good size which are still very modestly priced as a result of the refurbishment work needing doing, and for those just starting out, perhaps a smaller property or condo might be worth consideration?

The realtors of New Orleans have not been backward in coming forwards to help those looking to buy, invest or support the work going on in New Orleans, and if you have any interest in considering such a rare opportunity, then there will certainly be many professional and helpful agents able to discuss your budget, preferred property and area, and will be able to provide you with a wide range of choices.

However, this is not to suggest that living in New Orleans is like living in a building site. Whilst there are many building projects going on, vast stretches of the city are not only entirely renovated, but now occupied and now thriving communities, proud of their surroundings and outwardly very happy with being a part of the new New Orleans. Certainly, New Orleans real estate is one of the most exciting opportunities that has occurred so unexpectedly.