A Guide to Office Space in New Orleans
New Orleans is famous for its vibrant culture and status as a significant global port.
Yet, despite its laid-back motto of “let the good times roll,” the city is also a hub of entrepreneurial spirit. In recent years, the Big Easy has transformed into a growing center for technology and entrepreneurship.
In this article, we explore why businesses are flocking to the Louisiana capital. We also showcase some of the best office spaces for rent in New Orleans, in case you want to follow suit.
Geography of New Orleans
New Orleans is situated in southeastern Louisiana, along the Mississippi River. The city’s closeness to the riverfront and the Gulf of Mexico has long established it as a trade and logistics hub.
But that’s not all New Orleans has going for it. Today, New Orleans is home to businesses in various sectors, from energy and tourism to tech.
This is in part due to the city's proximity to other major markets. Thanks to having access to five major interstate highways and direct coast-to-coast driving access via I-10, I-55, I-59, over 34.4 million people are within an 11-hour drive. Atlanta is about seven hours away by car, and Houston is five hours away.
Key business areas in New Orleans
New Orleans is home to a variety of thriving business districts, each offering unique advantages and excellent transportation links.
- Central Business District (CBD): The CBD merges the city’s industrial vibe with historic architecture, forming a business hub. The area can be easily navigated using the St. Charles Avenue streetcar, bus routes, and major roads.
- French Quarter: Known for its historic significance, the French Quarter is accessible by the Riverfront streetcar line. Walking is easy here, especially on famous streets like Decatur and Bourbon.
- Port of New Orleans: Essential for maritime business, the port supports logistics and manufacturing. It plays a significant role in the city’s global trade.
- New Orleans East Area: This area is made up largely of suburban neighborhoods and wetlands. To find more affordable solutions, businesses often consider office space in New Orleans East.
5 businesses based in New Orleans
Here are five notable companies that call New Orleans their home.
- Entergy Corporation: Entergy is a Fortune 500 energy company. It serves millions of customers in the southern United States.
- Ochsner Health System: This is Louisiana’s largest non-profit, academic healthcare system. It is known for its high-quality medical care and is a leader in medical research and education.
- Hancock Whitney Corporation: A prominent bank, Hancock Whitney provides a range of financial services.
- Tidewater Inc.: Tidewater owns and operates one of the world’s largest fleets of offshore support vessels. It plays a crucial role in the global energy industry.
- iSeatz: Founded in 1999, iSeatz specializes in digital booking solutions for the travel and hospitality industries.
Why you should rent office space in New Orleans
Renting office space in New Orleans is a smart move for businesses looking for a city that offers numerous benefits at incredibly good value.
Here are seven specific reasons why New Orleans is a prime spot for your business operations.
1. Major port city
New Orleans is a key port city that is essential for global trade networks.
It hosts the fourth-largest port in the US, connecting the interior of America to the world via the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. The city’s railroad network further enhances its logistical capabilities.
Renting office space here gives businesses direct access to this significant trade and transport hub.
2. High startup activity
New Orleans is bustling with new businesses and is known for innovation. Startups are developing quickly in sectors like clean energy, ed tech, and Web3. As such, the city has seen significant startup funding and exits, providing a fertile ground for new ventures.
To date, startups in New Orleans have raised over $600 million. The city saw more than $2.5 billion in startup exits in 2021 alone. Lucid, a visual collaboration platform, sold for around $1.1 billion in 2022, becoming the city’s first “unicorn” company.
With low operational costs and strong incentives, New Orleans offers a lower burn rate and a higher chance for growth.
3. Affordability and quality of life
Another factor pulling businesses to New Orleans is its affordability. The city offers a remarkably high quality of life, making it an attractive spot for companies and their employees.
According to The Cost of Living Index, living in New Orleans costs significantly less compared to cities like San Francisco and New York. For example, compared with Manhattan, groceries are 29% cheaper, housing costs are 72% lower, and utilities are 22% less expensive.
4. Nationally ranked business climate
Louisiana’s business climate is among the best in the nation. Indeed, the state consistently ranks high for its affordable business environment.
The New Orleans metro area stands out for its entrepreneurial activity. It ranked ninth in the US for business applications per capita in 2022.
This growth is partially driven by increasing entrepreneurship among women and people of color. Greater New Orleans is ranked in the top ten nationally for employing women and African Americans in digital media and tech jobs.
This highlights the area’s dynamic and inclusive business environment.
5. Supportive business environment
New Orleans provides an exceptionally nurturing environment for businesses. A key benefit is the Louisiana Digital Media Tax Credit, offering 25% cashback for software development in the state.
GNO, Inc. is another useful resource for businesses in New Orleans. It offers guidance for business leaders and can facilitate valuable connections. Accelerators like Idea Village and syndicates like Voodoo Ventures are other helpful support systems.
New Orleans Entrepreneur Week, held every March, is one of the many startup events that the city hosts.
6. Hub for entrepreneurs and small businesses
New Orleans is a great place for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
After Hurricane Katrina, the city changed significantly. Scott Cowen, the former president of Tulane University, observed that rebuilding efforts made entrepreneurs out of the residents. This led to a strong entrepreneurial culture and a supportive environment for new businesses.
The city offers the necessary resources for startups to thrive, including accelerators, educational programs, business services, and funding opportunities.
There’s also a wide variety of small office space in New Orleans, perfect for budding businesses looking for a place to start.
7. Travel and accessibility in New Orleans
New Orleans has excellent travel networks, providing easy access to local, national, and international markets.
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is a key hub, with 15 airlines offering non-stop flights to 53 destinations. This includes direct flights to cities like London, Frankfurt, and Toronto. New Orleans also has six major railroads.
For road travel, New Orleans connects directly to five interstate highways, including I-10, I-55, and I-59. This allows for easy travel across the country.
8. New Orleans culture
Above all, New Orleans is known for its great food, lively music, and welcoming culture. These qualities make the city appealing to businesses and their employees.
New Orleans has a unique and diverse cultural scene influenced by French, African, and American traditions. The city offers delicious Creole food and non-stop nightlife, providing plenty of options for enjoyment. Its many festivals, especially Mardi Gras, add to the city’s lively atmosphere.
This rich culture makes it a great place to live and work. This environment attracts businesses seeking an energetic place for their employees to succeed.
How much are New Orleans office space rentals?
Regarding office space, New Orleans offers cost-effective options compared to larger cities like New York and San Francisco.
For instance, Regus offers office space for rent in New Orleans from $149 to $215 per person per month. In contrast, rental costs in cities like San Francisco can soar up to $899 per person.
This makes New Orleans an attractive option for businesses who want to get more for their budget without sacrificing quality.
Office space for rent in New Orleans
If you’re looking for a new base in New Orleans, Regus can help. Whether you need space for a big team or just a small office space for rent in New Orleans, the city offers a variety of options to suit your business needs.
Here’s a look at some of the Regus office spaces available in the city.
Place St Charles
Place St Charles is a professional workspace in the heart of New Orleans. This office space is located on the 25th floor of a prominent skyscraper.
Just a few blocks from the French Quarter, it benefits from excellent transport links, including trams and buses.
The building features spacious office suites and a range of facilities that employees will appreciate. These include an on-site restaurant and an outdoor seating area. There’s even a gym and fitness room to enable a healthy work-life balance.
Its central location is also ideal for exploring after-work dining and entertainment options.
Highlights include:
- Gym and fitness room
- On-site lunch restaurant
- Outside seating area/terrace
Information about Place St Charles:
- Location: 201 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA, 70170
- Starting cost: Private offices from $175 per month
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transport links: Canal at Carondelet Bus Stop (a two-minute walk away) and St Charles at Common Tram Stop (a three-minute walk away)
650 Poydras Street
650 Poydras Street is a modern office space in downtown New Orleans. It has meeting rooms for team and client meetings and break-out areas for brainstorming or relaxing.
The address is at the corner of two prominent streets near the Federal Courthouse. It has secure parking underground. This is particularly handy given its proximity to the I-10 highway.
Many bus and tram stops are nearby, so getting there is easy by public transit, too. The Union Passenger Terminal is also less than a 20-minute walk away.
For breaks, Lafayette Square and Spanish Plaza are close by for a quick walk. This office space is ideal for law firms or businesses that need easy access to downtown and the courthouse.
Highlights include:
- Break-out areas
- Meeting rooms
- Secure underground parking
Information about 650 Poydras Street:
- Location: 650 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA, 70130
- Starting cost: Private offices from $149 per month
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transport links: Camp at Lafayette Bus Stop (a one-minute walk away), Poydras @ St Charles Bus Stop (a two-minute walk away), and St Charles at Poydras Tram Stop (a three-minute walk away)
Superdome Business Center
The Superdome Business Center is located downtown, opposite the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. It’s an excellent option if you need office space close to Mid-City New Orleans.
This Regus workspace is in a landmark building distinguished by its glass and green granite exterior. The space is warm, modern, and spacious, and disabled facilities are available.
Inside, you’ll find a business lounge and meeting rooms, providing all you need to host clients and guests.
An on-site lunch restaurant and a sandwich/coffee bar offer convenience for quick bites. However, if you prefer to step out, many cafes, restaurants, and shops are available. There are also parks nearby.
This location is especially beneficial for businesses that would benefit from being in a busy downtown area. For example, it could be a great choice for those in the sports, entertainment, or event management industries.
Highlights include:
- Business lounge
- Disabled facilities
- On-site sandwich/coffee bar
Information about Superdome Business Center:
- Location: 1615 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA, 70112
- Starting cost: Private offices from $215 per month
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transport links: Poydras + Freret Bus Stop (a one-minute walk away) and Poydras at Clara Bus Stop (a two-minute walk away)
Energy Center Building
The Energy Center Building is part of a dynamic mixed-use development. It offers beautiful river views.
The workspace is light and bright with a contemporary, artsy interior and open-plan areas. It’s designed to accommodate all of your work tasks with its phone booths, meeting rooms, and break-out areas.
Located close to US-165 and Monroe Regional Airport, it’s convenient for travel. There are also many bus and tram options nearby.
Highlights include:
- Break-out areas
- Meeting rooms
- Parking
Information about the Energy Center Building:
- Location: 1100 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA, 70163
- Starting cost: Private offices from $189 per month
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transport links: Hyatt Regency Hotel (In) Tram Stop (a two-minute walk away) and O’Keefe Ave. at Lafayette St. (a two-minute walk away)
4219 Magnolia St
Located in the Freret neighborhood, 4219 Magnolia St is a cool industrial space. The office has a friendly reception team to welcome guests and assist with daily needs.
Magnolia Street itself is surrounded by dining, shopping, and wellness options. This setting provides a lively atmosphere for businesses and offers plenty of opportunities to explore local culture and cuisine.
The space is ideal for startups, creative firms, or businesses looking for a unique, vibrant location.
Highlights include:
- Break-out areas
- Major transport links
- Meeting rooms
Information about 4219 Magnolia St:
- Location: 4219 Magnolia St, New Orleans, LA, 70115
- Starting cost: Prices available upon request
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transport links: Napoleon at Magnolia Bus Stop (a two-minute walk away) and Freret at Milan Bus Stop (a two-minute walk away)
Explore New Orleans office spaces with Regus
New Orleans provides an excellent base for both new and established businesses. From its rich culture to its supportive business environment, the city offers a lot for companies of all sizes and industries.
If you’re ready to tap into this lively city, it’s time to find your new office.
Regus provides high-quality coworking spaces and private offices to rent in New Orleans. With flexible terms, Regus allows your business to expand at its own pace, free from the limitations of long-term contracts.
Find your new office space in New Orleans today.