Since construction for the new Meta AI data center began in Richland Parish, the City of Monroe has experienced an upward tilt in the real estate market. According to Linda Edwards, a realtor at John Rea Realty, the market has "skyrocketed" since Meta announced the project. Edwards has helped many families relocating to the region, who appreciate Monroe's small-town feel, welcoming community, parks, restaurants, and churches. Her broker and she attended Chamber of Commerce events to prepare for incoming families. Edwards emphasizes learning each family's hobbies and needs, such as shorter commutes, waterfront access, good schools, or proximity to activities, to ensure they are happy with their new location. She described a recent couple with four children and three dogs who were living in an apartment; the wife wanted a home with a full kitchen for cooking, and the husband wanted a home with a pool.