Bayou Vista blends small-town roots with modern amenities
Bayou Vista is a small waterfront community in St. Mary Parish where life moves slowly like the bayou. The small town has a population of about 4,000, and many residents stick around. “Most people who move to Bayou Vista are from Bayou Vista,” says Realtor Lori Broussard with Latter & Blum, who grew up in Berwick, the next town over. But despite this homegrown lifestyle, the community houses big-box stores, local businesses and a large recreation complex with multiple amenities. Plus, Bayou Vista has easy access to major roadways and a location within driving distance to the state's largest cities.
Waterfront location supports boating, fishing and outdoor fun
The Bayou Vista Recreation Park Complex is an activity hub, with a mini golf course, skate park, tennis courts, a spray pad, a playground, baseball diamonds and tennis courts. The Bayou Vista Community Center also has ball fields and a playground, as well as a gymnasium and rooms that locals can rent. The community center also hosts events throughout the year, like a fall indoor market and a chili cook-off. It’s next to the St. Mary Parish Library Bayou Vista Branch, which holds card games, art classes and more. Plus, with a location surrounded by water, Broussard says, “There’s lots of boating and fishing in the area.”
Cajun, Tex-Mex and American fare available near Route 90
Most of Bayou Vista’s shopping options sit near U.S. Route 90. “All of the businesses kind of landed right there, so a lot of people travel to that area to go shopping,” Broussard says. Some include Walmart Supercenter, Harbor Freight, Tractor Supply Co. and The Purple Lemon, a large thrift store. Many restaurants are also in this part of town. Sam’s Southern Eatery serves classic Cajun cuisine, like fried green tomatoes, po’boys, jumbo shrimp, crab cakes and more. Tampico Mexican Restaurant & Cantina offers Tex-Mex favorites, while Lolette’s Southern Soul Café dishes classic American breakfast and lunch fare. For more shopping and dining options, Morgan City is about 5 miles east.
Flood risk is low and homes are mostly single-story
Residential roads are wide and walkable. Live oak and pine trees dot small front lawns. Due to the Lower Atchafalaya River, FEMA deems this area as moderate- to low-risk for flooding. Single-story houses, like Cape Cods, ranch-style homes and New Traditionals, are common. For under $100,000, homebuyers can find a home needing significant repairs. Most prices range from $110,000 to $320,000, depending on size, age and condition.
Students zoned for the St. Mary Parish Schools district
St. Mary Parish Schools serve Bayou Vista. Students can attend Bayou Vista Elementary and Berwick Junior High, which get B-plus scores from Niche. Next, they can attend Berwick High, which earns an A-minus and is ranked as the best high school in the parish. The high school offers dual enrollment courses with Louisiana State University.
Bayou Vista has highway access but relies on cars for travel
Bayou Vista is car-dependent. The community has easy access to U.S. Route 90 and Louisiana Highway 182. Lafayette is about 60 miles away, Baton Rouge is about 70 miles away and New Orleans is about 90 miles away. Each city has an airport, with Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport being the largest. In case of emergency, Ochsner St. Mary Hospital is about 7 miles away.
Written By
Adreanna DeMarino
