Grand Point is a rural community in the heart of St. James Parish
Deep in the low-lying River Parishes, Grand Point is framed by the Mississippi River to the south, expansive swamps to the north and prosperous tracts of tobacco and soybean farms in every direction. Settled among farmland, Grand Point remains relatively quiet, and its population of around 2,600 residents is close-knit. “It’s got that small town vibe going with it,” says local Realtor Christian Matherne of Pennant Real Estate. He’s sold homes across the region for about seven years and was born and raised in St. James Parish. “It’s very community-oriented. Everybody sticks together.” Homes in Grand Point are a bit harder to come by; folks tend to stick around after buying a home. While there’s little commercial activity in Grand Point, it’s near major highways and busier towns.
Ranch-styles and Acadian homes on sizable lots
Grand Point is defined by its relatively rural landscapes. Its roads are sun-bleached and outstretched, lined with established homes built primarily throughout the 20th century. The market is mainly single-family homes that vary in style, including ranch-style, Acadian and manufactured homes. Many buyers are picking up homes to renovate them. “You’ve got a good mix of people updating their homes,” Matherne says. “I just sold one where they’re going to go in and fix it up.” The lot sizes are generally larger in Grand Point than in neighboring communities like Lutcher and Gramercy; many homes sit on at least an acre of land. Matherne says it’s great for folks looking for land and open area. Homes generally sell for around $175,000 to $355,000.
Well-regarded athletics at Lutcher High School
St. James Parish Public Schools receives an overall B-plus on Niche and serves over 3,400 students. Pre-kindergarten through third-grade students attend Paulina Elementary School, and fourth through sixth-grade students attend Gramercy Elementary; both schools score a B. Lutcher High School offers various athletics, from swimming and volleyball to powerlifting and football. Niche ranks the school among the top 35 best high schools for athletes in Louisiana, and several students have gone on to play in the NFL and MLB. The high school scores a B-plus.
Recreation at Paulina Park
St. James Parish operates several parks and green spaces. Locals often get together for casual recreation or sports at Paulina Park, located in the heart of the community. The park features two large baseball and softball fields, with adjacent basketball and tennis courts. It also has a playground for the kids and a covered pavilion with several picnic tables. A couple of open ball fields are available for public use about 2 miles north of Paulina Park.
Exploring Louisiana's low-lying swamplands
Residents also enjoy proximity to the swamplands. “A lot of the locals like to hunt and fish,” Matherne says. “There’s a launch in the back of Grand Point, which connects to Blind River. You can’t access it at certain times of the year, so you definitely need to know the area.” At the very end of Louisiana Highway 642, where it’s graveled and undeveloped, there’s a small pier and plenty of space for boat access. There’s also nearby public land where locals hunt, including the Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area.
Grand Point has minimal commercial activity
Grand Point’s commercial activity is limited to a few businesses along Louisiana Highway 3125. “There’s not a lot going on in terms of retail,” Matherne says. “You’ve got a market, but you have to go to a town over to get anything else.” Matherne’s Market offers groceries, beer, wine and prepared meals. The family-owned spot is typically where folks go for essentials, before heading to the Winn-Dixie 4 miles away in Gramercy. Mary’s Flower and Boutiques crafts floral arrangements and sells home décor at the heart of Grand Point. Nobile’s Restaurant and Bar is one of the closest restaurants, located about 5 miles away in Lutcher. It offers cocktails and specialty meals like smothered cabbage with breaded pork chops.
Navigating St. James Parish
While Grand Point is car-dependent, residents can access scheduled services operated by the River Parishes Transit Authority. RPTA’s buses can hold up to 12 people and shuttle across the three River Parishes. Rides must be scheduled in advance. Two state highways run through the community; Louisiana Highway 44 cuts through the community’s south side, parallel to the river, and Louisiana Highway 3125 runs through Grand Point’s north end. Interstate 10 and U.S. Route 61 are accessible a few miles away; both highways connect the community with Baton Rouge, about 43 miles northwest, and New Orleans, about 50 miles east. St. James Parish Hospital is around 5 miles away, and the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is a 37-mile trip.
Written By
Brennen Martin
