Along the bayous of Terrebonne Parish is Houma, named for the Native American tribe United Houma Nations. Today, about 33,400 residents from many cultures have shaped the city’s atmosphere and traditions, including Cajun, French, African American and Native American. “Our culture, our people – I just don’t feel like there’s anything like that everywhere I go,” says Kelli Guidry, resident and Realtor with Real Broker LLC. She is not the only one to say this; one of her clients expressed the kindness and support he saw following Hurricane Ida in 2021. “He was like, ‘Kelli, I have lived all over. Never have I been to a place where people came together like they did in this area.’ But it’s not just during tragedy that our people are like that. Our people are always like that.”
Houma is the parish seat of Terrebonne Parish. Major employers include the school district, Gulf Island Fabrication, Pride Offshore and Terrebonne General Medical Center.
Gators glide through the waters of the bayou's of North Houma.
Celebrate creativity and nature at the Bayou Art Festival in Downtown Houma.
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Housing prices impacted by insurance
Older homes, such as mid-twentieth century shotguns like those in North Houma and Houma Heights, comprise a large percentage of the city’s housing market. Most of the newer construction is west of the Intracoastal Waterway, in neighborhoods like Sugar Mill and Summerfield Place. The median price is $218,000, significantly lower than the National Association of Realtor’s national figures; however, some new or renovated properties are close to $400,000. While Guidry acknowledges that housing prices “may seem like it’s really affordable,” she expresses concerns about the impact of home insurance. “Our insurance is continuing to increase,” Guidry says. According to Value Penguin, Houma’s insurance rates are about 30% higher than the national average.
Acadian homes stand out in Manchester neighborhood.
Cape Cod and American Traditional style homes line certain Mulberry streets.
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Hurricane preparedness in Houma
For most of the year, Houma has a humid, sometimes muggy, climate; January is the driest month. The hottest months are between May to September, with temperatures between 65 and 90 degrees. “It’s essential to know that Houma’s location in Terrebonne Parish means a close connection to the water, so flood preparedness and understanding hurricane season are important,” Morvant says. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Terrebonne Parish has a relatively high risk of hurricanes. The parish’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is responsible for making evacuation plans and response teams, as well as updating residents as a storm develops. There is a levee system designed to minimize flooding.
A cottage with an elegant front porch and some tropical plants out front.
Houma Heights is a small neighborhood on the east side of the city.
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Private schools affiliated with religious institutions
Houma is part of Terrebonne Parish Public School District, which earns an A-minus from Niche and offers school choice. Residents can also elect to send their kids to private school; many are associated with religious institutions, including St. Francis de Sales School, a Catholic school for pre-kindergarten through seventh grade. Houma Christian School was voted Bayou’s Best Private School in 2024. Nicholls State University is about 15 miles away, in the neighboring city of Thibodaux.
Southdown Elementary School encourages Crescent students to be their best.
Oaklawn Junior High School gets a B from Niche and covers grades 6-8.
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Car-dependent city about 60 miles from New Orleans
Houma residents primarily rely on their cars to get around. Highways like Louisiana Route 182, also called New Orleans Boulevard, connect to U.S. Route 90 and leads about 60 miles to Downtown New Orleans. Terrebonne Parish works with Good Earth Transit to run several bus routes in the area. Although the Houma-Terrebonne Airport is in the area, it is used primarily for industrial flights. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is nearly 45 miles away and offers over 50 nonstop destinations.
Revitalization efforts in Downtown Houma
Bayou Terrebonne runs through Downtown Houma, bordered by eateries and boutiques. Besides being the heart of Houma’s dining scene, there are museums, like the Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum, art galleries and plays at La Petite Theatre. Hurricane Ida heavily impacted downtown. “Developments are underway to enhance our Downtown Houma buildings that were devastated by Hurricane Ida,” Morvant says. One such building was Finding Our Roots African American Museum, which had to close following the storm but has reopened as a mobile museum housed in RV. Revitalization efforts go beyond repairing the damaged buildings. The Hache Grant Association (HGA) is a nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing Terrebonne Parish; its current project, “Start at the Heart,” includes building floating docks and kayak launches that let out onto Bayou Terrebonne. Part of the HGA’s funding comes from the annual Bayou Terrebonne Boucherie. Major retailers like Target and chain restaurants are along Martin Luther King Boulevard and Highway 311.
Everyone is falling in love with Elysian Park neighborhood.
Shotgun shacks are readily available throughout Houma Heights.
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Mardi Gras and Southern Louisiana celebrations
Like much of Louisiana, Houma has no shortage of Mardi Gras festivities. Over 10 krewes ride through the city, with parades starting a week before Mardi Gras Day. Other events celebrate Southern Louisiana culture, including the Rougarou Fest, and unique events like the annual Maw Maw Walker, a pub crawl where participants dress up as grannies.
Check out the annual Rougarou Festival in Houma, with rides, vendors and more.
The live music goes for three days straight at the annual Rougarou Festival near Houma Heights.
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On the bayou and at Bayou Country Sports Park
As part of Louisiana’s Bayou Country, Houma is home to a rich ecosystem with marshes, swamps and wetlands. Kayakers can paddle through the bayous – watching for alligators - and many go fishing or crabbing. Bayou Country Sports Park is the largest park in the region, with a final plan that spans 140 acres. While it is still being developed, its current iteration includes a softball and baseball complex, a beach, and a regularly stocked fishing pond. There are several other neighborhood parks throughout the city. “In the Louisiana heat and on those really sunny days, Lafayette Park is such a great one because it has a whole lot of pine trees,” Guidry says. “You’re able to get outside and not be beat down by the sun.”
The spirit of the gulf can be felt throughout all of the Crescent neighborhood.
Enjoy the day in Downtown Houma near Elysian Park.
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Written By
Zia Sampson
Photography Contributed By
Jack Adams
Video By
Kevyn Harris
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Nicole Falgout,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Houma, LA sell after 106 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Houma, LA over the last 12 months is $239,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home designed for both comfort and entertaining! This well-maintained property features a bright sunroom perfect for relaxing year-round, along with a beautifully updated kitchen remodeled in 2018. The hall bathroom was recently renovated in 2023, adding a fresh, modern touch. Step outside to your private backyard oasis, complete with a sparkling pool that was
Welcome to 461 Highridge Drive in Houma—where peaceful country living meets modern convenience. Nestled on 1.5 unrestricted acres, this beautifully updated home offers privacy, space, and an abundance of amenities both inside and out. Enjoy your own private 120 x 80 ft stocked pond filled with bass and perch. Located just minutes from Dularge Marina, you'll have quick access to some of the area's
Welcome to this beautiful home in the desirable Sugarwood subdivision! Featuring a spacious split floor plan, this home offers custom details and timeless finishes throughout. Before entering, you'll be welcomed by a charming fountain that adds to the homes beautiful curb appeal! Enjoy soaring cathedral, tray, and vaulted ceilings, elegant triple crown molding, a custom fireplace, stainless steel
Seller is Offering $6,500 in closing costs and pre paid items with an acceptable offer!! Welcome to this stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home that perfectly blends classic charm with modern upgrades. This 2,772 sq ft residence spans two stories and showcases the beauty of its original wood floors, preserved to maintain its timeless character. Renovated in 2022, the home offers a seamless fusion of
?? Exclusive Opportunity: Spectacular Estate-Sized Parcel Awaits! ???? Unveiling a rare gem in the real estate market, we proudly present an expansive and prestigious lot that dreams are made of! Behold, a remarkable opportunity to secure your very own piece of paradise! ?? Enchanting Expanse: Discover a sprawling canvas in a sought-after location, waiting to be transformed into your ultimate
Over $80,000 UNDER last appraisal!! 30 acres of TREE-Mendous land with a horse barn and arena!! Do you own horses? This home is for you! Previously appraised at $780,000!! Room for all of the family and all of the animals! If home steading is your dream, it can come true right here minutes from downtown Houma! Everything you need for you, family, friends and the horses and cows! This is a
?? Exclusive Opportunity: Spectacular Estate-Sized Parcel Awaits! ???? Unveiling a rare gem in the real estate market, we proudly present an expansive and prestigious lot that dreams are made of! Behold, a remarkable opportunity to secure your very own piece of paradise! ?? Enchanting Expanse: Discover a sprawling canvas in a sought-after location, waiting to be transformed into your ultimate
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained family-friendly property offering incredible curb appeal, modern updates, and a spacious layout designed for comfortable living and entertaining. Nestled on a large lot with mature landscaping and a giant fully fenced backyard, this home is move-in ready and packed with features buyers are searching for. Step inside to soaring cathedral and high
Investor special! This property is in poor condition and will require significant repairs, including roof damage and flooring repairs, making it well-suited for experienced investors or renovation specialists. Great opportunity to restore, renovate, or add to your investment portfolio. Property sold as-is with seller making no repairs.
2 beautiful lots together for only 25,000.!! (on 1 parcel) Take advantage of this crazy low price!! Large subdivision lots in curve of street. Build your dream home. (all info to be verified by buyer)
?? Exclusive Opportunity: Spectacular Estate-Sized Parcel Awaits! ???? Unveiling a rare gem in the real estate market, we proudly present an expansive and prestigious lot that dreams are made of! Behold, a remarkable opportunity to secure your very own piece of paradise! ?? Enchanting Expanse: Discover a sprawling canvas in a sought-after location, waiting to be transformed into your ultimate
This home has been refreshed, walk in to updated laminate flooring and recently painted walls. Livingroom has been transformed to an open concept, with a walk in utility and two large storage closets. Kitchen has a dine in space, solid wood cabinets, and stone countertops and. Appliances were changed shortly after sellers purchased. All bedrooms are located on the same side of the home, which is
R E D U C E D to 0NLY $165,000 ! ! This well-maintained home with BRAND NEW FLOORS is an incredible opportunity. Nestled in an established and convenient neighborhood, this inviting property offers comfortable living with a functional layout designed for both everyday life and entertaining. Inside, you'll find a warm and cozy atmosphere that is move in ready. You will also enjoy a large backyard
WESTGATE!! Beautiful, clean, and affordable home in the desirable Westgate Subdivision. Just minutes away from MLK and downtown Houma. This is "move-in Ready". 3 bedroom, 2 bath with storage shed and fencing. Enjoy the convenience of this great location on the west side of Houma!! Recently appraised.(all info to be verified by buyer)
(OWNER WILLING TO RENT AS WELL) UPDATED HOME at an affordable price. Great for personal or investment purposes. This remodeled 3 bedroom home is conveniently located near most of Houma's shopping areas. Enjoy the beautiful view of Terrebonne bayou in the back yard as well. (*More pictures to come.)
New construction rental in downtown Houma! This 3 bed, 2 bath duplex has it all. Washer and dryer hookups, plus a refrigerator, dishwasher and stove already included. The open floor plan gives you plenty of room to spread out, and there's great storage throughout along with spacious bedrooms. Message me for details if you're interested in taking a look!
Welcome to Ansley Place Apartments — where comfort meets convenience in the heart of Houma! Our beautifully maintained community offers spacious 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom floor plans designed to fit every lifestyle. Whether you're looking for a fresh start, more space, or a cozy place to call home, Ansley Place has the perfect apartment waiting for you.
2 Bedroom 2 Bath nice mobile home on a private lane for rent. $1,000. per month. schedule a showing today. These usually go fast. (all info contained within to be verified by tenant)
No Minimum Credit Score requirement for our beautiful newly renovated Fully Furnished property. Welcome to a unique living experience in the heart of the Houma business district—where convenience meets comfort. This thoughtfully updated property blends the ease of apartment living with the amenities of a boutique hotel.Enjoy beautifully renovated units featuring fresh interiors, modern
Discover newly renovated living at Acadia Park Apartments! Select homes now feature new flooring, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, in-home washer and dryer, and upgraded finishes throughout. All homes include private outdoor living space and oversized closets.Our community offers oversized swimming pool, shaded courtyards, onsite laundry facilities, pet-friendly living,
Enjoy an effortless lifestyle at the Landing Apartments at Bayou Cane, a gated pet-friendly community in Houma, Louisiana with classically designed apartments in a connected community atmosphere. The Landing features spacious studio, one, two and three-bedroom homes with enviable amenities and a first-class lifestyle. Enjoy fully-equipped kitchens with an abundance of counter space, wood vinyl
Discover modern comfort and convenience at 3594 Friendswood Drive in Houma, Louisiana — a beautifully renovated 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath apartment offering fresh finishes in an up-and-coming neighborhood less than 3 miles from downtown.Step inside to enjoy granite countertops, new fixtures, and an open floor plan designed for easy living. Each home includes washer and dryer hookups, spacious
At Quail Court Apartments, we pride ourselves upon providing a convenient lifestyle for our residents. We are located in the heart of Houma, LA -- just minutes away from shopping, restaurants, entertainment and more! In our spacious 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, we have the perfect apartment to suit your needs. Each apartment home has a fully-equipped kitchen, bath, and comes with 2 large
Where you choose to call home is an important decision. After all, it’s the foundation of where you begin and end each day. That’s why we’ve designed our one, two and three bedroom apartments with all the comforts and conveniences you need for extraordinary living.From outstanding architectural design to our charming pond, Belmere Apartments is an extraordinary community designed to
Welcome to Southdown Pavilion, a welcoming apartment community in the heart of Houma, offering comfortable living with convenient access to everything you need. Located at 3166 Highway 315, this community places you near shopping, dining, schools, and major employers while maintaining a peaceful residential atmosphere.Designed with practicality and comfort in mind, Southdown Pavilion features
We know a place to call home is one of the most important personal decisions you’ll make. Our community caters to your every need. Our interiors are meticulously designed with your utmost comfort and convenience in mind. Our exquisite community features will inspire you to take a little time to enjoy the finer things in life. Cameron Isles Apartments is ideally located near shopping, dining,
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