Mamou has regional employers and Cajun culture in Acadiana
The small city of Mamou is a hub of Cajun culture in Acadiana. Its bars and lounges helped revive Cajun French music, and its Mardi Gras traditions are unique to central Louisiana. Roughly 3,000 people live in the community, which offers agricultural and medical jobs alongside its rich heritage. “The hospital is now the main attraction or focal point of the town, besides a few bars, like the famous Fred’s Lounge bar,” says Raymond Aguillard, a broker at DGC/Aguillard Realty who has lived in the area his entire life.
National- and ranch-style homes throughout the city
Homes sit on the city’s narrow, gridded streets, often shaded by mature maples or oaks. Lots tend to be small in town, with neighbors close by. On the outskirts, houses can sometimes sit on larger properties. National-style cottages sell between $20,000 and $90,000, while ranch-style homes go from $90,000 to $215,000.
Bars and restaurants on Sixth Street, including the famous Fred's
Sixth Street is Mamou’s main drag of locally owned restaurants and bars. Krazy Cajun Cafe serves seafood and classic Louisiana dishes. Across the street, Fred’s Lounge helped spark the renaissance of Cajun music and culture in Mamou and beyond. “They have live Cajun French music there on Saturday mornings,” Aguillard says. Otherwise, shopping tends to be centered on Poinciana Avenue on the city’s northern edge. A Family Dollar has discounted essentials, and Lyon’s Market has groceries.
The unique "Courir de Mardi Gras" celebration
Three hours away, New Orleans is known for its Carnival season, but Mamou is home to a truly unique Mardi Gras celebration. The main event is the “Courir de Mardi Gras”: In the spirit of Cajun tradition, costumed men ride on horseback throughout the town on the morning of Mardi Gras. The group stops at several homes, dancing in exchange for gumbo ingredients used to feed revelers that very night. At certain stops, riders dismount and chase live chickens; whoever catches the most is honored with an award. Fred’s is the party headquarters all week long, with Cajun music and dancing spilling out onto Sixth Street.
Commutes to cities like Opelousas and employers in Mamou
Louisiana Highway 13 is the main route through the community. Residents can commute to nearby cities like Opelousas, 25 miles away, or Lafayette, the largest city in Acadiana, roughly 50 miles away. Lafayette Regional Airport offers the closest commercial flights, with nonstop routes to hubs like Atlanta and Dallas-Fort Worth. The Savoy Medical Center in Mamou serves as a major employer in town. “There are also some large farms and then some of the other businesses that go hand-in-hand with the farming occupation, tractor dealerships and the like,” Aguillard says.
Education at Evangeline Parish Public Schools
Mamou is served by the Evangeline Parish School District, which receives an overall B grade from Niche. Students start at Mamou Elementary, rated B, followed by Mamou Junior High, which is not yet graded. Mamou High, rated B-minus, offers after-school clubs like Future Business Leaders of America and Future Farmers of America.
City parks including Landreneau and Dugas Memorial Parks
East of town, Landreneau Memorial Park has several ball fields, including the home turf of Mamou High School’s baseball and softball teams, plus a pair of small playgrounds. Nearby, Adolph Dugas Memorial Park has a playground, tennis courts and a walking path around a pond. More recreation options are available at Chicot State Park, 18 miles away. The reserve has fishing and boating on Lake Chicot, plus hiking trails and campsites along the shore. The Louisiana State Arboretum is also located in the park.
