Mathews is a small residential community along Bayou Lafourche
Alongside the slow-moving waters of Bayou Lafourche, Mathews is a multi-generational community among the bayous and swamplands of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. "It's a great little place to grow up in," says local broker Paula M. Marschik, owner of Central Lafourche Realty. She's sold homes across the region for over 30 years and was born and raised in Raceland. "Pretty much everybody gets along with everybody. A lot of us are related." Several houses tend to stay in the family, but established homes still pop up on the market alongside some new construction. The community's not far from busier areas like Thibodaux and Houma, where residents enjoy rich Cajun cuisine, and nearby natural amenities encourage an outdoorsy lifestyle.
Established ranch and Acadian-style homes
Most houses in Mathews line the relatively short streets branching off Louisiana Highway 1, and between these residential pockets sit narrow, outstretched patches of farmland. Houses typically sit near the community's sunbaked streets on modest lots measuring around a quarter-acre. A few properties measure over a half-acre, particularly along Fantastic Boulevard. Some houses sit directly on the highway, overlooking Bayou Lafourche with tiny backyards and small docks. The market mainly comprises single-family homes, predominantly in ranch and Acadian styles. There are also a few manufactured homes and cottages. Housing values range from around $120,000 to $300,000 for a 20th-century home on a quarter-acre lot, to $300,000 to $550,000 for a 21st-century house on a larger lot.
Local schools score at least a B on Niche
The Lafourche Parish School District scores an overall B on Niche and serves over 14,000 students. Depending on where in Mathews they live, students may be zoned for one of four elementary schools and one of two middle schools. Lockport Lower Elementary School, serving pre-kindergarten through second-grade students, receives a B-plus, and Lockport Upper Elementary School, with third through fifth-grade students, has an A-minus. Lockport Middle School has a B-plus, and Central Lafourche High School scores a B. High school students can earn college credit through dual enrollment courses with Nicholls State University and Fletcher Technical Community College.
Fishing in local bayous and lakes
Mathews' location in the heart of Lafourche Parish puts residents near marshy bayous and expansive lakes. Lake Fields, located just southwest of Mathews, attracts local anglers. "We've caught a lot of bass and perch back there," Marschik says. "We have a few friends who have campsites back by the lake, and they have parties we go to." Residents tow their boats to Butch Hill Boat Launch in Raceland, which drops into Bayou Folse and connects with Lake Fields. The boat launch has two ramps and a sizable parking lot, often full of trucks with attached trailers. Locals can also access the lake from the Lockport Boat Launch on Bayou Lafourche, about 4 miles away. Next to the Lockport Boat Launch is Bayou Side Park, a waterfront green space with a walking trail, playground and a few picnic tables. LaTour Golf Club operates an 18-hole course near Mathews, open to the public.
Shopping along Highway 1 and local Cajun cuisine
Highway 1 has restaurants, medical offices and various stores, including Walmart, the community's go-to grocery spot. Locals also grab groceries at Marcel's Supermarket in Bayou Blue, about 11 miles away. The community features a couple of independently owned seafood markets and Mexican restaurants. Coco's Mexican Grill is a popular local spot with traditional fare and various margarita flavors, and Holly Marie's Seafood Market sells crawfish by the pound and softshell crab. The market operates out of a small, green-roofed building, and folks often pop by the drive-through for quick trips.
Also known as "Louisiana's Cajun Bayou," Lafourche Parish offers reputable Cajun cuisine from several restaurants close to Mathews. Eateries in Houma and Thibodaux offer slow-cooked gumbo, jambalaya and crawfish boil soup. Popular spots include Boudreau and Thibodeau's Cajun Cooking, about 17 miles away in Houma, and Spahr's Downtown, about 20 miles west in Thibodaux.
Navigating Lafourche Parish
Mathews is a car-dependent community, and Highway 1 is its primary highway. It runs along the community's eastern edge and connects with U.S. Route 90 just north. Houma is about 15 miles southwest of Mathews, while Thibodaux is a 20-mile trip west. New Orleans is around 47 miles away. Ochsner St. Anne Hospital is the community's primary medical facility, and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is about 35 miles away.
Risks of flooding in South Louisiana
Like much of South Louisiana, Mathews is susceptible to flooding during a severe weather event. Most properties maintain a relatively moderate risk of flooding, but a few homes are in a Special Flood Hazard Area, and buyers with homes in these areas must purchase flood insurance.
Celebration tradition at La Fete Des Vieux Temps
The Bayou Lafourche Festival Association hosts the annual La Fete Des Vieux Temps. The "Festival of Old Times" celebrates Cajun culture with traditional food, dancing and music. Festival-goers also enjoy carnival rides, cook-offs and pirogue races.
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Written By
Brennen Martin
