South Vacherie is a quiet community in deep South Louisiana
Settled just south of the Mississippi River, among low-lying swamps and a vibrant Creole culture, South Vacherie offers quiet living. Known colloquially as "back Vacherie," the community is a predominantly residential area of a greater region known as Vacherie – a center of South Louisiana history and Creole heritage. South Vacherie residents are near Vacherie's historic sites and particularly enjoy the region's Cajun and Creole cuisine. South Vacherie's small population of around 3,000 residents lends a close-knit feel while sitting near major cities. "It's close to Baton Rouge and New Orleans. You could hit the highways and be in either city in less than an hour," says Realtor Heather Boudreaux of Century 21 Action Realty. She's sold homes across the area for over 12 years. "It's very homey. Everybody gets along for the most part." South Vacherie has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
A mix of ranch-style, manufactured and Acadian-style homes
While South Vacherie’s entire housing stock is relatively isolated, surrounded by farms and dense swamplands, individual houses near the community’s heart are close to one another. Many homes sit on lots measuring around or under a quarter-acre, with moderately wooded, grassy yards. Several properties brush up against outlying farms and woodsy areas, offering more space; a few of these lots cover around an acre of land. Many homes were built throughout the mid-to-late 20th century, including bungalows, cottages and ranch-style homes. “The homes are very mixed,” Boudreaux says. “It’s not a highly restrictive area. You could have a $50,000 home next to a $300,000 home.” The community also features many manufactured homes and recently constructed Acadian-style houses. Housing values range from $25,000, which many need a few repairs, to $350,000.
Heading into North Vacherie for shopping and Cajun cuisine
South Vacherie’s commercial offerings are pretty limited compared to communities north of Louisiana Highway 3127. There’s a bank, a gas station and a couple of places with groceries; Dollar General and Schexnayder’s Supermarket sell essentials. Residents mainly head a few miles north for additional shopping needs. Louisiana Highway 20 is lined with restaurants, service businesses and stores. Chenier’s Seafood and Market offers crabs, crawfish and a few prepared dishes, located about 3 miles north of South Vacherie. The community is also near several restaurants on the South Louisiana Andouille Trail, including Spuddy’s Cajun Foods. The restaurant is known for its homemade andouille and slow-cooked Cajun gumbo. B and C Seafood Riverside Market and Cajun Restaurant is another popular spot on the Andouille Trail, about 6 miles from South Vacherie.
A day on Lac des Allemands
Residents enjoy the outdoors in the moderately shallow waters of Lac des Allemands, which sweeps an impressive 12,000 acres just east of South Vacherie. The lake and its bayous, vibrantly green with flanking tupelo and cypress trees, are a massive fishing hub. Anglers often pull in catfish, and locals call the lake the “catfish capital of the universe” for its healthy population of the bottom-feeding fish. The public boat launch at the end of Red Falgoust Street is typically the easiest and quickest way for residents to access the lake; it drops folks into a canal that connects with the lake in the east.
St. James Parish operates several nearby public parks. District Seven Recreation Park offers a fitness station, playground, pavilion and splash pad at the heart of South Vacherie. The park also has a sizable multi-use field used by local sports teams. Magnolia Park, located about 7 miles north of the community, is a bit bigger and has basketball courts, fields and a pavilion with several picnic tables.
St. James Parish High School offers various extracurriculars
St. James Parish Public Schools scores an overall B-plus on Niche and serves just over 3,400 students. Vacherie Elementary School, located in the community’s east end, serves pre-kindergarten through third-grade students and scores a B-plus. Fourth through sixth-graders attend Sixth Ward Elementary School, which has a B, and St. James Parish High School welcomes seventh through 12th-grade students, which has a B-plus. The high school offers various clubs and athletics, including the fishing club, cross country and football, and tailgating is popular on football game days.
Navigating St. James Parish
Residents typically depend on cars to get around, but the River Parishes Transit Authority also operates a few 10 to 12-person buses that can be reserved. Louisiana Highway 3127 is accessible just north of South Vacherie, running east toward New Orleans, about 50 miles away. St. James Parish Hospital is about 14 miles north, across the river, and is one of the nearest medical facilities. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is 37 miles from South Vacherie.
Flooding risks in south Louisiana
While much of the general region remains susceptible to flooding during severe storms, Lutcher maintains a relatively low to moderate risk of flooding. It’s not considered a Special Flood Hazard Area, but homebuyers may still want to consider purchasing flood insurance.
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Written By
Brennen Martin
