Relocation Guide

Moving to Houma?

The heart of Bayou Country — where Cajun culture, offshore energy, and world-class seafood meet affordable Gulf Coast living just 55 miles from New Orleans.

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Houma Quick Stats

The numbers that matter most when you’re evaluating a move to Houma.

31,500
Population (City)
$182,000
Median Home Price
8% Below
Cost of Living vs National Avg
0.53%
Property Tax Rate
55 mi
Distance to New Orleans
35% Below
Housing vs National Avg

Why People Move to Houma

Discover what makes Houma a great place to call home.

🏠
Affordable Gulf Coast Living
Median home price of $182K is well below the national average. You get bayou views and Gulf access without coastal premium pricing.
Offshore Energy Hub
Houma-Terrebonne is a major base for offshore oil and gas operations, shipbuilding, and marine services — providing thousands of well-paying industrial jobs.
🍴
Cajun Culture & Seafood
Fresh-from-the-Gulf crawfish, shrimp, and oysters. More than 10% of residents speak French at home. Authentic Cajun culture you can't find anywhere else.
🚢
Deep Bayou Country
Over 2,500 square miles of swamps, bayous, and wetlands for fishing, crabbing, and exploring. Swamp tours, airboat rides, and wildlife encounters are part of daily life.
🎲
Festivals & Music
Voice of the Wetlands Music Festival, Rougarou Fest, and Mardi Gras celebrations bring the community together year-round with food, music, and revelry.
📍
Close to New Orleans
Just 55 miles southwest of New Orleans, Houma offers small-town living with big-city access for work, entertainment, and travel.

Houma Cost of Living Breakdown

How Houma compares to the Louisiana average and national average.

CategoryHoumaLouisiana AvgNational Avg
Housing (Median)$182,000$253,100$368,581
Rent (1BR)$825/mo$906/mo$1,200/mo
Groceries96 index96 index100 index
Utilities79 index82 index100 index
Property Tax0.53%0.53%1.1%
Transportation93 index97 index100 index

Notable Neighborhoods & Areas

Houma and Terrebonne Parish offer neighborhoods from historic downtown living to quiet bayou-side communities.

Downtown Houma

Historic downtown with the Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum, Folklife Culture Center, local eateries, and walkable streets. Renovated homes and cottages from $100K–$200K.

Bayou Cane

Suburban community south of Houma offering peaceful residential living, newer subdivisions, and easy highway access. Homes from $150K–$300K.

Houma Heights

Charming neighborhood on the east side of the city with classic shotgun-style homes and tree-lined streets. Homes from $80K–$180K.

Gray / Schriever

Unincorporated communities along Bayou Lafourche with a rural feel, larger lots, and family-friendly living. USDA-eligible areas with homes from $130K–$280K.

Thibodaux (Nearby)

College town 15 minutes east, home to Nicholls State University. More upscale options and a vibrant downtown. Homes from $150K–$350K.

Montegut / Chauvin

Bayou communities south of Houma with deep fishing traditions, waterfront properties, and an authentic Cajun lifestyle. Homes from $80K–$200K.

Schools & Education

Terrebonne Parish School District serves Houma and surrounding communities with solid public and private options.

Terrebonne Parish School District

The Terrebonne Parish School District operates approximately 35 schools serving around 17,000 students. The district includes traditional, magnet, and alternative school options.

Notable Schools

  • Terrebonne High School — Louisiana's second-oldest high school with strong community ties
  • H.L. Bourgeois High School — well-regarded public high school
  • Vandebilt Catholic High School — top-rated private school in the area
  • Houma Christian School — voted Bayou's Best Private School in 2024

Higher Education

  • Nicholls State University (Thibodaux) — regional university with strong nursing, culinary, and petroleum programs
  • Fletcher Technical Community College — workforce training in industrial, healthcare, and technology fields

Jobs & Economy

Offshore energy, shipbuilding, healthcare, and fishing drive the Houma-Terrebonne economy — a unique blend of industry and tradition.

Top Employers

  • Terrebonne General Health System — regional medical center
  • Edison Chouest Offshore — major marine vessel company
  • Bollinger Shipyards — ship construction and repair
  • Danos — industrial and oilfield services
  • Oceaneering International — subsea engineering and robotics
  • Terrebonne Parish School Board — education
  • Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government — local government services

Energy & Maritime Industry

Houma-Terrebonne is one of Louisiana's primary bases for offshore oil and gas support services. The Port of Terrebonne and multiple shipyards service Gulf of Mexico operations. While the energy sector drives the economy, healthcare and education provide stability during oil price fluctuations.

Buying a Home in Houma

Bayou Mortgage helps homebuyers across Terrebonne Parish — from bayou-side retreats to suburban family homes.

Market Overview

Houma's housing market offers exceptional value, with a wide range of properties from historic cottages to modern suburban homes. Flood insurance is an important consideration given the low-lying terrain, but many neighborhoods have favorable flood zone ratings.

Flood & Insurance Considerations

Given Houma's location in bayou country, flood insurance is essential for most properties. Check FEMA flood maps carefully, and factor insurance costs into your budget. Elevation certificates can significantly impact your premiums. Many newer subdivisions are built on higher ground with better flood ratings.

First-Time Buyer
Programs & assistance

Pros & Cons of Moving to Houma

Every city has tradeoffs. Here’s an honest look at Houma.

✅ Pros

  • 🏠 Affordable housing — 35% below national avg
  • 🍴 Authentic Cajun culture and world-class seafood
  • Strong offshore energy and shipbuilding jobs
  • 🚢 Unmatched bayou and outdoor recreation
  • 📍 Only 55 miles from New Orleans
  • 🌾 USDA-eligible areas for zero-down financing

❌ Cons

  • 🌪️ Hurricane and flooding risk in low-lying areas
  • 💸 Flood insurance can be expensive
  • 📈 Economy heavily tied to oil and gas cycles
  • 💧 Hot, humid summers with mosquitoes
  • 🚗 Car-dependent with limited public transit
  • 👥 Population slowly declining as industry shifts

Explore Other Louisiana Cities

Considering other areas? Check out these nearby cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about moving to Houma.

Houma offers affordable living in the heart of Louisiana's Bayou Country, with authentic Cajun culture, world-class seafood, and proximity to New Orleans (55 miles). The offshore energy and shipbuilding industries provide well-paying jobs. Tradeoffs include hurricane risk, flood insurance costs, and economic dependence on oil and gas.
The median home price in Houma is approximately $182,000, which is about 35% below the national average. Several surrounding communities qualify for USDA zero-down financing.
Terrebonne General Health System, Edison Chouest Offshore, Bollinger Shipyards, Danos, Oceaneering International, and the Terrebonne Parish School Board are among the largest employers in the area.
Houma is known as the Capital of Deep Bayou Country. Over 10% of residents speak French at home, and the area's Cajun, Creole, and Native American heritage is deeply woven into daily life. Swamp tours, fresh Gulf seafood, and festivals like the Rougarou Fest and Voice of the Wetlands make it unlike anywhere else.
Parts of Houma and Terrebonne Parish are in flood-prone areas. Flood insurance is essential for most properties. Check FEMA flood maps and elevation certificates when buying. Many newer subdivisions are built on higher ground with better flood ratings.
FHA (3.5% down), VA ($0 down for veterans), USDA ($0 down in eligible areas), and Conventional loans (3–20% down). Bayou Mortgage serves all of Terrebonne Parish and can help you navigate flood insurance considerations.

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