Living in the 337 Homebuyer’s Guide for Acadiana

🌿 Welcome, y’all! You’re home in Cajun Country!

Buying a home in Acadiana isn’t just about bedrooms and bathrooms, it’s about belonging.  From Lafayette to St. Martinville, Breaux Bridge to New Iberia, each parish has its own rhythm, flavor, and story to tell. In this Living in the 337™ Homebuyer’s Guide, I’m sharing everything you need to know about buying a home in Cajun Country, from local festivals and hidden gems to what to watch for in flood zones and inspections.  Whether you’re eyeing a cottage under the oaks in New Iberia or a brand-new build in Youngsville, this guide will walk you through how to buy smart, live local, and love where you land.

I’m Alyson Finch, REALTOR® with District South by Real Broker, and this is what I do best — helping you find your home (and your people) in the 337.

📍 Get to Know the Acadiana Parishes

Acadiana is made up of several parishes with each parish in Acadiana having its own heartbeat and rhythm...and trust me, they all dance to their own tune.

Lafayette Parish

The heart of Acadiana.  It's lively, flavorful, and full of opportunity. Bustling with energy, music, food, and job opportunities. Perfect for those who love convenience mixed with culture.

St. Martin Parish

Think slower pace, bayou views, and a strong sense of community. If you want a small-town feel within a short drive to Lafayette, this is your spot.

Iberia Parish

Rich with history and Spanish moss, Iberia is where charm meets character. You’ll find historic cottages, oak-lined streets, and neighbors who wave before you even park.

Vermilion Parish

Peaceful countryside, coastal charm, and space to breathe. Great for those wanting land or a quieter lifestyle.

Acadia Parish

Crawfish ponds, family festivals, and that old-fashioned small-town spirit. This area is full of roots, rhythm, and heart.

👉 Alyson’s Tip: Spend a weekend exploring! Grab lunch at a local eatery, talk to shop owners, and get a feel for the culture. You’re not just buying a home, you’re choosing a lifestyle.

🎶 Things to Do While You Explore

House hunting is a lot more fun when you mix in a little adventure! Here’s how to fall in love with Acadiana while you search:

• 🥐 Sip coffee and browse the Lafayette Farmers & Artisans Market at Moncus Park.

• 🚤 Cruise Bayou Teche by kayak and take in the cypress views.

• 🍽️ Try the fried green tomatoes, Breaux Bread or Teche Wellington at Café Sydnie Mae in Breaux Bridge (trust me on this one).

• 🪗 Dance the morning away at a Zydeco brunch...yes, it’s a real thing, and yes, it’s amazing.

• 🎡 Catch the Sugarcane Festival in New Iberia or the Duck Festival in Gueydan.

Acadiana doesn’t just sell homes, it sells connection.

⚠️ What to Watch Out For (Because Every Paradise Has Its Quirks)

Louisiana living is full of charm — but it also comes with a few things you’ll want to keep your eyes open for.

• Flood Zones: Gorgeous bayous and coastal areas sometimes come with high water. Always check FEMA flood maps and factor insurance into your budget.

• Older Homes: Those Creole cottages are full of personality — and occasionally plumbing surprises. Get a thorough inspection.

• Foundation Settling: Louisiana soil likes to move. Small cracks aren’t always bad, but an inspector can tell you if it’s cosmetic or structural.

• Hurricane Prep: Be storm-ready — ask about wind coverage, generators, and storm shutters.

• Rural Connectivity: Thinking of going off-grid? Make sure you’ve got reliable internet and phone service first.

👉 Alyson’s Tip: Never skip the inspection or insurance quote stage — what you learn there could save you thousands. 

💛 Alyson’s Insider Tips for Homebuyers in the 337

These are the real-life lessons I’ve learned helping buyers across Acadiana:

• Do the final walkthrough -  no exceptions. It’s your chance to make sure everything’s in working order before you sign.

• Check school zones and resale value -  even if you don’t have kids; those factors affect long-term investment.

• Understand the neighborhood flow - visit at different times of day, morning, evening, and weekend, to get the full vibe.

• Get pre-approved early -  it gives you power in negotiations and peace of mind during the hunt.

• Partner with a local expert -  someone who knows the soil, the flood maps, and the feeling of each community. (Spoiler alert: that’s me!)

🌸 Final Thoughts

Buying a home in Acadiana isn’t just about signing a contract; it’s about planting roots in a place that values connection, community, and a good gumbo. When you buy here, you’re joining a story that’s centuries in the making, one where neighbors lend sugar, parades pass right in front of your house, and Friday nights mean football, family, and fried catfish.

💛 Whether you’re buying your first home or your forever home, I’m here to guide you every step of the way, Cajun style.

 📥 Download Your Free Resource

Before you start shopping, grab my Living in the 337 Homebuyer Guide — your guide to how to prepare for your home search!!

 👉 [Download the Checklist Here]