Moving to Louisiana? Here’s What Out-of-State Buyers Should Know

by Tracy Mathis

Louisiana is known for its Southern charm, friendly neighbors, vibrant culture, and great food — but if you're relocating from another state, there are a few things you should know before buying a home here. Whether you're moving for work, family, or just a change of pace, this guide is for you.

As the Southern Homes Team, we’ve helped dozens of out-of-state buyers relocate to the Greater Baton Rouge area. Here’s what you need to prepare for a smooth transition.

🌎 Know the Geography: Baton Rouge and Beyond

The Greater Baton Rouge area includes several desirable communities beyond just the capital city. Each offers a unique vibe:

Baton Rouge: Lively and centrally located, with historic charm and growing suburbs
Prairieville: Family-friendly with top-rated schools and newer developments
Denham Springs & Walker: Affordable options, easy commutes, and small-town feel
Central, Zachary, and Gonzales: Great school systems and community spirit

💡 Pro Tip: Your price point, school preferences, and commute will help determine which area is best for you. We can help narrow that down quickly.

💧 Understand Flood Zones and Elevation

Flooding is part of life in many parts of Louisiana — but it’s manageable with the right preparation.

Here’s what you should do:

Request a copy of the elevation certificate before offering
Review the property’s flood zone designation
Ask your insurance agent for a flood quote before closing

🚨 Bonus: We always request insurance declarations and elevation docs during inspections. We’ve got you covered.

🏡 Learn About Local Home Construction

Louisiana homes are often built with:

Slab foundations
Brick or stucco exteriors
Gutters and French drains for water flow
Hurricane straps & wind-rated roofs (especially in newer homes)

You may also notice:

Fewer basements
Tall ceilings and large porches (hello, Southern architecture!)

📋 Be Ready for the Local Homebuying Process

You don’t need to be here in person to buy! Here's what many of our out-of-state buyers do:

🔎 We schedule virtual home tours (with drone footage!)
📑 Contracts are signed electronically (we use Dotloop)
🕵️‍♂️ We coordinate remote inspections and video walkthroughs
🏠 Final walkthrough and closing can be scheduled around your move

🧳 Moving Advice from the Pros

Our out-of-state buyers always say the same thing: “We wish we had started the process sooner.”

Here’s how we make it easy:

Custom relocation checklist
Lender referrals for Louisiana programs (like USDA 100% financing)
Help with movers, utilities, and neighborhood tips

We’ve helped families relocate from California, New York, Texas, Illinois, and more — and we know how to make it stress-free.

📞 Ready to Make Louisiana Home?

Let’s start with a call, a Zoom consult, or just a quick email. We'll walk you through the process and help you find your perfect Louisiana home — no pressure, just real help.

📲 Call or text us: (225) 268-1110
🌐 Visit: movingto225.com
📩 Email: calltracymathis@gmail.com