Are you looking for a new place to call home that's close enough to all Acadiana has to offer, but just far away enough to offer less traffic headaches and a little peace and quiet?

If you are, you might want to check out a tiny village in Vermilion Parish where you are welcome with open arms.

Driving on Highway 167, you might miss it but the small village of Maurice known for being home to movie star Denise Boutte, Is preparing for an even bigger role.

"Once the village exceeds the population of 1,000, we can change the status to a town rather than village" says Mayor Bob Ferguson.

Business are already up and running. There is a new fitness center, a Subway and new homes but, there is one little problem.

Before they're officially recognized as a town, they still need 39 more people to move into their village by the time the 2010 census is complete.

At last count, Mayor Bob Ferguson tells us, the village had 961 residents.

"Of course with the growth and becoming a town, there are advantages like getting more money and two extra council members."

For Derrick Chargois there is nothing better than enjoying that peacefulness, and being able to pick up his needs within just miles, something he couldn't do as a kid.

"Anytime we needed something, we had to go to town, and town was Lafayette."'

It might not be long, before Maurice is town.

Sarah Forgany