Welcome to Southeast Texas
PORT NECHES
Port Neches, Texas is a Riverfront Community located in the Mid-County (Port Neches/Groves/Nederland) area of Jefferson County, Texas some 15 miles south of Beaumont, 50 miles southwest of Lake Charles and 90 miles east of Houston. In 2014, the population of the Port Neches area was roughly 12,755. The 2015 median household income was $67,000. The City offers many amenitites including superior housing, a highly recognized school district and a variety of recreational opportunities . Port Neches is a city with a small town atmosphere and a big sense of community.
NEDERLAND
Nederland was founded in 1897 by Dutch settlers (Nederland which literally translates to “Lowland” is the Dutch name for the Netherlands which means “low lands.”) The downtown area continues to bear its English and Dutch street names today. Attractions include The Nederland Heritage Festival and began on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the town in 1973 as part of the city’s Diamond Jubilee and has become known area wide and attracts over 100,000 people over the week of festivities It includes multiple events during the week with carnival rides, pageants, a parade, golf tournament and live music to name a few.
GROVES
Groves, Texas is the third largest city in Jefferson County. In the words of our city manager, D.E. Sosa---Groves is "a great place to live, work, learn, shop and conduct business." This warm, friendly, well-kept community of 17,000 is nestled between Port Arthur and Port Neches in the heart of Jefferson County. Family entertainment is provided each year with the Texas Pecan Festival, which commemorates the planting of hundreds of pecan trees ordered by Asa Groves and planted by Wiley Choate, a foreman at Griffin Nursery. Many of these trees are still standing, making the city one of the loveliest in the area.
PORT ARTHUR
The eruption of the Lucas Gusher at Spindletop in 1901 changed the fate of Port Arthur. The port quickly began to serve the needs of the new petrochemical industry, and companies such as Gulf Oil Corp. in 1901 and Texaco in 1902 set up refining facilities in the city. By 1957 Port Arthur was known as the center of the world’s prosperous oil refining facilities. A number of celebrities have resided here like rock legend Janis Joplin, Olympic athlete Babe Zaharias, coach Jimmy Johnson, football player Joe Washington, Jr., actress Evelyn Keyes and businessman Mack H. Hannah, Jr.
ORANGE
The city is located in one of the most promising industrial areas on the fast-growing Gulf Coast. Area industries include: petrochemical products, steel fabrication, shipbuilding, rubber products, paper products, and plastics. Today, Orange offers its citizens an array of employment, recreation and shopping opportunities. The city continues to grow each day while hanging on to its signature small town charm and world-class culture, ensuring a bright future lies ahead.
AREA SCHOOLS:
Port Neches-Groves ISD
Nederland ISD
Port Arthur ISD
Beaumont ISD
Hamshire Fannett ISD
Lumberton ISD
Little Cypress-Mauriceville ISD
Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School
St. Anne Catholic School
LOCAL COLLEGES:
Lamar University
Lamar State College Port Arthur
BEAUMONT
Beaumont is home to astonishing biodiversity and historical significance. Here, history was made with the first major oil discovery that changed the world forever. Travelers come from long distances to enjoy Southeast Texas' outdoor opportunities including fishing, hunting, birding, paddling and yes, holding live alligators. On the border of Louisiana but thoroughly Texan, Beaumont embraces both brisket and crawfish. Whether you’re visiting us for a week or just a weekend, you will find comfortable and friendly accommodations along with a variety of things to do, shopping and dining options.
LUMBERTON
Lumberton is between U.S. highways 69/287 and 96 twelve miles north of Beaumont in southern Hardin County. The Gulf, Beaumont and Kansas City Railway stop was established before 1902 to serve the numerous sawmills and logging camps in southern Hardin County. Lumberton later became a residential suburb for Silsbee and Beaumont. Lumberton is home of Village Creek and The Village Creek Festival which is enjoyed by all every year. The population grew from 8,731 in 2000 to 11,943 in 2016.