Texas Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Beaumont, Texas

Population: 115,000

Located in Jefferson County

Welcome to Beaumont! Nestled on the banks of the Neches River just 30 miles upstream from the Gulf of Mexico, Beaumont is a thriving, dynamic city with a colorful past that dates back to the early French and Spanish explorers.

Incorporated in 1838, Beaumont first sprang to life as a lumber mill and trading center. But on January 10, 1901, one word changed the city's fate forever: OIL! The Lucas Gusher blew in at the Spindletop salt dome just south of town and the modern age of oil was born. Giants such as Mobil, Texaco and Gulf got their start in the days and weeks following Spindletop, and Beaumont grew to become the cradle of the industry as it is now known.

Almost half a million people call the greater Beaumont area home. Beaumont, with a population of 109,000, is the region's largest city and the seat of Jefferson County. Jefferson County along with Hardin County to the north and Orange County have 364,555 residents. Other counties, including Chambers, Liberty, Jasper, Newton and Tyler, also help make up the workforce -- and life force -- of the Beaumont area.

What's so great about Beaumont?

We're a natural and cultural crossroad, rich in history and offering the best of many worlds to visitors. Because of our proximity to Louisiana, the French "Cajun" culture seasons our food, folkways and names like Boudreaux (BUDRO) and Hebert (A-BEAR) rival Smith and Jones in the phone book. We're steeped in Southern tradition of friendliness and hospitality as well. The food is fabulous and we might as well be the world capital for savory seafood or spicy Cajun cuisine. Where else can you canoe through the Big Thicket in the afternoon, dine on barbecue crabs while overlooking the gulf and still enjoy an evening at the racetrack!

What's there to do in Beaumont?

Beaumont has all forms of recreational activity from golf on one of the area courses to picnics at one of our 35 parks, from birding to canoeing and from hunting to fresh and saltwater fishing. There's the Gulf of Mexico, the East Texas Lake Country, the Big Thicket National Preserve and we're also known as the "Museum Capital of Texas." These attractions include everything from the world class Texas Energy Museum to the small, unique museums for which the city is known for. You can enjoy entertainment virtually any day of the year, from Classical to Zydeco and from Pop and Jazz to Country and Cajun. There are river rides, swamp tours, canoe expeditions and camping - even horse racing and casino gaming in nearby Louisiana. In a word, there's EVERYTHING to do - and experience - during your stay in Beaumont, Texas.

How to Get to Beaumont

Because Beaumont is a "hub" city, you can plan to arrive via highway, air, rail, or even water. We're at a crossroads of Interstate 10 and U.S. 69/90/96/287, just 90 miles east of Houston, 280 miles from San Antonio, 25 miles from the Louisiana border, and 260 miles from New Orleans. American Eagle, Atlantic Southeast (Delta), Conquest, Continental Express, and USAir Express serve the regional Jefferson County Airport, with worldwide connections available in nearby Houston and Dallas/Fort Worth. For train transportation, Beaumont is on the Amtrak route.

How's the Weather Down There?

Beaumont has a semi-tropical climate which draws residents and visitors year-round for birding, fishing, hunting, boating, swimming, camping, and other outdoor recreation. You can count on warm, moderate days most of the year, and "sweater weather" during much of the fall and winter. Dress is casual, whether it's for dining out, shopping, or a trek to the great outdoors.