Set on Upper Galveston Bay, about 25 miles east of Downtown Houston, Baytown is known primarily as an oil city. It was officially founded in 1948 by combining three smaller oil towns, and today, over 84,000 people call Baytown home. Many residents work at local petrochemical and oil plants, including the largest ExxonMobil refinery in the U.S. and the Cedar Crossing Industrial Park, the largest industrial park on the Gulf Coast. “Baytown is truly a global industry powerhouse, and our community has a rich industrial heritage,” says Jason Calder, Baytown’s communications manager.
But the city isn’t only defined by its industry. With plenty of water nearby, Baytown is well-suited for kayaking, fishing and boating, and its wetlands attract hundreds of species of birds. And its downtown is emerging as a cultural district, with art events and multiple performance venues.
Many Baytown residents work in the nearby oil refineries.
A Baytown fishing guide steers his boat toward the dock.
Baytown Nature Center offers residents a place to kick back and take in nature.
Baytown residents enjoy a variety of watersports.
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Birding at Baytown Nature Center
Baytown is fronted by bays, creeks and bayous, making fishing, boating and other watersports a part of everyday life. The city is home to 50 parks, with many centered around water. The 500-acre Baytown Nature Center features fishing piers and miles of biking and walking trails like the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, with over 300 species of birds. Baytown also has multiple family-friendly waterparks and pools, including Pirates Bay and Calypso Cove. Public golf courses include Tabbs Bay Golf Course. There’s a Showbiz Cinemas with an IMAX theater off Interstate 10.
Located on the banks of Burnet Bay, a walking pier is available for residents of Lynchburg.
Baytown Nature Center is not to be missed if in the area.
A fisherman cleans his catch at a public boat ramp in Evergreen Fairways.
Hike scenic trails, explore wetlands, and bike through the Baytown Nature Preserve.
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Emerging arts scene in downtown Baytown
The city’s Arts, Culture and Entertainment Council has worked to amplify the arts scene in Baytown’s small, vibrant downtown, centered around Town Square park. “We formed seven years ago to help bring more people downtown, and it worked,” says Yvonne Thomas, a local artist and president of the Arts, Culture and Entertainment Council. “We hold all types of events like art walks, a Latin festival, Oktoberfest [and] a Christmas on Texas Avenue festival.” Downtown features arts-focused attractions like the Art Alley, a street blanketed in colorful murals and floating umbrellas, and the Baytown Sculpture Trail, which covers four blocks of Texas Avenue. Baytown Little Theater, Lee College Performing Arts Center and the Art League of Baytown also add to the city’s cultural scene.
A Baytown family enjoys the murals located in the downtown art district.
Baytown has a deep appreciation for art.
Baytown Art League has been in operations for decades.
A Baytown artist's work entitled "I wanna go home" is pictured.
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Dining along Alexander Drive
Downtown Baytown has multiple bars, small coffee shops and cafes along Main Street and West Texas Avenue. Most of the city’s restaurants are along Alexander Drive, Market Street and Garth Road, with small Mexican, Cuban, Caribbean and Indian eateries as well as fast-food chains. Garth Road is also lined with shopping centers, large grocery stores and medical offices. San Jacinto Marketplace is under construction on 105 acres along I-10 and will be a major shopping and dining area when it opens, scheduled for 2028.
Starbucks, located a short drive from Lynchburg, offers hot coffee and fresh pastries.
Kroger is one of several grocery stores located in Baytown.
There are several shopping centers in Baytown.
Residents of Lynchburg can run by nearby Buc-ee's for fuel and snacks.
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Well-rated schools in Goose Creek CISD
Baytown students attend schools in the Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District, which holds a B-plus rating from Niche. The district has 29 schools, with three new elementary schools and a district-wide robotics center. Impact Early College High School is one of Goose Creek CISD’s highest-rated schools, and the only district high school to have an A rating from Niche. Lee College, which shares a campus with Impact Early College, is a community college located in downtown Baytown.
Lee College is located in Baytown, TX.
Located near Lynchburg, Robert E. Lee High School offers a diverse range of academic programs.
Alamo Elementary School offers classes for grades K-5 for the greater Baytown area of Texas.
Gentry Junior High School offers classes for grades 6-8 in the greater Baytown area.
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Median home price lower than Houston
In September 2024, the median home price in Baytown was around $260,000, below the median price for Houston, which was $336,000. Smaller homes from the 1940s to the 60s are located in and around downtown, starting from around $80,000 for fixer-uppers up to about $250,000 for renovated homes. Larger, newer homes tend to populate the city north of downtown, where prices range from about $215,000 to the mid-$400,000s. New construction is less common, but homes are rising in Rollingbrook Estates subdivision, with prices from $250,000 to $350,000.
Single family homes are becoming more prevalent in the Baytown area.
A row of traditional style homes accompany a quiet street in Baytown.
A row of two story homes sit along a quiet cul-de-sac road in Baytown.
A single story home sits underneath mature trees in Baytown, Texas.
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Over the Fred Hartman Bridge to Houston
Baytown residents can use Texas State Highway 146 and the Fred Hartman Bridge to reach the south side of Houston. Texas State Highway 330 and Interstate 10 provide a direct route to downtown Houston, about 25 miles west. Harris County METRO operates the Baytown Park and Ride, where commuters can take an express bus route into downtown Houston. Baytown has an airport for private planes; Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport is a 25-mile drive, and the George Bush Intercontinental Airport is 35 miles away. There are three major hospitals in the city, including BMC Baytown Hospital.
The Fred Hartman bridge has come to be a staple of the Baytown area.
Downtown Houston can be seen from Midtown.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport is located just a short drive from East Aldine.
Various bus stops are located throughout the area in Mount Houston.
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Baytown’s risk of chemical emissions and crime data
Baytown has hot summers with temperatures in the 90s and mild winters with lows in the 40s. Wind coming off the bay makes Baytown less humid than other areas near Houston. However, because it’s next to water, the city is frequently hit hard during storm season, and Hurricanes Carla, Alicia, Ike and Harvey heavily damaged Baytown. The city’s industry also poses some risks. There have been hundreds of chemical releases and fires in Baytown since 2015, including a 2019 explosion at the ExxonMobil plant that injured 66 people. The local government provides all residents with information on emergency preparedness, especially for hurricanes and chemical accidents.
Baytown’s violent crime rate has inched upward since a city-wide low in 2017 but is still far lower than the historic highs reported in the 1990s. According to local police data, over 6,000 total crimes were reported in 1990, compared to 3,361 total crimes in 2023. Of those, 1,930 were for theft/larceny.
Written By
Delaney Murray
Video By
Mary Desmond
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Baytown, TX sell after 133 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Baytown, TX over the last 12 months is $264,990, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This move-in ready 4-bedroom, 2-bath home is the kind buyers wait for—meticulously maintained, beautifully finished, and designed to live larger than its square footage. The open-concept layout and split floorplan create both spaciousness and privacy, while luxury vinyl plank flooring and espresso shaker-style cabinetry add warmth and style. The kitchen comes complete with stainless steel
Built by Lennar in 2022, this move-in ready home offers 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and has been meticulously maintained. Fresh interior paint throughout gives the home a clean, modern feel. Step outside and enjoy the extended concrete patio slab, providing the perfect space for outdoor entertaining, relaxing, or creating your own backyard retreat. Additional side-yard concrete was added for
Vianey Nieto
Nan & Company Properties - Corporate Office (Heights)
UNBELIEVABLE NEW D.R. HORTON 4 BEDROOM ONE STORY IN THE RIVERSIDE ESTATES COMMUNITY! LOCATED ON HUGE HOMESITE! 3 CAR GARAGE! AMAZING Floorplan Perfect for Entertaining! Fantastic Gameroom/Flexroom Space Can Also Serve as a Home Office! This Lovely Home is Filled with Designer Details and Offers Tons of Options for Modern Day Living! Wonderful Island Kitchen with SO Much Storage and Amazing
Better Than New in Baytown! Why wait for new construction when you can have a meticulously maintained, move-in ready home with thoughtful upgrades and all appliances included NOW? Upgraded ceiling height with taller doors and an open-concept layout create a bright, spacious feel that lives larger than the square footage. The island kitchen features luxury vinyl plank flooring, and a dedicated
FOR SALE OR LEASE! Lovely 4 bedroom townhome with one bedroom down plus larger primary bedroom up, 2 full baths and covered assigned parking. Nicely updated with neutral paint and wood look LVP flooring. Ready for immediate move in!
Nestled along the bayou, this charming home brings you 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a 2-car garage on almost 1 acre of land. The inviting living room features a cozy fireplace, while the spacious back deck with a barbecue nook is perfect for outdoor gatherings. With vacation-like views and endless comfort possibilities, this property offers a great location with quick access to all city amenities
This move-in ready 4-bedroom, 2-bath home is the kind buyers wait for—meticulously maintained, beautifully finished, and designed to live larger than its square footage. The open-concept layout and split floorplan create both spaciousness and privacy, while luxury vinyl plank flooring and espresso shaker-style cabinetry add warmth and style. The kitchen comes complete with stainless steel
Welcome Home! This fully renovated 2-story home offers 5 beds, 2.5 baths. The 1st floor features sleek black tile flowing through the entire home! The kitchen boasts black cabinets w/ gold hardware, a white backsplash, & a gold-finish sink overlooking the living area. The primary bedroom includes a striking black-and-gold accent wall, pendant lighting, & modern ceiling fan, while the ensuite
Beautifully remodeled home taken down to the studs, offering the feel of new construction within an established neighborhood. This property has been thoughtfully updated throughout with modern finishes, refreshed living spaces, and improvements designed for everyday comfort and functionality. The kitchen features updated cabinetry, generous counter space, and the refrigerator is included, making
Super cute and full of potential, this 3-bedroom, 1-bath home sits on a 0.121-acre lot and offers a comfortable layout with added functionality. A standout feature is the large utility area located in the rear storage building, providing excellent space for laundry, hobbies, a workshop, or extra storage. With additional storage options on-site, you'll have plenty of room to keep everything
Beautiful four-bedroom, 2.5 bath home featuring spacious, open living areas and an inviting in-ground pool. Perfect for relaxing and entertaining. Stunning updates throughout. The kitchen shines with updated granite countertops, stylish backsplash, and ample workspace with a large island. There is beautiful oakwood flooring through the downstairs living areas. An updated fireplace serves as a
Luxury, lifestyle, and unforgettable entertaining come together in this extensively upgraded home designed for both comfort and show-stopping gatherings. Inside, every detail was thoughtfully designed—from the stunning custom living room and office built-ins to the floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace featuring a one-of-a-kind mantle. The media room offers custom built-ins and a sliding barn door.
Charming home with great potential, this 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom property offers a functional layout with well-used space. While it is an older home, it retains its character and its original hardwood floors. This cozy home also offers a great nice backyard!!!
Discover 4705 Meadowood, a home where smart improvements and classic style come together. The traditional red brick exterior delivers lasting curb appeal and a welcoming presence from the street. Inside, soaring ceilings and generous natural light enhance the open design, creating a space that feels bright, comfortable, and connected. The kitchen is appointed with custom Corian countertops and
This charming Baytown property is truly move-in ready and packed with features designed for comfort and enjoyment. The open-concept home showcases a kitchen with custom cabinets, granite countertops, and breakfast bar. There's even room for a breakfast table. The family room has a wood-burning fireplace, laminate and tile flooring throughout the main areas. An extra living space provides
WATER, SEWER AND TRASH INCLUDED, just pay for electric. Beautiful and well-maintained unit located in a quiet and convenient area of Baytown! This spacious home offers a comfortable layout with plenty of natural light throughout. The kitchen features ample cabinet space and flows seamlessly into the living and dining areas, perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The bedrooms are generously
Welcome to The Cottage Green Baytown, a brand-new cottage-style rental home community designed for comfort, privacy, and modern living. Offering thoughtfully designed 1, 2, and 3-bedroom bungalow and cottage homes, residents enjoy spacious interiors, private fenced yards, covered patios, and a lifestyle that feels more like home than apartment living.Now officially open with our
Lovely 4 bedroom townhome with one bedroom down plus larger primary bedroom up, 2 full baths and covered assigned parking. Nicely updated with neutral paint and wood look LVP flooring. Ready for immediate move in!
Welcome to Sapphire Bay Apartments in Baytown TX Only thirty minutes from downtown Houston, this brand-new community offers ultramodern amenities and unparalleled convenience. Located in charming Baytown, Texas, Sapphire Bay is truly a gem; featuring generously spaced one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans and state-of-the-art home amenities like plank-style wood flooring, large
Pristine and well maintained 2 bed 2 bath condo conveniently located near major freeways ready for it's new tenant. The property includes two parking spaces, one of which is covered. Residents can take advantage of community amenities, such as a clubhouse, two swimming pools, and picturesque mature trees. Conveniently situated near shopping centers. FURNITURE IS NOT INCLUDEDSchedule a showing
Discover all that awaits at The Barrow! Our new apartments in Baytown, TX will easily suit the needs of every resident. In each of our spacious 1, 2, and 3 bedroom floor plans, residents will find all-new features around every corner and all that they need for a life of ease. Throughout our community, the indoor and outdoor spaces will offer residents the perfect place to spend their days. No
Welcome to 10819 Redwood Dr – a charming and move-in-ready home in a quiet Baytown neighborhood! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath property offers a spacious living area, fresh interior paint, and vinyl and tile flooring throughout for easy maintenance. The kitchen features ample cabinet space and opens to the dining area, perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The primary suite includes an en-suite
Welcome home to Grand Bay, the newest in luxury on Houston's east side. Residents will enjoy a premiere location with convenient access to shopping, major highways, schools, and entertainment. Grand Bay is a pet-friendly community with a large pet park for those canine family members. With various upscale amenities, coming home will feel like a getaway! Whether relaxing in a resort-style
Charming 3/2/2 Brick home in sought-after Barbers Hill school district! First Time Rental! Recently updated with Easy to care for LVP flooring, no carpet. Open kitchen with 42" cabinets, stainless steel appliances and gas stove. High ceilings with cozy living area with tiled fireplace. Split plan layout perfect for families. Primary bath features separate tub and shower. Relax on the huge covered
Experience elevated living at The Park at Sorrento. Our thoughtfully designed apartment homes offer spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans with modern interiors, fully equipped kitchens, generous storage, and private patios or balconies.Residents enjoy a full suite of community amenities designed to enhance daily life, including a sparkling swimming pool, fully
Welcome to 5102 Parsley St in Baytown! This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a comfortable layout and a spacious, fully fenced backyard with plenty of room to relax, entertain, or enjoy outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for your first home, downsizing, or adding to your investment portfolio, this property offers a great combination of functionality and outdoor space. New flooring
Experience refined living in a secluded apartment community designed for privacy and breathtaking views. Enjoy exclusive access to a private fishing dock and a resort-style swimming pool, all set within a peaceful, hidden setting. With natural beauty, quiet surroundings, and thoughtfully curated amenities, our community offers an elevated lifestyle that feels both serene and effortlessly upscale.
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