Beaumont is still Boomtown – a nickname earned at the turn of the 20th century when workers tapped one of the largest oil reserves in U.S. history. Though oil is still one of the major drivers of new residents coming to this community near the Gulf of Mexico, once they get here, they come to realize it's much more than an oil town. An effort to revitalize the downtown area has brought in new business, and a combination of the area's natural landscape and a steady flow of employment tends to keep people around. Beaumont proper has a population of about 112,000 according to the US Census, but the metro population, which includes several gulf towns and smaller cities, totals around 400,000. "The majority of the people that are moving into this area are coming to work for a plant. We have a bunch of petrochemical plants around here," says Ashley Hurlbert, a Realtor with Re/Max One who has lived in Beaumont for over 15 years. It would be hard to overstate the importance of the Spindletop oil gusher in both Beaumont's history and America's history – even global history. When workers struck a payload here in 1901, companies like Texaco were formed to handle the rapid industrialization. Practically overnight, Beaumont was transformed from a quiet rice mill town into a hub for the world's new Oil Era. The petroleum industry continues to loom large in Beaumont, linking it with the nearby petro towns of Port Arthur and Orange, creating a dynasty dubbed the Golden Triangle. But industries like health care, education and government are big employers as well. In 2023, Mayor Roy West presented a strategic plan to invest over $11 million in downtown developments, including a hotel, convention center and revised Riverfront Park. Through the city website, residents are weighing in on how they want downtown to look by 2035.
Downtown Beaumont is the heart of the city.
Beaumont finds itself in the presence of nearby refineries, offering thousands of jobs.
Engage in Beaumont's artistic spirit and creative local talent.
Petrochemical plants dot the landscape of eastern Beaumont.
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Historic properties and contemporary builds
The median sale price for a home in Beaumont's metro area is around $210,000. "A lot of people come here for the affordability, especially compared to places like Houston," says Hurlbert. "And that's a lot of the reason why people tend to stay as well." Housing in Beaumont is quite diverse. Those who are used to suburban living may want to check out the west end first, where subdivisions reign, some completed as recently as the 2000s. Consider the Barrington Heights subdivision, for example. Built in the mid-1990s, it has since undergone over a dozen expansion phases. Located just off Interstate 10 on the northwest side, it's surrounded by Japanese, Italian and Greek restaurants, plus big-box amenities. Brick ranches totaling 3,000 square feet will sell at $400,000 in Barrington Heights. Compare this to the Oaks Historic District, which is still suburban in character but within walking distance to downtown. Some of the homes here are over a century old. Massive mature trees dominate the landscape, too, really drawing out the antique southern charm. A six-bedroom brick home with Colonial stylings, exuding early 1900s culture, will go for $315,000. Front yards tend to be smaller and more ornamental compared to those in newer developments like Barrington Heights, but homebuyers can still find properties with fenced backyards. Homes even closer to downtown may forgo fences completely but have the advantage of offering contemporary styles. Homes built in 2023 with modern Craftsman flair will sell at $240,000. And for those who want to sprawl out, the north side is noted for having properties with more of a rural feel.
There is a home for most budgets in Beaumont.
Ranch style homes maximize space in central Beaumont.
Colonial revival homes are a popular site in Downtown Beaumont.
Smaller cottage homes in southern Beaumont offer all kinds of curb appeal.
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A university near downtown, closely clustered public schools
Beaumont Independent School District has a C grade from Niche and has a 17-to-1 student-teacher ratio. Lamar University sits south of downtown, where 17,000 students enjoy a campus of low-slung brick buildings set amongst mature oak trees. The Master in Education program is especially popular here, but there are also specialty programs like audiology. The university is placed next to the Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum, an important marker of Beaumont's history.
Odom Middle School near Downtown Beaumont nurtures student development and achievement.
Beaumont United High School is a vibrant institution for Downtown Beaumont students.
Lamar University is Beaumont's premier higher education facility.
The Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum proudly sits on Lamar University grounds.
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Downtown Beaumont and Cajun cuisine during Mardi Gras
Downtown Beaumont continues to see an influx of new businesses, including new shops and restaurants. There are more options on the West End, as well. Tex-Mex is popular, and despite being in Texas, there's a big Cajun influence around the city. Crawfish, gumbo and jambalaya are on the menu. "We have a lot of Louisiana cuisine and restaurants. We even have a Mardi Gras here. It's got a rich Cajun culture even though it's in Texas," Hurlbert says. There are plenty of tried-and-true establishments, too. Locals will point to Rao's, which has been open since 1941. Bourbon cookies, homemade gelatos and strawberry cream muffins are some of the breakfast delights designed to tickle the tastebuds. Elsewhere in the city, customers are prompted to explore new takes on Texan cuisine – always nodding to the area's Southern heritage but with a modern twist. Speaking to the area's Cajun influence, the Southeast Texas Mardi Gras Festival is one of the biggest events in the city. This weekend-long festival has plenty of good food, carnival rides, local vendors and much more. The South Texas State Fair also takes place in Beaumont in the spring, with rodeos and livestock exhibits, among other festivities.
Rao's Bakery Coffee Cafe is a the best place to get something sweet in Downtown Beaumont.
Indulge in savory crawfish at Crazy Cajun in North End area of Beaumont.
Savor a refreshing margarita at Cafe del Rio in Beaumont.
Indulge in Tex-Mex delights at Lupe Tortilla, a culinary gem in Beaumont.
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Downtown has an array of museums
Many of the museums around Beaumont are actually former residences built in the wake of Spindletop. Together, they show the evolution of local culture from frontier town to Boomtown. The McFadden-Ward House presents captivating columns with scalloped ridges outside, and inside this large 1905 dwelling – which occupies a full city block – visitors can inspect ornate furnishings. Downtown, the Art Museum of Southeast Texas has colorful, funky exhibits and a taste for folk art. The performing arts, whether Broadway plays or ballet productions, are well represented across the city. Murals are a frequent sight outdoors, and Beaumont has a reputation for its collection of oddball public art sculptures and roadside attractions. "Beau" is a giant gator sculpture off I-10 that has become an Instagram hotspot. Another attraction is the 24-foot Dalmatian-spotted fire hydrant in front of the Fire Museum of Texas that was donated to the city by Walt Disney following the release of 101 Dalmatians.
The Art Museum of Southeast Texas in Downtown Beaumont features many different exhibits.
The famous Fire Museum of Texas is located in downtown Beaumont.
The McFadden-Ward House stands tall at over 105 years of age in Beaumont.
Take a picture in front of Beau, an alligator sculpture just outside of Beaumont.
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Efficient transportation infrastructure
The heart of Beaumont is surrounded by major transportation routes on all sides, forming an efficient square. Interstate 10 borders to the west and north, while Route 90 borders to the south and east. Neighborhoods near downtown, like the Oaks Historic District, are highly walkable. To the southwest is Beaumont Station, which is used by Amtrak for the Sunset Limited line. Buses run on key east-west streets feeding into downtown, like Calder Avenue, Liberty Avenue and Laurel Avenue – all parallel streets. Jack Brooks Regional Airport is south of the city, near Port Arthur. Beaumont is also about 60 miles from Lake Charles. "It's still so close to Louisiana, but you get the benefits of living in Texas," Hurlbert says.
Natural splendor all around
Nature is important to Beaumont's identity. Many of the neighborhood parks throughout the city are within walking distance for residents. But, according to the Trust for Public Land, only 35% of residents are within a 10-minute walk from a park. However, Beaumont is about 32 miles from the Big Thicket National Preserve, and about 60 miles from Crystal Beach. Closer to home, boat owners can set sail on the Neches River, which snakes along the eastern end of the city.
Downtown Beaumont residents love to work out at Central Park.
Cast your line and reel in some big catches along the Neches River in Beaumont.
Big Thicket National Preserve is a sprawling wilderness area located outside of Beaumont.
Gather your family to swing together at Rogers Park in western Beaumont.
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Hurricane risks and property crime statistics
Risks to property in Beaumont can come from two directions: Mother Nature and crime. From a crime perspective, it's generally considered safer on the west end, where Beaumont turns more suburban. Parts closer to downtown, particularly just south of it, are statistically more susceptible. Per every 1,000 citizens, there are 39 instances of property crime. Violent crime can be a problem in these areas closer to downtown, too, which contributes to Beaumont experiencing some of the most dangerous activity statewide. According to FBI-reported crime data, one in every 100 people will encounter violent crime in these pockets of Beaumont. The metro area typically has mild winters. But proximity to the Gulf of Mexico also leads to humid summers, plus annual delivery of the most rainfall in the state – about 65 inches a year. The wet season is from April to October. Hurricanes do pass through the area, but most are minor and not catastrophic.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
