Crossing the Neches River over the Rainbow Bridge can feel like a roller coaster for out-of-towners, but for Groves residents, it’s just a normal part of life in Southeast Texas. Designed over 80 years ago to allow Navy ships safe passage below, this 177-foot arched structure was once one of the tallest bridges in the world. Today, the Rainbow Bridge still connects Groves and the larger town of Port Arthur to Orange, Texas. In Groves, a mix of new construction and 1970s-era ranch-styles dot the marshy landscape, and thousands of Pecan trees line the streets, shedding their nuts in late fall. The city's proximity to the Gulf of Mexico means it’s particularly vulnerable during hurricane season, and some homes still show signs of damage from storms past. For many, work weeks are spent at Motiva in Port Arthur, the largest Oil Refinery in North America. Considering the number of Louisiana transplants in Southeast Texas, authentic Cajun restaurants are never too far away and some residents like to spend their Sundays cooking up pots of jambalaya.
1970s-era ranch-styles and new subdivisions
Groves is made up of just over 5,000 homes, most of which date back to the 1970s. Ranch-styles in need of a fresh coat of paint start at under $100,000, but newly renovated three-bedroom properties can sell for upwards of $200,000.
Pea Patch, a former golf club in Groves, has been turned into a brand-new gated community. Here, brick-sided homes in the traditional style, most of which have attached two-car garages, hover around $400,000. “These new gated communities are very sought after,” says Holly Hinds, a Realtor and Southeast Texas local with over 36 years of experience, distinguishing this part of the city from older sections where there’s not quite as much turnover.
The quant and quiet neighborhood streets of Groves.
A traditional home with tutor inspired architecture found in Groves.
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A peer tutor program at Port Neches-Groves High School
Students are incorporated in the Port Niches-Groves Independent School District which includes schools like Groves Elementary, Groves Middle and Port Neches-Groves High School, all of which received a B-plus or higher from the educational review site, Niche. Port Neches-Groves Peer Tutor program, which pairs high school students with local elementary schoolers, earned the district a mention in 2023’s “Bragging Rights” edition of “Texas School Business” magazine. Through the program, high schoolers can learn about classroom management, curriculum development and leadership.
In Groves, residents take high school football seriously. “There will be nobody left in town on game night, everyone heads to the stands,” says Hinds adding, “School spirit is just phenomenal.”
Entrance to higher eduction at Port Neches-Groves High School.
Students take the field for practice at Port Neches-Groves High School.
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An annual pecan festival and history lessons at the Museum of the Golf Coast
In October, locals head to Groves’ annual pecan festival. Families enjoy the carnival rides and, according to Hinds, everyone finds creative ways to incorporate pecans into their baking.
For a lesson in Southeast Texas history, Groves residents can stop by the Museum of the Golf Coast in nearby Port Arthur. Stored inside are over 35,000 items including everything from prehistoric fossils to 1950s voting machines. The museum also documents the discovery of oil at Spindletop in 1901 and the consequential Texas Oil Boom, which brought thousands of people to the region.
Residents can also drive up U.S. Highway 96 to reach cultural opportunities in Beaumont. The Julie Rogers Theater hosts touring comedians and bands, and residents can pick up locally-grown produce at the Beaumont Farmer’s Market every Saturday morning.
Historic military aircrafts at Veterans Memorial Park
Golden Triangle Veterans Memorial Park, located on Gulfway Drive near the Neches River and the Rainbow Bridge, honors Southeast Texans who’ve served in conflicts like World War I, Vietnam, World War II and Desert Storm. Visitors to the public park can visit historic military vehicles on the grounds; an F4-D Phantom Jet, an M60A3 tank and a UH-1 Huey Helicopter are all displayed year-round.
Honor veterans along installations at Veterans Memorial Park.
Pay tribute to local service men and women at Veterans Memorial Park.
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Casual Cajun and Tex-Mex restaurants
There’s no shortage of Tex-Mex, barbecue and Cajun-influenced restaurants in Southeast Texas. Locals can head to Larry & Rita’s near Fairlea Park to order a “Bayou Basket” (fries doused in crawfish queso) and seafood gumbo. Nearby, stop by Monceaux's for steak fingers and boudain balls. For something sweeter, Hinds recommends Icy Donuts on Main Avenue. It’s for known its Vietnamese coffee and unique donut flavors.
Groves residents can pick up groceries at the Market Basket on 39th Street, and those in search of more dining and shopping options can always head in the direction of Port Arthur or Nederland 6 miles away. Here, support establishments that have been around for the better part of a century like The Schooner Restaurant, famous for its platters of fried seafood.
Jack Brook’s Regional Airport and nearby medical care
Jack Brook’s Regional Airport is less than 10 miles from Groves via U.S. Highway 96. American Airlines flights take off daily en route to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and, from here, more than two dozen airlines fly to over 250 locations worldwide.
Five miles from Groves is the Medical Center of Southeast Texas, a 204-bed acute care facility known for specializing in trauma, neonatal intensive care and orthopedics.
Highways running through the bayou's of the Gulf Coast.
I am a woman of many hats. A wife, mother of 3, Realtor, Home Stager, Veteran of the US Army, and a lover of Labradors. Real Estate is like a complicated puzzle. Having worked many years as a lender before moving to Real Estate in 2004, was a natural transition. I understand all the pieces that are needed in a real estate transaction. When structured properly, all the pieces fall into place. At closing, my favorite thing is seeing the excitement on my clients face when I hand them the keys to "their" home. Let me "Turn Your Green to the American Dream!"
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