Orange

East Orange, Texas, exemplifies the large open spaces, sprawling cities and storied history that often come to mind when one thinks of the Lone Star State. This expansive area comprises half of Orange County and contains the entire city of Orange. The town was established in 1836, the same year Texas gained independence from Mexico. It went by numerous names before finally being given its moniker, after the orange groves native to the area. <br><br>“Lots of new neighborhoods are going up in Northeast Orange," says local Realtor Karla Lozano with Re/Max One, "but there’s a mix of all ages with historic districts, established neighborhoods and custom builds.” But that’s not all. In addition to that variety, there’s also a large selection of architectural styles. “There’s a mix of everything," Lozano says. "Some homes are on 1-acre plots, while the Shangri La neighborhood has historic homes. You can also be in the city and then outside of it in the blink of an eye.” Located near the Louisiana border, both Beaumont and Lake Charles are convenient to East Orange, with Beaumont 25 miles west of town and Lake Charles 40 miles east. <br><br>Homes in East Orange run the gamut from large estate houses to small investment properties. Wandering through the rural parts of the county, you’ll find farmhouses, Acadian styles and Prairie Mission houses on large lots ranging from one to dozens of acres. In town, there are still large lots, although you’re more likely to find them running around a half-acre or more. Further, there are split-levels, bungalows and custom-built houses. Prices range from $50,000 for investment properties up to $775,000 for large custom-built homes with four or more bedrooms and two baths. <br><br>East Orange is served by multiple school districts, such as West Orange-Cove Consolidated Independent School District. School paths for children could include West-Orange-Stark Elementary and West-Orange-Stark Middle, which both earned C grades from Niche. Students may progress to West-Orange-Stark High School, a college preparatory academy offering classes in conjunction with Lamar State College. It rates a B-minus overall from Niche.<br><br>While Orange is far from the most populous of Texas’ towns, it’s still a popular cultural center thanks to institutions like the Stark Museum of Art and the Shangri-La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center. The Stark Museum has one of the most significant collections of American Western art in the nation. Located in Downtown Orange, it was begun by H.J. Lutcher Stark, who started collecting art and Native American artifacts in the 1920s and ‘30s. The institution opened to the public in 1978 with a two-story building of white marble, and today, staffers conduct field trips for students both on-site and virtually. <br><br>The Shangri-La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center occupies 252 acres in the heart of Orange. Boasting more than 300 plant species, this unique ecosystem includes a cypress swamp, camellias and azaleas. There’s a hands-on exhibit called the Nature Discovery Center along with a laboratory, three outdoor classrooms, a greenhouse and a children’s garden. The gardens invite visitors to explore, discover and learn while they relax and renew themselves in this serene oasis. <br><br>When it comes to dining out, locals love Tia Juanita's Fish Camp on Sunset Drive at Sunset Grove Country Club, for the large portions, music, and festive atmosphere. Residents fill up the pantry from a number of supermarkets, but a favorite is H-E-B on North 16th Street. <br><br>Not far from the Gulf of Mexico and near several major roadways, East Orange gives residents the best of cozy, rural settings and the convenience of access to all that a city has to offer.