In the wake of the Texas oil boom, thousands of Louisianans traveled across the Sabine River in search of jobs, many putting down roots in the Southeast Texas city of Port Arthur. Local radio stations still broadcast Creole and Cajun music, and it’s not uncommon to hear conversations in Louisiana French while waiting in line for boudin at Judice’s French Market & Deli. To this day, Port Arthur is known as the Cajun capital of Texas. “In my experience, Port Arthur is one of the areas that sells the best down in Southeast Texas,” says Lisa Marino, owner of Marino Real Estate and native of nearby Nederland.
As part of the larger Beaumont metro area, Port Arthur has a population of about 55,000. Oil production — particularly the massive Motiva refinery, one of the largest in the world — is a major part of life. “Motiva continues to draw people into the neighborhood,” Marino says. As with most cities in Southeast Texas, the oil industry continues to be the biggest employer in the area. Other major companies like BASF, Valero and Sunoco have refineries in the area as well. Other than that, the city government is also a big employer.
Port Arthur's job market is heavy on industry and maritime opportunities.
A colorful sunset over Gulfgate Bridge exiting Port Arthur.
Port Arthur, the Energy City of Texas.
A large ship flowing through the channels of Port Arthur.
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Midcentury homes and affordability
Most homes in Port Arthur are from the 1950s or ’60s. The median home price hovers around $162,000, lower than the U.S. average, though homes on the higher end of the price range are either completely remodeled or newly built. Homes in the Stonegate neighborhood, for instance, include French farmhouses and ranch--style homes going for anywhere between $200,000 and $500,000, much pricier than neighboring Nederland and Port Neches. There are also several plots of land available, typically starting around $10,000 in some parts of town but up to $130,000 for lots in the suburban areas of Port Arthur.
A row of bungalows, cottage and colonial homes in Port Arthur.
Many historical colonial homes can be found in Port Arthur.
Neighborhoods in Port Arthur offer great access to both the coast and the amazing job market.
A beautiful colonial estate located in Port Arthur.
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Memorial High School's band choreographs elaborate field shows
Students are zoned into the Port Arthur Independent School District, where Tyrrell Elementary, Jefferson Middle and Memorial High School all receive C-minuses or higher from Niche. The high school marching band, the Port Arthur Memorial Marching Heat, is known for its elaborate field shows during football season. The band consistently takes first place in the Northwest Battle of the Bands, a regional competition for students across Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.
Students and excel at DeQueen Elementary School in Port Arthur.
Entrance to higher eduction at Port Neches-Groves High School.
Abraham Lincoln Middle School in Port Acres is known for its warm and understanding staff.
Memorial High in Port Acres offers students a rigorous college prep program.
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The Cajun Heritage Festival and city greenspaces
Springtime brings out the Cajun festivities, starting with Taste of Gumbo in March. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Port Arthur, the event attracts local restaurants and residents vying for the title of best gumbo. April rings in the Cajun Heritage Festival, which includes live music, local vendors and, of course, tons of Cajun cuisine. Residents can learn about Port Arthur’s history at the Museum of the Golf Coast, featuring thousands of items, including everything from a 1950s voting machine to 20,000-year-old fossils. The museum’s second-floor hall of fame pays homage to some of the region’s most notable figures, including singer Janis Joplin, who grew up in Port Arthur.
Though green spaces aren't often in walking distance, the city implemented a parks and recreation master plan to upgrade the existing parks over the next 10 years. Several municipal parks like Griffin and Lakeview parks have received new amenities and equipment. Though building new parks isn’t on the timeline, Port Arthur has about 220 acres worth of parks around the city. Golden Triangle Veterans Memorial Park honors Southeast Texans who’ve served in military operations over the last century. Visitors to the public park can check out historic military vehicles. With the city's location on the Sabine River, waterfront activities are also popular. Fishing piers dot the river, and boating is common pastime.
Learn about the long history of Port Arthur at the Museum of the Gulf Coast.
Have a picnic and enjoy the sights in Port Arthur's Riverfront Park.
Lakefront Park is the perfect backdrop for a playdate among Port Acres friends.
Port Acres locals go to C. Doornbos Park for peaceful, after-work relaxation.
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Fresh crawfish and seafood gumbo aren’t hard to find
Outside of Louisiana itself, Port Arthur is one of the best places to try authentic Cajun cuisine. Bruce’s Seafood Deli is known for its shrimp and crawfish platters. Tía Juanitas Fish Camp is a popular spot to order gumbo while listening to a live acoustic music. Gulfway Drive, one of the main thoroughfares for Port Arthur, has everything from Vietnamese to Mexican restaurants.
Locals can get all the food they need at H-E-B Grocers.
Port Arthur residents enjoy Tia Juanita's Fish Shack.
Gulf Drive runs through Port Arthur and offers various shopping and dining options.
The Schooner Restaurant near West Port Arthur has been serving the area since 1947.
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Traveling around the Golden Triangle
Port Arthur residents drive to get around the Beaumont metro area, mainly using U.S. Highway 96 and State Highway 73. There’s also the Rainbow Bridge, which connects Port Arthur and the neighboring community of Groves to the city of Orange. The bridge arches 177 feet, allowing Navy ships to safely steer underneath on the Neches River. Jack Brook’s Regional Airport is a short drive away on the outskirts of Port Arthur via Highway 96. American Airlines flights take off daily to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, where residents can pick up connecting flights. Five miles up U.S Highway 96, residents can access the Medical Center of Southeast Texas, a 204-bed acute care facility known for its specializations in Trauma, Neonatal Intensive care and Orthopedics.
Highway 73 allows the rural West Port Arthur neighborhood access to other parts of the area.
Port Acres has a secluded, rural-feel while giving locals major highway access.
A colorful sunset over Gulfgate Bridge exiting Port Arthur.
The Sabine Pass Causeway connecting Texas and Louisiana.
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A high hurricane risk and above-average crime rate
This area of Texas is no stranger to hurricanes and tropical storms. Port Arthur flooded after Hurricane Harvey in 2017, and community members came together to repair damaged homes. According to Holly Hinds, a Realtor and Southeast Texas local with over 36 years of experience, it’s a testament to the community’s strength in the face of adversity. “Everybody comes together to help one another. It’s really something special,” she says. Other than hurricanes, Port Arthur has hot summers and short, cool winters.
Over the past two years, Port Arthur reported a violent crime rate higher than the U.S. average, according to FBI crime data. Port Arthur PD, along with the Beaumont Police Department and other neighboring departments, has several safety programs. Project ChildSafe is a firearm safety and education program, providing free gun locks to promote gun safety. Port Arthur is also part of the Southeast Texas Auto Theft Task Force.
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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