Western Hills - Beaumont, TX

Beaumont, Texas, began with the purchase of Tevis Bluff and Santa Anna in 1835. Beaumont was originally a regional trade center specializing in lumber, building supplies, cattle, agriculture, grain mills and the laborers who worked within these industrial sectors. One of the largest oilfields in American history, Spindletop, was discovered in 1901, which subsequently resulted in Beaumont's rapid growth, demographically and economically. During World War II, Beaumont evolved into a shipbuilding center, which further hastened its evolution.

Today the Port of Beaumont is the fourth busiest seaport in the United States, mega-corporations such as Exxon, Goodyear and DuPont operate in the immediate area. Beaumont is now home to the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, the Beaumont Children's Museum and the Clifton Steamboat Museum. The city also hosts annual events such as the YMBL Championship Rodeo, Dog Jam Rock Concert and the Beaumont Jazz & Blues Fest.

The Beaumont area maintains an upbeat and electric nightlife year-round, with the action being centered within the Crockett Street Dining and Entertainment District in the downtown area. Beaumont has a variety of restaurants providing a range of choices. If you enjoy Cajun food, be sure to check out Vautrot's Cajun Cuisine on Highway 105. This small, family run restaurant serves up some of the best Cajun food in Southeast Texas at affordable prices. Try out the seafood gumbo, fried catfish or crawfish, accompanied by a side of their savory sweet potato fries. On weekends, barbeque-lovers in the Western Hills area flock to Broussard's Links Plus Ribs on South 11th Street. Order up some ribs, chopped beef or the delicious boudain (seasoned pork and rice stuffed into a sausage skin). Be sure to save a bit of room for a side of dirty rice or home-style baked beans like grandma used to make. Broussard's also provides catering services for events and parties. After dinner you can dance off the calories at the Dixie Dance Hall located at Crockett Street, in the entertainment district. The hall boasts the largest dance floor in Beaumont enhanced by a thumping sound system and state-of-the-art lighting. If dancing is not your gig, you can try your hand at billiards or one of the many video games. Each night the Dixie features different entertainment, so be sure not to miss out on the fun. Another area hot-spot is John Wayne's Saloon and Pub on Phelan Boulevard. JW's offers a pleasing mix of boot-stomping tunes, which include country, hip hop, zydeco, oldies and contemporary dance music. The venue prides itself on a large selection of premium liquors, top-shelf bourbons and flavored vodkas.

Since the neighborhood lies outside of the city, most Western Hills residents use their own private vehicles to commute since neither public transportation, nor Uber are available. Hailing a taxi in this area also presents a problem, however local businesses do provide free parking should you get around in your own vehicle. Western Hills close proximity to Route 96 facilitates highway access, which makes getting into downtown Beaumont a quick trip. While there are no established cycling lanes on any of the roads, the neighborhood does allow for safe transit should you be on foot or cycling.

Western Hills is situated right down the road from both Klein and Halbouty Parks. Klein Park features a softball field, tennis courts, disc golf, jogging trails and picnic areas. Halbouty Park houses a great playground for the kids, as well as a water playground during the summer months. Nine exercise stations, basketball courts and a jogging trail make this park a favorite destination for fitness buffs. If your pooch needs a run or likes socializing, you can take him to Ida Reed Park to burn off some of that extra energy.

Most of the parks do not charge a fee for entry, however court and field reservations and rental fees may be necessary for groups. If you relish the sound of good old-fashioned rock and roll, be sure not to miss out on the annual Dog Jam Concert and rodeos in Ford Park during the summer months.

The cost of living in Western Hills is lower than metropolitan Beaumont, with the average monthly rental rate for a one-bedroom apartment listing at $745. You can fill up your vehicle with gas for 9 percent less than the national average, which makes a difference since Beaumont public transportation does not provide service to the area. If you feel like hoisting back an icy cold bottle of your favorite beer, you should plan on dropping between 4 to $5.

Shoppers can find whatever their heart desires in the Beaumont area. Larger chain stores may be encountered in the malls, while smaller specialty shops and boutiques can be found throughout the city proper. If you need dresses, tops, shoes or accessories, then don't forget to pop in to Ella and Scott's. The store carries the latest fashions and offers a fabulous 25 percent off your entire purchase when you shop from 5-9 p.m.

Beaumont residents who take pride in spoiling their four-legged family members shop at the Puppy Love Dog Store. This store stocks anything you could possibly need for Fido: gourmet treats, doggie life jackets, canine pajamas, harnesses, leashes, beds and even dog dresses and tank tops. Feel free to bring your pooch in to make sure he or she gets a proper fit.

Many of Beaumont's residents shop at Kroger's Supermarket on Phelan Boulevard for their weekly grocery needs. Should you be an organic food lover, you will not want to miss out on all of the goodies sold every Saturday from 8-11 a.m. at Beaumont's seasonal (March to November) farmers market.