Near the Gulf of Mexico and 100 miles east of Houston, Bridge City is aptly named. This small community of about 9,500 residents is surrounded by the Neches River and Cow Bayou, and all major roads leading here must traverse a body of water. Most famously is the Rainbow Bridge, which allows residents to cross into Port Arthur and down to the gulf. The local economy is also poised for expansion. “It gained traction because of the oil industry, but the city wants to grow past that,” says Susan Lewis, a local Realtor with Advantage Real Estate. “Like a lot of areas down here, it’s endured a lot of hurricanes and crazy storms, but it keeps bouncing back.” While many in Bridge City still find work in petroleum manufacturing, other major employers include education and the retail industry.
Bridge City's name comes from the city's bridge entry points.
Cow Bayou is a body of water that runs through Bridge City and surrounding areas.
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Diverse architecture and affordable price points
Housing in Bridge City spans the early-to-mid 20th-century and ranges from new-traditional homes to contemporary styles. The median sales price in Bridge City is $225,000, which is around half the national median. In general, housing on the city's outskirts tends to sell higher as it is sometimes custom and can sit on several acres.
Bridge City homes vary from large brick contemporary styles to more traditional ranch styles.
Bridge City home styles accommodate a variety of buyers tastes.
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Lamar State College Orange is 9 miles away
The city is served by the Bridge City Independent School District, which scores an A-minus on Niche and is the top-rated district in Orange County. Port Arthur is nearby and home to St. Catherine of Siena School, a private Catholic institution. Higher education is as close as Lamar State College Orange, 9 miles north.
The picturesque campus of Lamar State University.
Bridge City Middle School has a student population of 695.
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Exploring the lands of the Lower Neches WMA
The community’s main green space, Bridge City Park, is in the northern section of the community and features diverse recreational options. While the Neches River and Cow Bayou border the area, large parts of these bodies of water are protected or used for industrial purposes. However, the Lower Neches Wildlife Management Area is open for fishing, hiking and licensed and permitted hunting. Many will cross the Rainbow Bridge to go fishing at Sabine Lake or follow Highway 87 for about 38 miles down to the Gulf of Mexico.
Bridge City Park offers residents and visitors a variety of amenities.
The Neches river runs through Bridge City offering residents various water activities.
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Bringing new business to Bridge City
Highway 73 is lined with locally owned restaurants and a few big-box stores. Larger retail areas are just 14 miles south in Port Arthur, while Orange, 8 miles north, has an expansive downtown area. “I know the chamber of commerce has some hopeful plans to bring in new businesses,” Lewis says. “They’re very active with the community, so there’s always some event for the holidays, cookouts and things like that.”
The local Walmart offers Bridge City residents plentiful shopping and grocery options.
Bridge City is replete with locally owned businesses.
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George Bush Intercontinental Airport is the closest major hub
Bridge City is intersected by Texas State Highway 73, which connects with Interstate 10 and Highway 87. The Lake Charles Regional Airport is 51 miles east and offers a limited selection of airlines. Most locals will head to George Bush Intercontinental Airport, a 108-mile drive, but offering a much more extensive selection of flights. The Medical Center of Southeast Texas is 13 miles south in nearby Port Arthur.
Crime stats and storms in Bridge City
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Bridge City Police Department, violent and property crime rates have slightly decreased between 2022 and 2023. Bridge City has the lowest crime rate in Orange County. Typical for Texas, the area has hot, steamy summers and very mild winters. It has often suffered damage from tropical storms and hurricanes, leading the city to strongly encourage federal flood insurance for all properties, even ones not in a hazard area.
Yo Hablo Español! As a top-producing real estate agent since the start of her career six years ago, Susan is committed to understanding her clients' needs and using her expert negotiation skills to ensure a smooth and successful transaction. Her experience has equipped her with invaluable knowledge and the ability to navigate complex transactions with ease and confidence. Her local expertise, combined with her dedication and drive, has made her a trusted and respected professional in the real estate industry. A strong community advocate, Susan is well-connected and actively involved in local events. Her extensive network of trusted service providers, from lenders and inspectors to contractors of all kinds, ensures that her clients have access to top-notch resources throughout their buying or selling journey. Susan is known for her personable approach, keen attention to detail, and dedication to guiding clients through every step of the process. Whether you're buying or selling, you can count on Susan to provide knowledgeable, compassionate support every step of the way.
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.
