Cul-de-sacs and a growing town center near the Neches River
On the west side of the Neches River and 8 miles north of Sabine Lake is Port Neches, known for its shipping and oil industries, manicured cul-de-sacs and of course, Texas barbecue at restaurants like Redbirds. Although buyers will find plenty of restored 1980s-era ranch-styles and modest Cape Cods accenting the flat wetlands, the city has also seen the rise of brand-new subdivisions. Within the last few years, there have also been revitalization efforts along historic Port Neches Avenue. “Businesses in Port Neches were never allowed to have a liquor license until a few years ago,” says Holly Hinds, a Realtor and Southeast Texas local with over 36 years of experience. “There’s been a lot of new activity downtown,” and once-quiet streets are gaining some color back. Stop inside Mike’s Old Fashioned Soda Fountain for a banana split straight out of the 1950s, put a nickel in the jukebox and relive Port Neches’ boomtown days.
Modest ranch-styles and gated estates
In Port Neches, the average home value hovers around $230,000. Modest three-bedroom ranch-styles, some of which have covered driveways, start at $150,000. Renovated Mediterranean-inspired and French-influenced properties can sell for upwards of $300,000, and some neoclassical estates with gated entrances start at $800,000. “It’s a highly sought-after [community], and everything that goes up on the market sells immediately,” says Hinds.
A row of brick ranch homes found throughout Port Neches.
A beautiful two story colonial revival located in Port Neches.
A cul-de-sac of traditional and national homes in Port Neches.
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Peer-to-peer tutoring program at Port Neches-Groves High School
Students are incorporated in the Port Neches-Groves Independent School District where schools like Port Neches Elementary, Port Neches Middle and Port Neches-Groves High School received B-plus ratings from the educational review site, Niche. In 2023, Port Neches-Groves High School’s peer tutor program was praised in “Texas School Business” magazine. Through the program, high schoolers learn about classroom management, curriculum development and leadership.
Port Neches doesn’t mess around when it comes to Friday night football, and the town clears out on Friday nights as locals head to the stands. “The school spirit is just phenomenal,” says Hinds.
Students can attend Port Neches Intermediate School located in the heart of town.
Water views at Neches River Wheelhouse
For a dinner with views, Hinds recommends Neches River Wheelhouse which serves up Cajun-inspired sandwiches and southern comforts like shrimp and grits. Locals can eat inside or outside and enjoy live music on weekend nights. There’s also The Feed Store on Grigsby Avenue, a family-owned restaurant known for its warm atmosphere and home-cooked meals; sample their famous gumbo and buttermilk pie.
Those in search of a classy date night can stop by Meridian Wine Bar on Port Neches Avenue, the first wine bar in Southeast Texas. For more extensive shopping and dining options, residents drive to Port Arthur just 4 miles away.
Grab some dinner and a drink at Neches River Wheelhouse in Port Neches.
Riverside festivals and lessons in Southeast Texas history
Watch motorboats race on the Neches River, order a funnel cake and check out the carnival rides at The Port Neches River Festival, which residents look forward to every May. In October, head to the neighboring community of Groves for their annual Pecan Festival, sampling fresh-baked breads, cookies and cakes that make use of one common ingredient: pecans.
At the Dutch Windmill Museum in nearby Nederland, read up on the region’s early settlers from Holland; the museum even has a section dedicated to famed country singer Tex Ritter, who grew up in the area. Or stop by the Spindeltop Gladys-City Boomtown Museum just 8 miles north to learn about the early days of the Texas oil industry.
A splash pad at Port Neches Park
Spanning a total of 27 acres, Port Neches Park is home to a splash pad (which is especially popular with families in the summertime), three tennis courts, horseshoe pits and an early 19th-century authentic Acadian home known as “La Maison Beausoleil.”
Enjoy the trails and playscapes of Port Neches Park.
Beaumont, Jack Brook’s Regional Airport and medical care nearby
Arts and culture opportunities in downtown Beaumont are just 15 miles away from Port Neches along U.S. Route 69. For those hoping to travel a bit farther, Jack Brook’s Regional Airport offers daily American Airlines flights to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. From here, residents have over 250 global locations to choose from.
Five miles from Port Neches is the Medical Center of Southeast Texas, a 204-bed acute care facility known for specializing in fields like neonatal intensive care, trauma and orthopedics.
Important to know: 2019 TPC explosion and hurricane season
After a series of explosions at the Port Neches TPC Group chemical plant on November 27, 2019, thousands of residents were forced to evacuate. Homes and several businesses along Port Neches Avenue were damaged. Both the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Justice conducted thorough investigations into the incident.
Due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, Port Neches is also susceptible to hurricanes during the summer and fall months. After storms, “Everybody comes together to help one another. It’s really something special,” says Hinds, speaking to Texans’ strength in the face of adversity.
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.
