An industrial port city fueled by the oil industry, Beaumont boasts affordable living, an abundance of historic architecture, and a variety of diverse cultural sites and museums.
If you are planning or considering a move to this hot Texas city, read on for more information to make your transition a smooth and easy one.
Beaumont Climate
Beaumont has a humid subtropical climate, with steamy, sticky summers and mild winters. Don't forget your raincoat and umbrella, because this region of Texas receives the most rainfall in the state, accumulating to about 48 inches annually. Hurricanes may also strike the region, so be sure to prepare your new home accordingly in case of a destructive storm.
While summers are exceptionally hot due to the high humidity, winters are moderated by warm gulf currents. Snowfall is very rare in the city, but can occasionally occur.
Registering Your Car
Upon your arrival in Texas, you will have to update your registration within 30 days to avoid being charged a penalty. You will first need to have your vehicle inspected, at any certified Texas Department of Public Safety inspection station. Be sure to bring proof of Texas auto insurance. You are required to have coverage of $30,000 per injured person, up to a total of $60,000 for everyone injured in an accident, and $25,000 for property damage in the state. To get your plates and registration, you will need proof you own the vehicle (such as a title or previous registration), your proof of insurance, and inspection papers. Non-resident college students attending school in the state and active members of the U.S. Armed Forces are not required to register their vehicles in Texas.
The Texas DMV does not issue driver's licenses. You will have to transfer your license at the Department of Public Safety, no more than 90 days after you move to the state.
Beaumont Schools
Public education in the city is served by the Beaumont Independent School District. The system operates about 31 schools (as of 2012), with an enrollment of about 20,000 students. Two of the districts middle schools, Marshall Middle School and Odom Middle School, were named Blue Ribbon Schools for the 1999-2000 academic year.
For higher education, Lamar University is located in the city. It is a public college, part of the Texas State University System and offers 100 degrees and doctorate programs. Located adjacently to the school is the Lamar Institute of Technology, which offers two-year programs and certificates.
Beaumont Employment
Along with Port Arthur and Orange, Beaumont is part of the Golden Triangle--a major industrial region in Texas. The city's economy is heavily fueled by the oil industry, since it was discovered in the region in 1901.
No matter where you relocate, the pressure of finding a job can be quite stressful. If you are moving to the city without secured employment, you can visit the Workforce Solutions website for job-hunting assistance and resources for the six-county Heart of Texas region. If you are an aspiring entrepreneur, you can contact the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce for information on how to start a business in the city. You can also apply for city jobs at the Beaumont Government official website.
With any luck, you'll find a job in Beaumont in no time. Top employers in the city include the Beaumont Independent School District, Lamar University, Memorial Hermann Baptist Hospital, Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital, the City of Beaumont, Jefferson County, CB&I Matrix Engineering, ENGlobal Corporation, and Wal-Mart Stores.
Living Costs in the City
The cost of living in Beaumont is low, at six percent below the national average. Housing is affordable, falling five percent below the rate of the average American city. The median home price in the city is listed at about $135,900.
Other typical costs in the city are reasonable as well. Utility and grocery costs are 11 and 12 percent lower than average, respectively, and healthcare is 10 percent lower. Transportation costs are about six percent below the national average.
Beaumont Moving Resources
There are many moving and storage companies located in Beaumont that are waiting to help you relocate to your new home. Be sure to do your research and obtain estimates from several different services before choosing one for hire. You can compare online quotes from many different moving companies and other services to aid you in your move, whether you are coming from the next city or overseas. Visit the following pages here at Movers.com to get fast quotes for the following services:
Beaumont Transportation
When you relocate to a new city, it is a good idea to become familiar with the mass transit system in the region--especially if you plan to move without your vehicle. Public transportation within the city is operated by Beaumont Municipal Transit in the form of fixed bus routes. Find out more about schedules, fares and transfers by visiting the BMT website.
If you must travel to the Houston Hobby Airport or George Bush Intercontinental, you can call the Ground Shuttle to schedule a ride. The shuttle operates daily and leaves from several locations. The fee is $33.95 per person.
For inter-city travel, Amtrak provides train service to the region via the Sunset Limited line. The Amtrak station is located on West Cedar Street in Beaumont.
Culture and Contemporary Life
The city is chock-full of attractions, including museums, art galleries, and golf courses. Downtown Beaumont is the city's cultural center and is home to the museum district, the beautifully-preserved historic architecture of the Commercial District, and the Crocket Street entertainment complex--the heart of dining, nightlife, bars and live music in the city.
If are an art lover, you can visit the variety of galleries and art museums in the city. The Art Museum of Southeast Texas has exhibits featuring 19th through 21st century artwork, with am emphasis on Texan and Folk Art. Museum admission is free and it is open seven days a week. You can also check out the work of up and coming local artists at The Art Studio, a converted warehouse in downtown Beaumont which features visual art exhibits, poetry readings, film screenings and music performances. Additionally, the Dishman Art Museum, located on the campus of Lamar University, features 19th and 20th century European and American art, as well as tribal art from Africa and New Guinea.
There are a diverse assortment of other museums in the city, including the Clifton Steamboat Museum, which features military-themed exhibits and artifacts; the Edison Museum, dedicated to inventor Thomas Edison; and the Fire Museum of Texas, home to the world's largest working fire hydrant.
If your an avid fan of live music, the Beaumont Jazz & Blues Fest is held downtown each May, and the Boomtown Film and Music Festival is held every February. If you enjoy your music a little heavier, Dog Jam is an annual rock concert held at Ford Park in July.
Beaumont Relocation Tips
- Beaumont has a subtropical climate, with very high temperatures and high humidity in the summer months. Luckily, the city's utility costs are below the national average to help keep your energy bills manageable. Get moving quotes from several movers in the city before choosing one to hire. You can start today right here at Movers.com.
- The city can be affected by damaging hurricanes, so be sure to properly prepare your home in case of a dangerous storm.