If you’re looking for the quintessential blue-collar town with an industrial vibe (and who isn’t?), head for Baytown, Texas. This is the place “where oil and water really do mix,” according to the city’s savvy public relations folks, and you better believe that’s a tall order: this city of 70,000 sits on the north shore of Galveston Bay surrounded by the San Jacinto river on the west and the Trinity river on the east. Plus it’s Texas, so of course it has lots of oil (and hairspray), too, including the largest oil refinery in the United States. Then, you’ve got your massive chemical plants, such as Chevron Phillips Chemical, Bayer, Exxon Chemical and others and, while some people will tell you that Baytown is toxic from the chemicals and oil, we say that’s just conspiracy talk and it is one mighty fine bay city to call home. Don’t believe us? Read on, dear skeptic!

Although Baytown is a city in its own right, folks tend to think of it more as a Houston ‘burb. Because of this, it doesn’t have clearly defined neighborhoods and everyone seems fine with that. Apartment prices are spread across the map and are entirely dependent on the complex in question, so budget accommodations may sit directly adjacent to stylish luxury units and more than likely, the tenants of both are on friendly terms. Baytown also boasts almost 50 parks spread around the city, so no matter where you choose to live you should always be within a stone’s throw of outdoor activities and the inevitable body of water. The Baytown Nature Center on Crystal Bay is the granddaddy of all the parks, with over 450 acres of wetlands, bird sanctuaries and places for us humans to hang out and enjoy the scenery, so places near here may have slightly higher rents but some seriously nice views.

‘Neighborhood’ is so clique-y

‘Ya gotta hand it to Baytown apartment owners, they sure know how to pamper their tenants. Depending on the complex, you may find free cable T.V., a huge, well-appointed athletic center, a social coordinator whose sole purpose is to throw lavish fetes for the residents (are you serious?), and pet parks where your lovable ball of fluff can take a break from chewing your shoes and run free as a bird. One complex even claims an on-site Starbucks for all your morning caffeination needs. And how much will all this innovation set you back? Apartments in Baytown start as staggeringly low as $375 a month, ranging up to $1,400, while condos run between $675 and $1,350, so you’ll have plenty of expendable income left for those morning lattes.

In-house Barista included

Some Baytown complexes have income requirements – low income, that is. Be prepared to show proof of your piddley paycheck if you plan to rent in one of these. Then, of course, there are the apartment complexes that go the other way and want to see proof that you make at least three times the monthly rent and have the right hairstylist, so get your pay stubs and appointment books in order. Security deposits are surprisingly low in Baytown, although most want a one year lease. Definitely shop around here because some complexes will offer a no-deposit or low-deposit special, or you may even be able to get the first month for some ridiculously low amount, like $99. If you have pets, you’ll be charged an extra deposit and, depending on the complex, it may be non-refundable. Some apartment buildings also have breed and weight restrictions so you may have trouble sneaking in your Great Dane, or, say, rhinoceros named Spot.

Dollars and cents

Baytown may lose some of the attention to Houston and the longtime oil industry, but to be fair, the city makes strides every year in creating a lively atmosphere for its many and varied residents. There’s an active community theater, a drag racing park, and even a symphony orchestra, and all of those are on top of that cherished Texas pastime, high school football. Believe it or not, Baytown’s got big waterfront views and enough small-town charm to knock your socks off, so get out there and snag the lily pad of your dreams.

Drag Racing and Mozart: the perfect date night

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