It's known as a "Honey of a Town." The county seat of Bee County was supposed to be located in another place seven miles to the west, and for a time there was not only Beeville on the Poesta, but also Beeville on the Medio. The current Beeville which is on the Poesta (that's a creek) was originally christened Maryville. No one today seems to mind this historic carousel of nomenclature.
All of the above information is deemed important to local historians in this little South Texas town that is miles from anywhere -- 88 from the Alamo in San Antonio, and 57 from the beach in Corpus Christi. It's a few miles from its other nearest neighbors as well -- more like 20, actually. There's a reason for that.
Bee-ing in Beeville
If you want to relocate to Beeville, there are some things you should know. The population was 12,863 in 2010. There are, in addition to a traditional county courthouse, a community college, schools, parks and businesses, and some stately homes left over from its early history. One of the little town's first residents was a noted architect who came to the Texas valley in 1908 from Buffalo, New York. And its name? Well, it actually was named after a Bee, Barnard E. Bee Sr., who was Secretary of State and Secretary of War for the Republic of Texas.
The railroad brought people to town in the late 1800s, and the Texas oil boom brought more people. By 1950, the population had swelled to over 9,000. A naval air station was located adjacent to the town for 50 years, operating as Chase Field until 1992.
The Rialto Theater, which still exists in Beeville's historic downtown, was designed by that noted architect, William Charles Stephenson, as were some of the town's other buildings. Today, there are some pretty apartment buildings and homes in town as well, and residents enjoy a quiet lifestyle here -- more than an hour away from any large population center.
Because Beeville is really quite small, you will want to concentrate your search in the area bounded by the 351 Bypass and Hwy 181. You'll need the normal documents in order to sign your lease when you find an apartment.
Beeville's Neighborhoods
Life in Beeville is centered on the home. And, it's quiet. Did we say that? But the consensus is that Beeville is a pleasant little town.
City Center: There are small buildings with 1 bedroom apartments and you can find 3 bedroom houses for rent in Beeville at reasonable rates. Newer townhouses for rent include modern appliances, granite countertops, walk-in closets and garages. Check out complexes in the vicinity of Highway 181, or modern apartment buildings on St. Mary's Dr. You could also look for places for rent near Hillside Dr. or along E. Corpus Christi St.
Learning to Love Beeville
Many people sing the praises of this small town in the Texas Valley. Driving an hour to San Antonio's Riverwalk or to Corpus and the beach is really not a big deal on the back roads of this big state. But, you can also find good fun right in Beeville. Everyone goes two-stepping on Saturday night at The Grand Dance Hall, and people make special trips to town for the schnitzel with mushroom cream sauce at Gasthaus Berliner Baer.
The Lodge at Shorty's Place sells gifts as well as good food and has been a local favorite for more than 25 years. Hensley's Caf is local and memorable, and there are some of the best small taquerias you'll find anywhere in the state. After work, people relax at the Dog and Bee Pub or meet friends at The Ninth Hole.
There's a Beeville Art Museum that actually is pretty inspiring for a small town -- it's meant to be a teaching museum and is housed in a wonderful old house in the center of town. And, if you haven't heard of the Texas Mile, you probably have to see it to believe it. It's held yearly in Beeville and is pure speed on the road -- a mile of highway racing for automobiles and motorcycles -- where speed rules and nothing else matters!
