This resilient Texas town scored a direct hit from a powerful hurricane, not once, but twice. Hurricane Rita barreled ashore on September 24, 2005, and on September 13, 2008, Hurricane Ike followed suit. Both storms affected the little city with significant damage, but that didn't keep the locals from surging back and rebuilding what is now, a thriving local economy and community.
Established in 1894 as a stop for the Beaumont, Gulf and Kansas City Railways that established tracks through the area in that same year, the town was not actually incorporated until 1973. Just north of Beaumont, the town is flanked by Hwys 96, 69 and 287, which branch up from the south. Lumberton's population numbers are projected to continue on a positive, upward trend. Part of what has attracted so many residents to the area in recent years is the undeniable beauty of the region.
Moving to Lumberton
The city of Lumberton is located in the Piney Woods region of Texas just a ways inland from the Gulf of Mexico. The subtropical climate is wonderful for the Bald Cypress, Yaupon Holly, River Birch and Riverflat Hawthorne trees that populate the area. In fact, these very trees help to preserve the land from erosion when hurricanes sweep through. These resilient trees help to bolster the same resilience within the citizens of this gorgeous, and sometimes wild, Texas city.
Speaking of weather, it's warm almost all year long in Lumberton -- even in November! If you want to move in when the weather is a bit milder, and more conducive to your health, December, January and February will be your best choices. You can move in later in the day during March, April and May since temps do drop as the day wears out.
Lumberton's Neighborhoods
Lumberton's neighborhoods can be separated into four distinct sections, each with it's own set of appealing qualities! Some areas are a bit more rural than others, and some are downright urban feeling. It helps to know a bit about each neighborhood before diving into a search. With a little information, you can greatly narrow the search perimeter to a specific area that you can be confident will work for whatever your needs might be.
N L H S Dr / W Walton Rd: Many of the single family homes in this neighborhood are owner occupied, but there are a few houses available for rent, you just have to search. Backyard pools are common in this area and provide a wonderful way to escape the heat of summer when it's in full swing. Both mobile homes and detached homes can be found here. The detached variety (3-6 bedrooms are typical sizes here) are grouped into suburban-style neighborhoods, surrounded by tall, graceful and shady pines on every side. The mobile homes are usually found on large lots with shady pines doting the property. These medium to large (3-5 bedrooms is typical) homes feel a little more secluded than the tightly knit subdivisions, so it just depends on your personal preferences as to which will suit your needs best.
City Center: If you are fortunate, you might find an all bills paid apartment for rent in this neighborhood of Lumberton. There are quite a few condos for rent as well as apartment complexes that offer those awesome terms, but you have to act fast when you find one because it won't stay available for long! Many of the properties in this area were built after the 1970s, and many more are practically brand new. So if you love being close to the center of all the action and favor modern architectural styles using environmentally responsible building materials, this is the area for you! This is also the juncture of Hwys 96, 287 and 69, so if you need to commute daily, it will be a cinch if you live in this neighborhood. One last perk in this area is Adventure Kingdom, located on Hwy 69 S. Adventure Kingdom is fun for all ages, especially in the heat of summer. Miniature golf, water wars, bumper cars and paddle boats shaped like swans are all part of the fun and games offered at this popular, locally owned attraction.
Wildwood: By far, the largest neighborhood in Lumberton, this area offers studio apartments for rent as well as small to medium sized 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments for rent, most of which were built after the year 2000. However, some are slightly older and were built between 1970 and 1999. This neighborhood is bisected by Hwys 287 and 69, which helps a great deal if you anticipate a daily commute. Another notable feature of this area is the Big Thicket National Preserve located in the northeast corner of the admittedly large neighborhood. Choosing your level of city living versus a more rural setting is completely up to you in this area. Every type of property, from large mobile homes tucked beneath a piney canopy to spacious single family homes plotted out nicely in subdivision fashion are yours to choose from.
Fletcher: Fletcher is on the southeast edge of the city with Hwy 96 flanking its western border. If you are looking for a rental apartment in Lumberton that can boast a rural setting for a comfortable price, this is your neighborhood for sure! Village Creek State Park is a stone's throw away from your doorstep from this vantage point! One of the areas most stunning treasures, this park is a perfect place to spend a couple of hours hiking or for an entire weekend camping with friends. The best areas for hiking, biking or boating (yes, boating!) are around Jinks Pond (just off of Hwy 96), Cooks Lake, Scatterman Lake and Sandy Lake (located in the southeast corner of the neighborhood).
Living in Lumberton
Living in Lumberton is a pleasure for anyone who loves the outdoors, an occasional storm and being close to the Gulf of Mexico! This picturesque area of Texas is known for it's Piney Woods and wetlands. Both are a favorite habitat for the snapping turtle, Whit-tailed deer, Virginia Opossum and the Diamondback Water Snake, just to name a few species.
When locals aren't out enjoying the local flora and fauna, you can find a packed house at Novrozsky's on South Main. This local burger joint has gained fame and notoriety for their juicy and flavorful creations! If you prefer surf to turf, head over to the Catfish Cabin on Hwy 96 N., for some seriously amazing Gulf Shrimp, Oysters and Catfish, cooked up just the way you like it! Whether it's amazing food, stunning natural areas of the close proximity to the Gulf Coast, there are plenty of reasons to live, love and grow in Lumberton.