Groves, Texas

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Groves is a city in Jefferson County, Texas, United States. The population was 15,733 at the 2000 census.

1 Geography
2 Demographics
3 Education
4 Recreation
5 Notability
6 External links

[edit] Geography

Groves is located at 29°56′50″N, 93°54′57″W (29.947113, -93.915829)^GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 13.4 km² (5.2 mi²). 13.4 km² (5.2 mi²) of it is land and 0.19% is water.

Groves is named after "Asa E. Groves" a Port Arthur,Texas land developer. He had several hundred pecan trees planted which added charm to this quaint bedroom community.

[edit] Demographics

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 15,733 people, 6,182 households, and 4,512 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,172.7/km² (3,036.7/mi²). There were 6,570 housing units at an average density of 489.7/km² (1,268.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 93.46% White, 1.32% African American, 0.26% Native American, 1.65% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.98% from other races, and 1.29% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.82% of the population.

There were 6,182 households out of which 31.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.8% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.0% were non-families. 24.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the city the population was spread out with 23.9% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 19.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 92.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $42,692, and the median income for a family was $50,892. Males had a median income of $41,404 versus $23,493 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,147.

[edit] Education

The City of Groves is served by the Port Neches-Groves Independent School District. The Lamar University system is in nearby Beaumont.

The PNG Indians maintain a lively tradition of excellence. The students achieve academically and artistically, and high school athletes also give the towns another reason to be proud. This is real football country with its long time "Mid-County Madness" rivals: the Nederland, Texas "Bulldogs".

[edit] Recreation

Gardening is also a popular activity among its resident due to its near tropical climate and plentiful rainfall.
Groves is home to a water park, and not that far away is The City of Port Aurthur. There are many things to do in nearby cities like Port Aurthur, a mall, an H-E-B, and lots of other things. Other surrounding cities include Port Neches, with a park by the river, Nedarland, Vidor, Orange, and Beaumont. The First Friday in Groves celebration is also very fun. The first Friday of every month is the date and it's located on well-known Lincoln St.
 Groves is by many outstanding fishing and hunting areas. As a Grovarian, I know that dog-walking is a big thing in Groves. You might always see people walking their dogs out the window of your car.

[edit] Notability

Oil refineries surround Groves and other nearby cities, including Beaumont, Port Neches, Nederland, and Port Arthur. These refineries are some of the largest and most important producers in the nation, hence a major spike in gas prices before and after Hurricane Rita.

Groves, along with the rest of Jefferson County, is a very industrial oriented and business friendly area. There is continuing and sustained industrial growth in all facets of this geographical area. Southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana, with their major industrial bases, are critical to the nations energy and petrochemical needs.

Groves is the home to the Texas Pecan Festival, where local organizations sponsor rides and booths. Local organizations sell food, and there is fun for all ages in a fair-like venue.

Groves has rebounded suprisingly well from its ordeal with Hurricane Rita in September 2005.