I grew up in the same area - Beaumont. Most of my faily lived in Hardin County - Lumberton area. My brother is getting ready to retire back to that area.
My Grandfather was born in Warren and spent most of his life in Woodville and Beaumont. He and my Grandmother are buried in Magnolia Cemetary in Woodville. I had planned on retiring in Woodville but with kids and Grandkids here it changed my plans.
We used to take dates to find the lights too. But usually we ended up too busy parking to find any lights! LOL!
The big thicket! Used fish and camp all over Village Creek, Pine Island Bayou and the Neches River. Most of the time on the Neches was spent water skiing though. Those were the days.
I couldn’t handle Idaho. Too cold and too many Yankee accents. My grandkids have Texas accents. I like that.
Cheers!
Wouldn’t suggest retiring back there.
A number of folks are convinced it’s going to be under water . . . along with a major chunk of South Texas.