[mr0077]

Gordon, both areas or similar in nature to Bakersfield...but the cost of living is just about 40% of what you're used to out there. Deer Park has the advantage (?) of being near the big city, and Port Arthur has the advantage of NOT being near a BIG city (though Beaumont has just about anything you'd need, with Houston about 100 miles away). Both cities are weighted toward blue collar, fairly pleasant people. Pasadena cops are a pain in the a$$. Port Arthur is heavy union, liberal; Deer Park seems to be more conservative, less union.
Standard of living in Deer Park/greater Houston area is higher than Port Arthur/Beaumont area.
FWIW, Jefferson County (Beaumont/Port Arthur areas) is the most litigious county in Texas, and one of the worst in the nation due to the available typical jury pools in that county.
Not sure what the unemployment rates are, but pretty sure Port Arthur's is higher than Deer Park's. How far would you be willing to drive? 20 miles in Houston area = one hour or more; 30 miles in Port Arthur = 35 minutes. For an up-scale community you would have to look 10-20 or so miles away from Deer Park. There are decent areas in Port Arthur, but you might also be prepared to get a place outside of town.
Good luck!