There is both delight and detriment in living in such a closely-knit small town as Harrison, the setting for Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Horton Foote's acclaimed one-act play collection "Harrison, TX." The fictional town is inspired by the city of Wharton, Texas, Foote's birthplace.
Wharton is a city in Texas located in Wharton County, along the banks of the Colorado River
There is both delight and detriment in living in such a closely-knit small town as Harrison, the setting for Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Horton Foote's acclaimed one-act play collection "Harrison, TX." The fictional town is inspired by the city of Wharton, Texas, Foote's birthplace.
Wharton is a city in Texas located in Wharton County, along the banks of the Colorado River. Wharton covers an area of 7.2 square miles. It is a place rich in history and gifted with the bounty of nature. Originally a plantation community, early settlers thrived on crop and cattle-raising, along with commercial enterprises such as milk and sugar processing and oil and sulphur production. The construction of railroads from 1881 to 1899 ushered in economic prosperity and significantly increased the number of Wharton's inhabitants. From 200 in the 1880s, the city's population has increased to about 8,832 residents.
Moving to Wharton
Before making the big move to Wharton, there are a couple of things to consider. Animal licenses are required if you're bringing pets which are four months or older, with the exception of small birds and fish. Also, if you're living in a rental home, remember not to break the city law called weedy lot violation. This means you should be careful that your lawn grasses do not reach 12 inches in height.
Sounds fine by you? Then get started. Owners or agents of rental properties in Wharton want to see the rent well covered by at least 15 percent of your income sources. If you're confident of this, organize your proofs of income, including latest pay stubs if employed or business registration and signed profit statement if you're a business person. Include copies of your tax returns. Character references or letters of endorsement from credible individuals, along with forms of ID, are required for verification.
Choosing an ideal move-in date to Wharton can be tricky, with its humid, subtropical climate. The summers from late June up to August are hot and humid. However, rains and monsoons are not surprising during these months. Winter is mild and can even be dry.
Neighborhoods in Wharton
Whether you prefer townhouses for rent or luxury apartments, Wharton's growing economy and flourishing culture and community life are certain to make you stay.
The North Richmond Road: This location on Highways 59 and 60 is a sought-after area to find apartments in Wharton because of its proximity to the city center and various stores, service shops, diners and business offices. You can't miss the popular Wharton Seafood and Steakhouse here for great group dining, while the Don Elliott Chrysler Dodge is a city center landmark.
University Avenue, East Boling Highway and Horton Foote Drive: This residential area contains great rental property, from serviced apartments to mobile homes. There's Domino's Pizza for a quick weekday meal or have a weekend feast at the Grand Buffet. Palais Royale provides great shoe and apparel shopping while there is also a Walmart Supercenter nearby.
Lane City: This community, comprising the areas around Lenert Street and Harrison Lane, is another area where nice, furnished one-bedroom apartments for rent, or serviced apartments, can be found. It offers easy access to transport services, running parallel to the Southern Pacific Railroad and intersects with the BNSF Rail. Harris Park provides a green and fresh break from the railroad landscape.
Living in Wharton
Wharton is an hour's drive from Houston and is accessible from the US Highway 59 and the 90 Alternate. It can also be reached via State Highways 60 and 71, as well as the Farm to Market Roads 102, 442, 1160 and 1300. For those farther from Texas or Colorado, the Wharton Municipal Airport is located in Route 1, Box 660, on Highway 59.
The downtown square is the heart of modern Wharton, with South Houston Street serving as a popular point for strolling to other parts of the city. Stop by the Plaza Theater for a concert, comedy acts or drama plays. Then head to the historic Wharton County Courthouse on East Milam Street, a Victorian-style structure that's more than just a civic and cultural venue, having served as a refuge post many times in Wharton's history.
Nature trippers will literally have a field day roaming around Wharton's 11 city parks. Among these green spaces are the Riverfront Park, nestled under the bridge on Highway 59 and perfect for bird watching and picnics, and the Dinosaur Park, along the downtown area, where you can take selfies behind life-sized T-Rex structures.
If leisurely observation is your main thing, the 20th Century Technology Museum and the Wharton County Historical Museum, both located on North Richmond Road, offer amazement and amusement to fill your idle hours.
