Victoria, Texas is situated on a coastal plain 30 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, on the banks of the Guadalupe River. Those moving to Victoria will discover a humid, sub-tropical climate. The hottest and most humid months are June, July and August while the winter months are mild. Spring and Fall are still warm and pleasant, but are less humid.
Economy:
According to statistics released by the United States Census Bureau, Victoria has a total land area of 33 square miles and a population of just over 63,000, as counted in mid 2009, showing a moderate increase of 4.2 percent since 2000. 1,915 residents live per square mile, thus the city is designated as being of low population density.
The Cost of Living Index for Victoria as at January 2011 was 84.5 points, considerably less than the national average for the United States of 100 points. Unemployment figures announced in December 2010 showed 6.7 percent for Victoria and eight percent for the State of Texas. The nearest large cities to Victoria are Corpus Christi and San Antonio. Nearby cities and towns include Inez, Weesatche-Ander, Bloomington, Kamey-Six Ile, Edna and Edna-Cordele, Vanderbilt and Port Lavaca.
The Citizens Medical Center, Detar Hospital Navarro, Hospital of Victoria and Victoria Warm Springs Rehabilitation Hospital serve the city's health needs, while Victoria Regional Airport and Ball Airport provide air connections for the city's residents.
Victoria has become a hub for the retail region known as the Golden Crescent which draws more than 250,000 people. The main drivers of the economy of the city are the health and education systems, industry and agriculture. The Port of Victoria and the Port of Port Lavaca-Point Comfort also contribute significantly to the city's coffers. A major player in the industrial sector is Caterpillar which is at present constructing a large facility which is expected to provide employment for around 500 workers which it is completed in the middle of 2012.
History:
The European history of Victoria began in 1685 when a fort was built in the area around what is now known as Victoria by the Frenchman, La Salle. The city was officially incorporated in 1839, making Victoria the 2nd oldest incorporated city in the State of Texas.
Tourism
The Nave, McNamara House and Children's Discovery Museums; the Romanesque Victoria County Courthouse, erected in 1892 and the DeLeon Plaza and Bandstand which was built in 1890 with memorials and monuments are all worth a visit.
Victoria hosts local festivals each year, such as the Black History Festival and Parade, the Czech Heritage Festival and a Jazz Festival.