Whether you dream of living in a rural community away from the bustling metro or you're ready to experience the hustle and bustle of the city, coastal Corpus Christi can offer a variety of living options. This city is a fantastic spot for anyone seeking a laidback lifestyle while wanting plenty of activities to do and unique sights to visit.
So when it comes to living in any of the neighborhoods of Corpus Christi, which one would be the best fit for you?
1. Calallen
Located about 15 miles from Downtown Corpus Christi, this small neighborhood has several shopping and amenity options to call its own. Check out Josephine’s, a local boutique boasting homemade jewelry and handpicked clothing items.
For food amenities, Calallen offers a variety of Mexican and barbecue options. One hotspot is El Tapatio, where you can find authentic Mexican dishes available for dining in, curbside pickup, takeout, and delivery. To get local Texas barbecue, Bill Miller Bar-B-Q serves everything from its BBQ, breakfast tacos and griddle cakes, sandwiches, and family-sized meals.
This quiet area of town is known for its highly rated schools, slow-paced living, and home prices ranging from $170,000 to $250,000.
Population: 20,000
Median Home Price: $237,000
2. Downtown
If exciting nightlife piques your interest, Downtown has plenty to offer. Of course, you can go out for a date night at any of the several clubs and restaurants in the area, but there are also fun daytime spots to check out like Rockit’s Whiskey Bar & Saloon, Comics Live Comedy Club, and the Texas State Aquarium.
Downtown is also an excellent place for singles to meet up and have plenty to do. For a memorable date at any time of the day, check out Sugarbakers for French-inspired food and custom desserts.
Population: 4,238
Median Home Price: $285,000
3. Central City
Here you can find homes in this area ranging from around $100,000 to around $250,000, with many of them including three to four bedrooms. Central City offers an excellent cross between suburban and rural, making it a great place to hunt for your first home.
This area may be further out than other neighborhoods within Corpus Christi, but there’s no lack of activities.
Central City boasts small restaurants that rival the larger brand name eateries. Check out The Bar-B-Q Man Restaurant & Catering for traditional barbecue slow-cooked with fresh, high-quality meats.
Frank’s Spaghetti House is another top spot to check out for dinner. When you’re looking for fun outings, the shopping plazas include well-known brand names like Old Navy and Payless Shoes.
Population: 97,729
Median Home Price: $64,388
4. Bay Area
The Bay Area gets its name from Corpus Christi Bay, so you can enjoy boating or spending time at the shoreline here. Typically, homes are priced starting at around $100,000 and range to upwards of $280,000.
This neighborhood has various shopping options like The Shops at La Palmera, featuring big-name brands in a convenient shopping plaza.
Here, you can stop at Jason's Deli to grab lunch before heading to the many attractions nearby. The USS Lexington Museum, Funtrackers Family Fun Center, and the South Texas Botanical Garden and Nature Center are among these sites.
Population: 41,486
Median Home Price: $156,497
5. Ingleside
Ingleside is another neighborhood settled close to the bay. On average, homes in Ingleside have at least three bedrooms, and most of the residents are families. This area offers well-rated schools and a slower pace.
This neighborhood has unique shopping spots like Bahia Marina & Docks Store, which offers supplies and a quaint view of the marina. After a day of shopping, you can grab a bite to eat at El Bodegon Cubano for authentic Cuban food. Finally, bring the family for a day of fun in Cole Park, an ideal spot for a picnic and enjoying the outdoors without leaving civilization.
Population: 10,165
Median Home Price: $145,100
6. Rockport
Rockport is a coastal town along Aransas and Copano Bay that is popular with tourists. This area offers a relaxing vacation vibe with its gorgeous weather and sights. From hiking trails into Rockport's beautiful wildlife to several historical landmarks, you'll find something in this area to pique your interest any day of the week.
Check out Goose Island State Park, which offers some of the best hiking trails and campsites in the area. But the main attraction of this park is The Big Tree, a massive 1,000-year-old live oak believed to be the largest in the country.
Population: 10,841
Median Home Price: $175,800
7. Portland
A suburb of Corpus Christi, Portland is more spread out than most suburban areas in the Corpus area. This neighborhood offers tons of amenities for families and young professionals alike, but it’s perfect for anyone looking to get away from the busy city life.
Plentiful wildlife isn't far from Portland, with Violet Andrews Park located along Corpus Christi Bay. This area has been developed as a wildlife and birding sanctuary, offering hiking and biking trails. What makes this park pop are the colorful kites flying in the sky, courtesy of kite enthusiasts from around the country. They flock to Violet Andrews throughout the year, so be sure to get the best view on one of the two observation decks in the park that overlook the shore.
Population: 17,025
Median Home Price: $167,400
8. Bishop
The neighborhood of Bishop has a much smaller population compared to most areas we’re covering on this list. As a result, Bishop offers a rural feel for residents, which is ideal for any homebuyer looking for more space. In addition, the highly-rated education found in the area and access to public schools is yet another reason to make the move.
Just because Bishop is a small town doesn’t mean that there’s nothing to do. To get a fascinating look into the life of a rancher, drive out to The King Ranch, the second largest working ranch in the world. The museum on the 825,000-acre site gives visitors a look into the legacy and history of the South Texas ranching industry.
Population: 3,093
Median Home Price: $84,500
9. Fulton
Most residents in Fulton own their homes in this small, rural suburb that’s also a tourist hotspot along the coast. Residents and visitors can find vendors selling beachwear, local artwork, and jewelry nearby.
For a historical view of Fulton, check out Texas history through the lens of the Fulton Schoolhouse Museum. This family-friendly outing includes touring the museum and Fulton’s original one-room schoolhouse.
Population: 1,503
Median Home Price: $127,900
10. Mustang-Padre Island
Thought to be one of the best vacation spots in Texas, the neighborhood of Mustang-Padre Island has everything from beautiful villas, modern condos, and single-family homes.
Mustang-Padre Island is home to the Padre Island National Seashore, a protected area with beaches and wildlife. Nature lovers and beachgoers will both find something worthwhile in this beautiful area.
When you're by the shore, you must have lunch and dinner at one of the best seafood restaurants in town. Located on North Padre Island, Scuttlebutt's Seafood Bar & Grill is a full-service restaurant and bar that serves up the freshest seafood possible.
Population: 4,301
Median Home Price: $268,500
Because Corpus Christi is a popular tourist destination with plenty of beautiful must-see locations on the coast, it's sure to please anyone looking for a unique cross between rural and urban.
So when you're ready to experience a more relaxing life with plenty of excitement, you can use the guide above to choose the best Corpus Christi neighborhood for your lifestyle.
For more neighborhood guides to help you find the best areas to live in Texas, check out more at BHGRE HomeCity!
