The southern coast of Texas is a breathtaking region. Gorgeous holiday towns line up along the coast of the state, all along the magnificent Gulf of Mexico. Nestled quietly in a bay along the coastline is the town of Corpus Christi. Corpus Christi’s history can be dated back to the 1500s when the Spanish explorer Alonso Alvarez de Pineda visited the bay and named it Corpus Christi (Latin for the body of Christ). However, it wasn’t until the mid-19th century that permanent settlements were established in the city.
Close to the Mexican border, the city has always had a prominent Latinx population from the start, and the community has witnessed many landmark changes for the Latinx people. With glorious beaches surrounded by the Padre and Mustang Islands, Corpus Christi is a top choice for vacation goers from around the country. The city boasts the 5th largest port in the country, as well as its own international airport. Although Corpus Christi is a popular holiday destination, it is also a great place to settle down more permanently. If you’re considering moving to Corpus Christi, this article will tell you exactly why you should move there. Read on to find out more!
1. Low Cost of Living
Although Corpus Christi is a coastal town, the cost of living is significantly lower than in other cities located along the coast. At first look, it’s easy to get overwhelmed seeing the higher tax rates; however, you should remember that Texas has no income tax. Therefore, without having to pay the largest applicable tax, the slightly higher rate in other taxes is more than acceptable. Housing is also significantly cheaper in Corpus Christi than the national average. However, many people opt for smaller, compact housing and instead keep the remainder of their stuff in self-storage. Options for storage Corpus Christi are plentiful, and you can choose one which fits your needs.
2. Pleasant Weather
The city of Corpus Christi has a great climate with long, glorious summers and short, sweet winters where there is little to no snowfall. The weather is generally charming, and the city experiences monsoon rains in the summer. The climate, hence, is very accommodating, and you can be on vacation mode more or less throughout the year. Even with the sun out all day, the weather remains windy all afternoon and evening. Hence, you can easily spend time outdoors without feeling too hot. If you decide to move to the city, you can make these plans at almost any time of the year.
3. Pristine Beaches
The city of Corpus Christi is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Coupled with the fabulous climate, the geography of the city makes it a perfect spot for water sports. Sailing, kayaking, surfing, paddle boarding, water gliding, you name it; Corpus Christi has it all! Even if you just want to spend a relaxing day with the family, the Corpus Christi beaches have plenty of space for you to just spend a lazy day sunbathing while your kids build sandcastles. The most popular beaches in Corpus Christi are McGee Beach, North Beach, Packery Channel Park, Mustang Island, and North Padre Island. Each beach offers different activities and experiences, so whatever you feel like doing for the day, Corpus Christi has a beach for you!
4. Delicious Seafood
Since Corpus Christi is a bay city, seafood is plentiful, and the locals have learned how to prepare it in the most delicious ways. With fresh scallops, shrimps, and other fish being caught daily by local fishermen, the seafood on offer is as mouth-watering as can be. Due to its popularity as a holiday destination, Corpus Christi has grown to include all kinds of cuisines, from street food to fine dining establishments. So whatever your palate may desire, Corpus Christi is sure to have the perfect dining spot for you.
5. Activities Galore
The best part about living in a popular tourist spot is that you’re always on vacation. With the city around you bustling with activities and events targeting tourists, there is always something fun for you to do. True to the Texan spirit, Corpus Christi is big on music and has several music festivals all year. In addition, the adventures at Corpus Christi know no limits, with events such as night parades, rodeos, and various other festivals regularly held in the city. Also, if you want a break from water activities, you can try horseback riding, biking, fishing, or even birdwatching. One thing you can be sure of is that there’s never a dull moment at Corpus Christi!
6. Ease of Conveyance
If you prefer driving your own car, that’s a personal choice, but in Corpus Christi, public transport or even walking are very convenient options. You can take a taxi, opt for a rideshare or a bike share or just cover the distance on foot. Since Corpus Christi is a small town, most distances are not very long. The city is overall very pedestrian-friendly, and walking is encouraged within the local community. Plus, point for you as a new resident: what better way to immerse yourself in the community than familiarizing yourself with the city?
7. Plenty of other Attractions
If you prefer to take your family and/or guests on more traditional sightseeing expeditions, Corpus Christi offers that too! The city is home to several landmarks, including:
- the USS Lexington, a WWII naval carrier that is open for tours
- the Texas State Aquarium, which opens a window to the marine wildlife of the gulf of Mexico;
- the Art Museum of South Texas, established in 1936, which houses prolific artwork from the past century; and
- the South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Centre, a 180-acre botanical garden with beautiful nature trails.
As a resident, you will have ample time to explore these sites, as well as find other places that interest you.
Final Words
Corpus Christi’s reputation as a holiday town may give you the impression that it’s not a place to call home. However, behind the mask of tourist attractions is a wonderful city that is rich in beauty, culture, and amenities. With a high standard of living for residents, Corpus Christi is a great place to live and experience life with your family and friends. A true southern paradise, the city has so much to offer if given a chance. So take a leap of faith and get packing. We’re sure your experience will be beyond fantastic because once you’re in Corpus Christi, you never want to leave!
