Living in Corpus Christi, TX

Are you moving to Corpus Christi, TX? Here are ten things to know about life in Corpus Christi before you relocate!

Found in south Texas, bordering the Gulf of Mexico, lies the coastal city of Corpus Christi. Named after Spanish explorers who discovered the land in the early 1500s, Corpus Christi means Body of Christ in Latin. Often nicknamed "the Sparkling City by the Sea," Corpus Christi is best known for its pristine coastline, low cost of living, good economy, and abundant outdoor activities, including windsurfing, sailing, and kiteboarding.

Considered the eighth-largest city in Texas, Corpus Christi has a population of 317,615 residents and is on its way to becoming one of the best places to live in Texas.

It is an excellent place to live; if you are considering moving to Corpus Christi, you have come to the right place. Since moving can often be stressful and overwhelming, this moving guide was created to help your move to Texas go as smoothly as possible.

Read on to learn more about life in Corpus Christi, Texas!

Please be sure to watch out for tourists.

Did you know that Corpus Christi welcomes over eight million tourists every year? That is a lot of travelers! While this tourism may be significant for the economy, residents need to get used to the constant flow of out-of-towners. In particular, residents flock to the area during the summer months to enjoy the nice weather and beautiful scenery. Prepare for long lines, heavy traffic, and crowded restaurants and beaches.

Low cost of living. 

If you want to live where you can get the most bang for your buck, look no further than the vibrant city of Corpus Christi, Texas. Compared to similar-sized cities in the United States, living in Corpus Christi is affordable. The city is known to have the 15th lowest cost of living in the country and is the second most affordable city in Texas.

According to Payscale, the cost of living in Corpus Christi is 10% lower than the national average. Breaking that apart, the housing costs are 18% lower than the national average, utility prices are 18% higher, transportation expenses are 7% lower, and food is 14% lower than the national average. 

The rent and living expenses, including utilities, food, and transportation, are all below average. Plus, with low housing prices and no state income tax, living in Corpus Christi will save you more money in the long run. Remember that despite lower costs here, the poverty rate is 16.2%. This means that one out of every 6.2 residents lives at or below the poverty line.

The economy is dynamic.

The economy in Corpus Christi is complex and is made up of a variety of different sectors. The most popular industries in the city right now are aerospace, aviation, and manufacturing. The area is also known to be a sizeable military center since it is home to the Corpus Christi Naval Air Station, which just so happens to be the largest employer in the city. The Corpus Christi Army Depot is also located here. 

Even though the economy took a significant hit during the COVID-19 Pandemic, the job market is now on a steady incline like the rest of the world. Over the past year, the job market in Corpus Christi has seen an increase of 0.3%, which is continually rising.

It is increasing so much that the city's job growth is predicted to reach 25% over the next ten years. If you are moving to the area and searching for a job, you will likely only be looking for a short time. 

Prepare for hot weather.

Experiencing a subtropical climate, residents can expect hot, humid, and rainy summers alongside mild winters. Corpus Christi is one of the warmest cities in the state of Texas. The hottest month is August, with an average temperature of 93 degrees Fahrenheit.

Meanwhile, the coldest month of the year is January, with an average low temperature of 47 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to mild temperatures, March, April, and November are the most comfortable months.

There are 223 sunny days throughout the year, while the city receives up to 33 inches of rain annually. This is less than the United States average of 38 inches of rain annually.

If you are moving to the area from a colder climate, feel free to leave your snow shovel and snow boots behind since Corpus Christi receives zero inches of snow per year since temperatures rarely drop below freezing. The last time that measurable snow fell in the city was in 2004.

It gets windy. 

While the weather may be mostly warm and sunny, Corpus Christi also receives unusually high winds. Even though Chicago may be nicknamed "the Windy City," Corpus Christi is known to have one of the highest average wind speeds in the whole country.

Due to its location along the coastline, gusty sea air can reach an average of 10.8 miles per hour throughout the year and up to 12 miles per hour during the spring months! No wonder kitesurfing and parasailing are such popular activities for the locals.

Spend the day at the beach. 

Even though the city is tucked into Corpus Christi Bay and is not directly in line with The Gulf of Mexico, it is still home to many beautiful beaches and popular fishing spots. Many residents can soak up the sun, play in the sand, and participate in watersports, including kayaking and paddleboarding. 

Check out these local favorite beaches in Corpus Christi, Texas!

• McGee Beach: Located along Corpus Christi Bay and near Downtown, this beach features a marina, parks, hotels, sports venues, restaurants, and a convention center. This beach is ordinarily seaweed-free, and the water is excellent for swimming and other activities. Dogs are allowed here as long as they remain on a leash. 

• North Beach: Located just over the Harbor Bridge, this beach features a famous boardwalk, abundant seafood restaurants, and an aquarium. There is even a new Ferris wheel that provides fantastic skyline views. Spanning for 1.5 miles, North Beach is a family-friendly destination. Vehicles are not allowed on the beach. 

• Packery Channel Park: This park and beach back up to the Packery Channel, an artificial pass separating Padre Island and Mustang Island. It is a popular spot for bird watching, kayaking, and fishing. This is a vehicle-friendly beach, and the water here is calmer, making it a great place to play in the surf.   

• Mustang Island: This 18-mile-long stretch of barrier Island is located on the Gulf Coast of Texas from Corpus Christi to Port Aransas. There is much to do here in five miles of open beaches, picnic areas, and camping facilities. Named after the wild horses that roam the Island, no one knows how the wild mustangs arrived on the Island many years ago. All beaches here are accessible by car. 

• North Padre Island: Considered the longest stretch of an undeveloped barrier Island in the world. Stretching for 70 miles, this Island has a protected coastline, gorgeous beaches, fishing, bird watching, and kayaking spots. There are even areas designated for sea turtle hatching releases. Beach camping is allowed. The best time to visit the Island is from September through February.

Everyone here loves Selena.

Selena Quintanilla-Perez was a famous American singer and songwriter best known as the "Queen of Tejano Music." Celebrated as one of the most beloved Latin singers of the late 20th century, Selena impacted the Mexican-American community and the world through her music. Tragically killed by one of her friends and president of her fan club, Selena passed away at a Corpus Christi motel in 1995.

Before her death, she lived in the city with her husband, Chris Perez, and is now buried in Seaside Memorial Park. Today, her fans preserve her memory through a memorial statue in Downtown Corpus Christi.

If you are a fan of her music, visit the Selena Museum in the city, which houses her recording studio, awards, records, and famous costumes from her performances. The museum is open Monday through Friday, and admission tickets only cost $3.

Corpus Christi is the home of Whataburger. 

The famous fast-food restaurant Whataburger opened in 1950 on Ayers Street in Corpus Christi, Texas. Entrepreneur Harmon Dobson dreamed of opening a restaurant serving the most extensive burgers that a customer could get their hands on.

What once started as a tiny burger stand has spread nationwide, reaching ten states and over 800 restaurants. Currently serving almost every state in the southern United States, from Florida to Arizona, the company is home to more than 43,000 workers.

Today's most prominent Whataburger location resides in Corpus Christi and is 6,000 square feet. Nicknamed "Whataburger by the Bay," this restaurant was opened in 1999 and features a bronze statue of its founder. As a new local to Corpus Christi, it is a must-do to try Whataburger.

Seafood is everywhere. 

Once you get your Whataburger fix, feast on all the fresh and local seafood that Corpus Christi offers. Due to its location on the Gulf of Mexico, all of the seafood in the area is caught by locals and is flavorful. Whether you like shrimp, scallops, or the day's catch, there are many restaurants near the water that all residents need to try.

From casual dining experiences to five-star locally owned establishments, many spots to explore along the beaches and the bay serve only the most mouthwatering dishes.

Check out these local favorite seafood restaurants in Corpus Christi, Texas! 

• Blackbeard's on the Beach: Not only is this restaurant pirate-themed, but the seafood here is outstanding. Offering live music throughout the week, housemade margaritas, and only the best seafood on the menu. 

• Saltwater Grill: Known as a great place to bring the family delicious food, this restaurant serves daily fish specials. From grilled to fried seafood dishes, there is something here for everyone.  

• Snoopy's Pier: Found on South Padre Island, this restaurant serves crab cakes, fried shrimp, and other seafood favorites. 

• Doc's Seafood and Steaks: Putting the "surf" in surf n' turf, this seafood restaurant directly overlooks the water and has some of the best seafood in the city.  

• Catfish Charlie's: Get your Louisiana dishes and seafood fix at this local hotspot. While the catfish may be one of the best sellers, shrimp, oysters, and chicken-fried steak are other popular menu items.

There are many things to do.

While many residents can be found hanging out by the beach or living the Island life, there are plenty of other things to do in Corpus Christi that do not involve sand between your toes. Including both indoor and outdoor activities, the city has adventures for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you want to visit a museum or an art gallery or take your significant other on a date night, Corpus Christi has you covered. 

Check out these local favorite things to do in Corpus Christi, Texas!

• Texas State Aquarium: Learn about animal and environmental conservation while admiring the wildlife of the Gulf of Mexico. 

• USS Lexington: Take a tour of this World War II aircraft carrier designed and built for the United States Navy. 

• The Art Museum of South Texas: Established in 1936, this art museum overlooks the water and is a great family-friendly place to spend the day. 

• South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center: Discover nature trails, gorgeous florals, and fauna at this 180-acre botanical garden.

Pros and Cons - Corpus Christi

Pros:

• Many things to do
• Deep History
• Diverse population
• Food options

Cons:

• High crime
• High poverty rates
• Job shortages
• Tons of tourist

FAQ

Is Corpus Christi worth moving to?

Corpus Christi is an ideal place for people who love the outdoors and a thriving area to live in. 

What are the drawbacks of living in Corpus Christi?

Some cons for living in Corpus Christi is elevated crime rates in certain areas, high pvoerty rates, job shortages, and a ton of tourist in the area. 

Is it expensive to live in Corpus Christi?

Compared to similar-sized cities in the United States, living in Corpus Christi is affordable. The city is known to have the 15th lowest cost of living in the country and is the second most affordable city in Texas. According to Payscale, the cost of living in Corpus Christi is 10% lower than the national average.

Moving to Corpus Christi, TX - The Bottom Line

It's worth the move; Corpus Christi, Texas, is a great place to live, with a high safety rating and cheap housing. Attracting many families and young professionals to the area, the city is small but full of southern charm. While Corpus Christi may have many pros and cons, the pros outweigh the cons.

Full of many significant areas and neighborhoods, living in Corpus Christi will appeal to any lifestyle. Before moving, reach out to one of our knowledgeable and experienced Realty Specialists to assist you through the home-buying process. Contact us today to find your dream home in Corpus Christi, Texas! Check out best neighborhoods in Corpus Christi.