Firstly why Corpus-Christi, Texas?
I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:
- City: Corpus-Christi
- State: Texas
- Population: 325,733 people
- Corpus-Christi’s quick summary would be Celebrated for its beautiful beaches, the Texas State Aquarium, and the USS Lexington Museum.
Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:
- How many people move-in: 15,000 annually
- While this many move-out: 20,000 annually
- Net Migration: -5000 less people annual change
- Non-Citizen Move-in: 6,000
- Number of Homeless people: 600
You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features coastal living and a growing economy attracting families and tourists
Perk #1: Corpus-Christi Demographic Mix & Lifestyle
- The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 32%
- Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 59%
- Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
- The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
- The median income is (and growing) $57,000
- Income Required to Live Comfortably in Corpus-Christi is $64,000
- Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $7000 in positive cash flow
This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?
Perk #2: Housing & Corpus-Christi’s Cost of Living
- Cost of Living Index: 95 (100 is the US average)
- Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,849
- Property Tax %: 2.09%
- Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,100
- Rent for an average house: $1,500
- Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: The Island
- Top 5 Growing Areas: Corpus-Christi, Portland, Ingleside, Sinton, and probably could include Robstown
- Avg. Age of Homes in Corpus-Christi: 60 years
- The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 2.1%
If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.
Perk #3: Job Market & Corpus-Christi’s Economy
- 3 Industries gaining traction in Corpus-Christi are Energy, Healthcare, and Retail
- Corpus-Christi Job Scene: moderate job market focused on tourism and energy
- The General Tech Scene: emerging tech community focused on energy and tourism industries , ,
- Corpus-Christi Resident’s pay $1,200 in City Tax alone!
- Local Sales Tax in Corpus-Christi: 8.25%
- No. of Independent Businesses: 130 (excluding chains and corporates)
- Number of Local Branch Banks: 18
Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.
Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Corpus-Christi
- Monthly Transportation Costs: $95 on average per person
- Freeway Access: I-37 links Corpus Christi to the surrounding area and further north
- Commute Time: 28 minutes (public & private)
- Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic jams on the 37
- Transportation Score: 38 out of 100 described as Some Transit
- No. of Vehicles Registered in Corpus-Christi: 200,000
- Cars registered per Person: 0.6
- No. of Car Washes: 7 in and around the city
- DMV Website for Corpus-Christi: txdmv.gov
- The Bike-Friendly Score: 68 of 100
- Local Airport: Corpus Christi International
Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.
Perk #5: Corpus-Christi’s Weather & Natural Factors
- The Most Common Natural Disaster is Hurricanes
- General Weather in Corpus-Christi is best described as hot summers mild winters with coastal breezes
- Winter Weather in Corpus-Christi i’d describe as mild with occasional rain
- Spring Weather in Corpus-Christi can be described as warm with humidity
- Summer’s in Corpus-Christi are mostly hot and humid
- Fall ( the nicest time) in Corpus-Christi is usually warm and breezy
- How many days in a row over 90°F: 32 days in summer
- Days in a row in Corpus-Christi below Freezing: 0
- Average Annual Rainfall: 31 inches
- Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality largely maintained by coastal breezes
- Corpus-Christi Winter Air generally good air quality some pollution events possible
Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.
Perk #6: Corpus-Christi Education & Schools
- The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
- Number of Colleges and Universities in Corpus-Christi 2
- While the number of trade schools inside Corpus-Christis’s city limits are 2
- Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Corpus Christi Public Libraries
If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.
Perk #7: Healthcare & Corpus-Christi Stats
- Typical EMS Response Time: 11 minutes
- Registered Full-Time Corpus-Christi only Doctors is about 100
- Local Hospitals here is 4
- Full-time Corpus-Christi only Police Officers is about 480
- Crime Rate Index: 50/100
Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.
Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality
- Corpus-Christi’s Monthly utility bill average is $95
- Corpus-Christi’s Monthly Gym Membership: $40
- Corpus-Christi’s Water Quality Score: 66
Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.
Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Corpus-Christi
- Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 10 annually
- The General Local City Vibe: coastal city with a focus on tourism and water sports
- You might enjoy concerts at the American Bank Center
- Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Corpus-Christi features a vibrant waterfront nightlife with beach bars restaurants and lively events along the coast
If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.
Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Corpus-Christi
- The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes seafood restaurants and local eateries
- The Number of Independent Restaurants are 50 scattered around Corpus-Christi
- The Popular Sports Team is Corpus Christi Hooks
- Top Level Political Climate in Corpus-Christi can be described as politically mixed coastal city focusing on tourism
- Corpus-Christi’s Longer standing religious establishment is Grace Community Church
Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.
Perk #11: Corpus-Christi Parks & Green Spaces
- Did you know Corpus-Christi has 40 Parks?
- McGee Beach is Corpus-Christi’s Green Space Center
- The local favorite Farmers Market is Corpus Christi Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
- Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Beach activities, fishing, and water sports
Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.
Perk #12: Corpus-Christi Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity
- The Pace of Life in Corpus-Christi can be described as relaxed coastal lifestyle focusing on tourism and outdoor activities
- 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Corpus-Christi beach activities visiting parks boating gatherings
- The Cities people commute to from Corpus-Christi are Port-Arthur 10 miles away Orange 24 miles away Nederland 4 miles away
Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.
8 Drawbacks about Corpus-Christi or are they?
No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.
- Traffic/Commute Issues
Maybe you read: traffic jams on the 37. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts. - Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
Corpus-Christi’s Hurricanes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up. - Pricey Neighborhoods
If The Island is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Corpus-Christi are Port-Arthur 10 miles away Orange 24 miles away Nederland 4 miles away. - Crime Rate Concerns
With a 50 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this. - Harsh Climate Contrasts
Corpus-Christi has 0 days in a row below freezing and 32 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it. - Limited Extra Funds
After general costs of living here in Corpus-Christi people have an average (positive or negative) $7000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here. - Homelessness or Social Challenges
600 homeless people living in Corpus-Christi. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions. - Cultural/Political Mismatch
The general politically mixed coastal city focusing on tourism could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Corpus-Christi.
Retiree & Senior Life in Corpus-Christi
- Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can access local tax credits targeting property ownership
- The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Plaza at Corpus Christi
- Corpus Christi Senior Center hosts social gatherings health programs and recreational activities
If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.
Moving to Corpus-Christi, Texas?
If Corpus-Christi, Texas ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help
As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.
A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Corpus-Christi, Texas, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!