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Rockport, Texas

Along Aransas Bay on the Texas Gulf Coast, Rockport is a Funky, Low Key Tourist Destination Known for its Long, Clean Beaches and Excellent Fishing Waters

Funky, low key Rockport (population 11,000) is on Aransas Bay on the Texas Gulf Coast, about 30 miles northeast of Corpus Christi (population 285,000). Its clean beaches, fishing waters and birding areas have made it a vacation destination and millionaires' retreat for years.

Rockport and the village just to the north, Fulton (population 1,600), are often considered one town and have a mature population with half of the residents age 45 or better. Twenty-seven percent of locals hold a four year college degree. Conservative politics are the norm, and "good ole boy" politics are not unknown. The violent crime rate is below the national average, but the property crime rate is above it.

The median home price is $385,000, reflecting a 2% dncrease from a year ago. The overall cost of living is 7% below the national average. Most homes are ranch ramblers and raised ranch ramblers. Some sit atop stilts.

Windswept, flat and dotted with towering live oaks, Rockport is an easygoing place, and life often occurs in or on the water. Mile-long, pebbly Rockport Beach Park is the main stretch of sand and is Texas' only certified Blue Wave Beach. It is one of the cleanest and safest beaches in the state. The water is shallow and a little murky but without an undertow or rough waves.

Goose Island State Park, about 10 miles to the north and home to Texas' biggest tree, is a fisherman's delight, with speckled trout, red fish, drum, flounder and sheepshead all in good supply (as are crabs and oysters). Mustang Island State Park, about 15 miles from town, has five miles of beach, 300 beach camping spots and attracts birdwatchers, sunbathers, hikers and picnickers.

Marinas, piers, 20,000 nearby acres of bays and Matagorda Island provide further opportunities for fishing, boating and sunning. Huge Aransas National Wildlife Refuge has 115,000 acres filled with 400 bird species, including large flocks of endangered whooping cranes.

Rockport has a growing arts community and boasts the Rockport Center for the Arts (three galleries, classes and workshops), 15 art galleries and a nationally known sculpture foundry. Residents also enjoy the Texas Maritime Museum, two golf courses, 30 churches and a YMCA. The Aransas Public Library provides free Internet access.

Festivals are a Rockport staple. The Tropical Christmas Festival (food booths, entertainment, Polynesian dancers), the Rockport Gospel Festival (Christian vocal groups), the Rockport Art Festival (an auction, juried displays and lots of food and entertainment), the Rockport Festival of Wine and Food (tastings and cooking workshops) and Seafair (a sea-themed event with live bands, a carnival and a parade) are just a few of the annual events. Rockport Market Days is a fun, monthly flea market.

Restaurants are mostly diners and family-style. Most menus emphasize BBQ, pulled pork, Texas-style sausage and fresh seafood.

Rockport does not have a hospital, but Corpus Christi has eight medical centers and hospitals. For military retirees, the nearest VA outpatient clinic is in Corpus Christi, and the nearest VA hospital is in Harlingen, 135 miles away.

The county provides a dial-a-ride van service Monday through Friday, and the Texas Council on Aging, which manages the Senior Services Center, provides transportation to the Center and to local shopping areas and medical appointments. The Center also has activities (cards, fitness classes), noon meals, prescription assistance, home delivered meals and medical screening clinics.

Summer temperatures reach the mid-90s, and humidity is high. There is usually a slight Gulf breeze, but summers are still hot and sticky. Winters are mild with temperatures in the 40s, 50s and 60s. On average, the area receives 35 inches of rain per year.

It is worth noting that this area is vulnerable to hurricanes and even though Rockport sits behind publicly and privately owned barrier islands, it was severely damaged by Hurricane Harvey in 2017. The city has been rebuilding since then, but city leaders think it will be another year or so before all repairs are complete.

The Texas Gulf Coast runs for more than 350 miles along the Gulf of Mexico, offering a unique blend of sandy beaches, bustling ports, and small coastal towns. Anchored by cities like Galveston, Corpus Christi, and South Padre Island, the region is known for its fishing, boating, birdwatching, and laid-back seaside living. The area also is abundant in cultural richness, with influences from Mexican, Cajun, and Texas traditions shaping its food, music, and festivals.

While the Gulf Coast provides a more affordable cost of living compared to many other coastal regions, residents must also contend with the risk of hurricanes and tropical storms. Still, for retirees and families alike, the Texas Gulf Coast offers an appealing mix of coastal charm, warm weather, and easy access to both nature and urban amenities.

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