Are you considering moving very far south to Corpus Christi, Texas?
If so, you’re considering a city with more than meets the eye.
You may have visited before and enjoyed the ocean, nightlife, and attractions, but visiting is quite different from living in a location.
Like with living in any destination, there are a variety of pros and cons that you must weigh before making the big move seaside.
Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of living in Corpus Christi, TX!
Contents
Pros of Living in Corpus Christi, TX
While many pros exist to living in this city, the most persuasive include:
1. Countless Activities
While plenty of family-friendly activities in Corpus Christi are available to meet all preferences (more on this later), you can find a variety of entertainment options as a solo or couple.
The beach and ocean are obviously at the of the things to do list, but Texas State Aquarium and The Art Museum of South Texas are local favorites, with rotating exhibitions.
Also, the USS Lexington Museum is a relic of the military past, Whataburger Field is a great place to catch a ballgame, and the Corpus Christi Downtown Seawall is a beautiful place for a picnic and to listen to the ocean crash against the shore.
2. Deep History
The city is chock full of history due to its participation in various wars.
When visiting downtown, you will come across countless historical monuments.
Step inside a museum to find artifacts from those soldiers who defended Texas and Corpus Christi’s borders against invaders.
This seaside city also ties significantly to Selena Quintanilla-Perez, so her museum gives insight into the late singer’s life, including signed albums, iconic outfits, and countless awards.
If you don’t know who she is, visit the Selena Museum during your next trip.
3. Diverse Population
Many Corpus Christi visitors become permanent residents, so the city continues to grow rapidly.
In the 2019 Census, the city’s population comprised 63.2% Hispanic, 29.5% white, 4.1% Black, 2.3% Asian, and 1.7% of two races or greater.
This means that Corpus Christi is one of the most diverse populations in Texas, proving that the area is welcoming to all.
4. Endless Delicious Food Options
Due to Corpus Christi’s diverse population, you have your food choice from various delicious ethnic restaurants.
The food scene in this city is excellent compared to its size, with a diversity of flavors around every corner.
Historically Corpus has been known for its fresh and renowned seafood offerings and Mexican food.
However, the city offers a variety of other types, including Italian, Asian, and Mediterranean.
5. Excellent Entertainment Options
Although Corpus Christi doesn’t boast the professional sports, nightlife, or other entertainment choices of cities like Dallas or Houston, it has plenty of charming local entertainment options.
Of course, the ocean is a major part of these choices, including the summertime boardwalk fair, catching and cooking your caught fish at the pier, and dolphin tours, to name a few.
As a result, you can find an exciting entertainment opportunity for every taste in Corpus.
6. Family-Friendly Feel
One of the reasons you may be relocating to Corpus Christi is because it’s been rumored to be a wonderful place to raise a family.
The rumors are true since the city is unforgettable and welcoming with plenty of family-friendly year-round activities.
With endless miles of beaches, families can spend weeks on the water enjoying jet skiing, snorkeling, surfing, or kicking back on the beach.
In addition to the natural activities, Corpus Christi hosts plenty of museums, monuments, and parks.
7. Reasonable Cost of Living
One of the best aspects of living in Corpus Christi is that the area is decently affordable, especially compared to other Texas cities.
Those with excellent job prospects can stretch their money further in Corpus Christi and purchase large, seaside homes.
The city also has plenty available for those searching for more bargain housing.
One point to highlight is that the city balances low rental and housing costs with utilities and healthcare cost more aligned with the national U.S. average.
Even with these higher costs, Corpus Christi is approximately 20% cheaper than the national average.
8. Stunning Environment
Visit Corpus Christi once, and you will understand why this advantage exists.
The sights and views along the bay are breathtaking, especially with a diversity of birds scattered along the coastline.
Best of all, living in Corpus Christi doesn’t matter where you live; the downtown beach is only a short drive away.
If you choose not to live along the bay, most apartments and homes have beautiful views of areas, including nature reserves, flourishing parks, and beaches.
Cons of Living In Corpus Christi, TX
Like with living in any city, there are an equal number of cons that you must consider before moving, including:
1. Dirty Areas
Unfortunately, many residents of Corpus Christi don’t have home training, so many spots in the city are filled with litter.
Sadly, these litter-filled areas tend to be near the beautiful seashore, making some parts unbearable to enjoy.
This also causes fishing spots to periodically close to pollution and harms marine life.
While not every place is like this, you will be exposed to dirty areas if you move to Corpus Christi.
2. High Crime
One of the negative statistics that Corpus Christi is known for is the high crime rate, which deters many from moving to this city.
Crime Grade gave Corpus Christi a D+ rating for its safety, a combination of violent and property crime rates.
Like any city, not all areas of the city boast high crime, but downtown is one of the most dangerous places in Corpus Christi.
On the other hand, newer neighborhoods, like the South Side, are significantly safer and great for families.
3. High Poverty Rate
A prevalent poverty rate is one of the results of an economy built around government and tourism.
Outside of military and government employment, few other industries exist, which means those working in service or other unskilled positions are at or below the poverty line.
Like in all cities, the higher the poverty rate, the lower taxes to pay for police coverage, and higher crime rates exist, and Corpus Christi is no exception.
4. Lack of Downtown Development
Despite the seemingly endless number of tourists that flock to the city’s beaches and parks during the high summer tourism season, the downtown area of Corpus Christi continues to lack development.
With a downtown situated on Corpus Christi Bay, there are endless opportunities to create new housing, restaurants, bars, and shopping with beautiful views of the water.
But, unfortunately, a lot of this lack of development is driven by the next point, low government spending on the city.
5. Low Government Spending
Although Corpus Christi is home to stunning nature reserves, picturesque coastlines, beautiful parks, and almost eight million tourists annually, the local and state governments continue to have limited spending on the city.
That means the infrastructure is poor, and new development projects aren’t supported.
As a result, corpus Christi is financially overshadowed by much larger Texas cities like Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio.
6. Job Shortages in Niche Industries
One of the major downfalls of the city is the limited employment opportunities, so have a job lined up before relocating to the area.
The largest employer in the city is the Naval Air Station, while other government jobs comprise many of the top 20 employers, including:
- Corpus Christi Army Depot
- Corpus Christi ISD
- Corpus Christi State School
- Dell Mar College
- Nueces County
- Texas A&M at Corpus Christi
- The City of Corpus Christi
Other jobs tend to revolve around healthcare, fabrication, construction, and the service industry to support tourism.
Therefore, if you’re in a tech or artistry field, you should look elsewhere for a new position.
However, with the remote working brought on by the COVID-19 Pandemic, many employees have the freedom to work from anywhere. Remember, sometimes severe weather can result in power outages and internet shortages.
In summary, the shortage of diverse jobs makes the city a difficult location for those who work in specific sectors.
7. Tons of Tourists
Because of the beautiful scenery, the Corpus Christi area welcomes over eight million tourists annually, ballooning the population during the summer.
While this is excellent for the economy, if you’re planning to live in the area, you must become accustomed to a constant ebb and flow of travelers.
That means your favorite beaches will be crowded, with long restaurant lines, heavy traffic, and overcrowded sidewalks.
8. Variable Weather
The weather can become severe at certain periods throughout the year, fluctuating from bright and sunny to rainy and cool.
Given its Gulf of Mexico location, the weather can change drastically each day.
These weather changes can be annoying for many, especially if you cannot stand humidity and high dew points.
In addition to these variations, you will be battling high winds, which is great for kite surfing, but bad for those trying to plan activities.
This con wouldn’t be complete without mentioning hurricane season.
Corpus Christi is often right in the direct path of hurricanes, which can cause massive flooding, damage, and power outages.
Pros and Cons of Living in Corpus Christi, TX – Summary Table
| Pros of Living in Corpus Christi, TX | Cons of Living In Corpus Christi, TX |
|---|---|
| 1. Countless Activities | 1. Dirty Areas |
| 2. Deep History | 2. High Crime |
| 3. Diverse Population | 3. High Poverty Rate |
| 4. Endless Delicious Food Options | 4. Lack of Downtown Development |
| 5. Excellent Entertainment Options | 5. Low Government Spending |
| 6. Family-Friendly Feel | 6. Job Shortages in Niche Industries |
| 7. Reasonable Cost of Living | 7. Tons of Tourists |
| 8. Stunning Environment | 8. Variable Weather |
Corpus Christi Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Corpus Christi Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are homes in Corpus Christi so cheap?
In Corpus Christi, supply outweighs demand, so the average family can purchase a home for relatively cheap compared to the rest of the state and the United States.
Many of the drawbacks of living in Corpus Christi have contributed to the inexpensive cost of homes in the area, despite the natural beauty.
Is it always windy in Corpus Christi?
With year-round Gulf breezes averaging 12mph, there’s a high probability of wind throughout the year.
It’s so windy in Corpus Christi that the city hosts the annual Kiteboarding National Championships and the U.S. Open Windsurfing Regatta.
What are winters like in Corpus Christi?
Winters in Corpus Christi are incredibly mild and comfortable compared to the hottest days of the year in August.
The region experiences constant cloud cover throughout the winter season with low precipitation.
What is the coldest month in Corpus Christi?
The colder weather season lasts for under three months, from early December to late February, averaging a high temperature of around 72 F.
The coldest month of the year is January, with averages between 50 F and 67 F, so very mild temperatures.
What is Corpus Christi's best neighborhood?
Most recently, the best neighborhood in the Corpus Christi area is Mustang-Padre Island, the best beach destination along the entire Gulf of Mexico.
Residents in this neighborhood love the proximity to the water and the quiet atmosphere.
I just moved from Waikiki where the crime rate is absolutely ridiculous. The prejudice in the neighborhoods is aimed at the Caucasian. People who are locals go out of their way to make our lives difficult at best. They seem to get great enjoyment out of making the white guy miserable. It’s a very sick culture. If you are Caucasian I would suggest going anywhere else for vacation, Honolulu, Waikiki are nothing but major tourist traps, I was there from November 10th 2019 until April 20th 2023. I am going to write a book called “Trapped in Paradise” Chapter 4 will be “The coldest Christmas I ever spent was In Waikiki, 2020” Sincerely JSF.
I would like to read your book 🙂
Hmmm… sorta sounds like you guys were the n*****s in Hawaii. Didn’t feel too good to be ostracized for nothing did it?
—Black man in the US
THAT WAS MY INSTANT THOUGHT AS WELL, BEING A INDIGIOUS FEMALE IVE FELT THE RACISM OF WHITES !
RACISM is government created to divide the people brother. Don’t buy into their bullshit.
As a haole (white) from Oahu, now living on mainland I found your comments not too accurate except Waikiki being expensive tourist money liquidation neighborhood…some whites from the mainland get culture shocked when they get to Oahu and discover they aren’t arent an ethnic majority with privilege. If we were in Ewa you might experience some hostility but not on most of Oahu….i hope you arent triggered in Corpus at the local Asian market
White people deserve it…. sorry
No one deserves hateful treatment, no matter their race or nationality. And your perpetuating lack of kindness and dignity means things wÃll take even longer to improve. Find your heart and sense of fairness and USE THEM!
Well said. I judge everyone on an individual basis, and if you are a thug that’s deals drugs, has a gang and kills others (including their own), then yes, I have a problem with you. NO MATTER the COLOR of your skin. Instead of blaming others for your disappointing lives, get off your butt and work like everyone else! BE A POSITIVE role model for your future generations!
You’re the reason we have racial divide in this country.
Can you even distinguish racial vs pure social class divide? I don’t think Americans, espeically Blacks, are not able to distinguish since they beleive everything is a racial issue.
You DO NOT get to tell someone what they should or do feel. If I say something bothers me, then that’s what it is period. Your acknowledgment or validation is an absolute non factor..
That’s an awful, ignorant and racist comment. Most of my family and friends went to the best colleges in the US. We’re professionals and black and absolutely know the differences between classes, including our own.
Thanks for keeping racism alive and well for the next generations
Yes I second that last comment.. Many thanks..
Maybe you should call it the white mans plight! Cry me a riverðŸ˜. You found the one place that made you uncomfortable due to your lack of privilege.
Oh, no, we still have plenty, we just spend more time fixing our own problems instead of clinging to excuses for failure the way you do.
So when something comes up that we really don’t have control over, such as the racism against us which is just as bad if not worse and somehow accepted, it stands out.
A great place not 2 visit & spend my$ thank you 4 the heads up
Hallelujah! People that wish badly on others need to grow up. And yes, I agree, stop blaming others for your problems and lack of prosperity. Get off your dead butts and help yourselves! It starts with educating your kids on values that will sustain them through life, instead of, like said above, making excuses because your distant people had to endure horrible treatment. Enslaving people started in Africa with black people enslaving their own. I do not condone any horrible behavior or racism against anyone, but the generations way before you were hardworking, good people with values. Unfortunately, they were not treated fairly or tolerated because of their color. It was ignorance. And BTW, not all “white” people, by any means, are privileged. All races have struggles. It’s what you do to change things for yourselves, instead of being lazy and continuing the cycle that teaches your youngsters to blame others instead of trying to break the cycle. MANY have had the determination and courage to reach for the sky and make their lives and the lives of their children better!
WELL SAID
BEST ANSWER
Does anyone have anything to say about Corpus Christi, which what this thread is supposed to be about?
“Privilege” what a fascinating way to sidestep “entitlement”.
I like KaMaul would like information about Corpus Christi as well vs. high jacking this thread.
Got way off course didn’t we? No place is a utopia but after some internet research, I think I am moving here.
I would like to say that I have lived here all my 60 years and I would live nowhere else. It has a small town feel as well as a large town feel, but it is still small enough feel to it to raise a family without most of the big city crime.
Compared to living in a city that has 110 summers, and snow 22 degrees winter, with very high crime, dirty because of lots of homeless and pay over $1000 for one bedroom, not near beautiful ocean beaches, I’d say this city has so much more to offer than majority of CA cities. Where yes the Anti White racisms is everywhere. Jobs go to non white, in Govt too. At least this city is beautiful and more liveable.
I thought you were talking about fort worth texas
Hi Elaine Riley,
You wrote:
“Where yes the Anti White racisms is everywhere. Jobs go to non white, in Govt too. At least this city is beautiful and more liveable.”
Do you mean in CA or in Corpus Christi?
Thx. & blessings!
Amen to that. Agree. Same experience in CA.
Yes, I was also wondering how this thread on Corpus Christi became a racial battle. Living in Idaho for most of my life, the older I get, the harder it for me to tolerate the extreme cold in the winter & weeks of triple digit temps in the short but brutal summers. My Husband and I have been considering a move to Corpus Christi. I would like to hear more about the city from the locals & not tourism & real estate moguls. I want to know about the people, not the nightclubs & eateries. I want to know about the wildlife & insect hazards we can expect to encounter, not just the prospect of tropical storms/hurricanes. How does traffic flow? What areas of the city are unsafe? What does the Google review mean by “dirty areas”? What is the city council REALLY like? BTW, just a corrective note on slavery……the Israelites were enslaved by the Egyptians for 400 years. WHITE people, DID NOT by any means, create, invent or “corner the market” on slavery. Get over that farce.
I used to live in Iowa. I now live in corpus for 18 years. for clarity, I think someone was talking about racism in HI up in the thread somewhere. I’m white since everyone seems to be interested about race. As for your questions, The people are good people. Good friendly neighborhoods in my experience. I have always lived South of (SPID) and east of (WEBER) and the neighborhoods are great, family friendly places. They called this the birdiest city in the US, with more varieties and birdwatching opportunities than anywhere else. The coastal bend is home to lots of interesting wildlife, deer, raccoon, coyote, wolves, rabbits, and opossums even the occasional javalena. The bat population is high also. Mosquitoes can be a problem but not for the last 3 years or so. there are lots of bats, birds, and dragonflies that eat them. There are these enormous freakish roaches though, and they sneak inside sometimes during drought and flooding… flooding is an issue in some neighborhoods due to poor drainage and problems with the clay like soil. Traffic is not bad at all any time of day. In my experience you can’t go wrong if you stick to areas south of south padre island drive and east of crosstown expressway and , in my opinion those are the best places to live.
Wow this sucks all I wanted to know was stuff about corpus christi. Finally someone came on and asked the right questions and nobody else commented after that. What’s the bad part of corpus Christi? Gotta be something or the houses wouldn’t be cheap and plentiful like they are. Just curious. Ocean city with affordable housing? Something has to be wrong with the area. Prove me wrong somebody!
It used to be a great place to live but the crime has been bad for several years! It has become very woke so the criminals are not held to account for their actions! Just be aware of your surroundings!
I’m the other 49 states yt people as a whole are extremely racist. The funny thing that’s not really funny is you all swear you’re not. Imagine not being able to leave racism. Now you get a taste of America for others that don’t look like you. It’s all good until you’re the one experiencing it.