Map of Corpus Christi Texas Area
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Corpus Christi is home to South Padre Island, a famous vacation spot for many Texans and visitors from other states and around the world. There’s more to this city than tourism, however, and this is what we are going to explore today. In this article we’re going to paint you a more vivid map of Corpus Christi, Texas, so that you can get an idea about the cost of living, employment opportunities, and more!
Let’s talk about the coastal city of Corpus Christi!
Where is Corpus Christi, Texas located on the US Map?
Texas itself is located in the western portion of the South-Central United States and to find Corpus Christi on a map of Texas, you’ll want to look to the southern coastal areas and you will find it there. The closest big city to Corpus Christi is San Antonio, which is about a 2-hour drive away, and it has a number of small towns nearby, such as:
- Portland
- Port Aransas
- Edroy
- Gregory
- Ricardo
- Kingsville
If you see these towns then you are close to finding Corpus Christi on the map but the easiest method is just to follow the southern coastline. You can also simply look for Mexico and follow the coastline north, as Corpus Christi is approximately 160 miles north of the border.
How big is Corpus Christi, Texas? Size and Population?
Corpus Christi is a modest-sized city which is about 460 square miles in size. That said, about ¾ of that area is water! The city has a population of approximately 347,000 and the median age in this city is approximately and while it’s not a huge city, it ranks about 8th in city sizes when compared to the other cities in Texas. If we had to boil it down, it is most accurate to say that Corpus Christi is a mid-sized city.
Is Corpus Christi, Texas a good place to live?
Corpus Christi has some attractive features but there are also some caveats, just like you would find in any city. First off, housing is quite affordable in Corpus Christi, with a median price of $162,000. The climate is nice and winters are notably milder than in many Texas cities. There is also the advantage of having the coast nearby!
The overall cost of living is fairly low and the unemployment rate here is 4.3%, so there are certainly employment opportunities to be had. Major industries here are petrochemical and petroleum related and this is also a major shipping area due to its access to the Intercoastal Waterway. If you like boating, swimming, and fresh seafood then Corpus Christi also has you covered.
Now, however, we have to get to the ‘caveat’ portion which we mentioned earlier. FBI data analyzed by workandmoney.com seems to indicate that crime rates are high and that the metropolitan area can be dangerous if you are not careful. This is true with a number of cities, however, so it is recommended to check the crime rates for specific areas if you are considering a move.
Aside from this, the only other caveat is that it is a little isolated, nestled among 27 small towns, and with the nearest large city being 2 hours away then Corpus Christi may not be a perfect fit for those who want the occasional ‘big city’ weekend.
What are the best areas to live in Corpus Christi, Texas?
These locations are subjective, of course, so we’ll try to cover a good range. Our favorites for ‘best areas to live in Corpus Christi’ include the following:
- Mustang-Padre Island
- South Side
- Calallen
Mustang-Padre Island scores number-one as this is number one Corpus Christi destination for those who want to enjoy the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. It was rated as Corpus Christi’s most livable city and has a small population of approximately 4301.
The South Side area of Corpus Christi is considered the area from Holly to just a little bit past Yorktown, as well as the area from Weber to a little beyond Rodd Field. This area is considered quite attractive for those who want a ‘newer’ portion of Corpus Christi, though we should note that property sizes in this area are a little smaller than other areas in Corpus Christi and the architecture will be mostly modern.
Calallen is another popular destination for tourists and is also a great place to live. It combines low cost of living with plenty of entertainment options. The local high school has been ranked in the top 5% as far as Texas schools and the neighborhood has a reputation for being among the cleanest that you’ll find.
Calallen is a great choice for younger couples who are looking to get started and like the idea of settling in a coastal area.
What is Corpus Christi, Texas known for?
Corpus Christi is known for its beaches, with South Padre Island being quite the popular draw for tourists. With the high winds in this area, it’s also a great place for windsurfing, kiteboarding, or enjoying a nice evening of sailing. Seafood fans also swear by the King Crab legs which you may enjoy here and there is plenty to see and do.
Attractions in Corpus Christi include the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, the Texas Surf Museum, Water Gardens, and more! While you are there, be sure to visit the boardwalk as well, which connects with the Texas State Aquarium and the U.S.S. Lexington Museum.
It’s also got a fairly old history, as the city was actually discovered and named in 1519 by a Spanish explorer who chose the name because the day that he found the city was the Roman Catholic holiday known as the ‘Feast of Corpus Christi’, with Corpus Christi translating out literally to ‘the body of Christ.’
Some final words
As you can see, Corpus Christi certainly has a lot to offer. With its low cost of living, the dream of starting a new life on the coast is quite attainable. Just be sure to pay attention to the caveats that we have listed so that you can select the best area for you. From what we hear from the locals, you’ll be in for a treat!
