New investments in a small hub for oil and shipping
The self-proclaimed "coyote capital of Texas," Alice is one of the largest cities within an hour of Corpus Christi. Like its bigger, coastal neighbor, Alice is an oil town. Railroads and cattle ranching also helped make it an important regional hub in the 19th and 20th centuries. Prosperity has not been in the air since then, and the declining population now sits at around 17,500 as some employers move elsewhere. But local organizations and developers have started reinvesting in the city's parks and homes, demonstrating an effort to turn a historical tide in the seat of Jim Wells County.
Alice was founded in the late 19th century as a railroad town.
Alice, TX, is known as the "Coyote Capital of Texas.
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The Natatorium returns with YMCA partnership
Back in 2016, the city debuted a gem: an expansive natatorium and waterpark featuring waterslides and lap lanes. But after just a year, the facility closed its doors. Now, thanks to a partnership with YMCA, the facility is back up and running. In addition to the natatorium, the city maintains a total of 12 parks, including an 18-hole municipal golf course, a variety of playgrounds like Charles Brazzell Park, sports courts and picnic spots. Heldt Park is the main downtown square and recently debuted a new stage for outdoor concerts. Lake Findley is a popular fishing and hiking area 2 miles north of the city.
The City of Alice partnered with the YMCA to successfully reopen the Multi-Use Complex.
Alice offers 12 parks, a golf course, and Lake Findley.
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Investment options in the city core
Alice has a median single-family home price of $208,000, which is fairly low compared to the median for Corpus Christi. Most listings are for established ranch-style homes. Some are sold as rehab properties needing mild to serious repairs, while others are turnkey. There are also many land plots for sale, some sold as teardown properties in the core of the city, others sold as expansive ranches. Typically, land parcels are listed between $25,000 and $100,000 per acre.
Housing in Alice is more affordable than in Corpus Christi.
Many homes in Alice are classic ranch-style or fixer-uppers.
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Trade certifications from Alice ISD and Coastal Bend College
The city is zoned for the Alice Independent School District, which has an overall Niche rating of C. The district oversees roughly 4,500 students across 6 schools, including an early college high school where students can earn up to 60 hours of early college course credits and enroll in various career and technical education courses. Some parents avail themselves of public options, opting to send their kids to local religious schools, like Saint Elizabeth Catholic School or the Alice Christian School. Alice is also home to Coastal Bend College, a two-year institution where students can earn various trade certifications.
Alice High School has a modern sports field for football, soccer, and tennis courts.
William Adams Middle School is part of the Alice Independent School District.
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Halfway between the Border and Interstate 37
Many residents work in manufacturing, as Alice is home to several offices and plants for major drilling companies like Halliburton. It's also a major shipping logistics hub for the greater Corpus Christi industrial area, as Alice's location on U.S. Highway 281 is roughly the halfway point between Interstate 37 and the U.S.-Mexico border. Spohn Hospital and Alice ISD are also major employers.
Downtown music shops and Mexican cantinas
The downtown core of Alice consists of a Main Street area lined with western false-front buildings, some sitting vacant while others are occupied by clothing boutiques, antique stores and music shops. King Street Grill is the only restaurant in the downtown area. The rest of the city's eateries consist of an assortment of locally owned cafes, taverns and Mexican restaurants as well as fast-food chains and supermarkets, most found on major thoroughfares like Front Street.
Mexican restaurants and taverns are popular in Alice.
Downtown Alice features music shops, boutiques, and diners.
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Church crowds, Christmas lights and civic clubs
Many residents find ways to make connections and help neighbors through civic organizations like the Rotary Club of Alice. Churches are also a major component of the community fabric, including numerous Baptist and Catholic churches, plus a whole host of Protestant and other Christian congregations. The city government also contributes to local goings on with library programs like family story times, community events like an Easter Eggstravaganza and holiday light shows at local parks.
High water and crime rates
Some waterways in Alice are prone to flooding in heavy rain, particularly Lake Findley and Lattas Creek. Both create flood zones all throughout the city, many impacting residential areas. These can also become flooded during hurricanes, which Alice is no stranger to with only 50 miles of separation from the Gulf of Mexico.
FBI data shows rates of property crime and violent crime in Alice are well above national and state figures. However, community programs and other interventions made by city police since 2022 have also led to declining rates for most forms of property and violent crime.
Written By
Tom Jakob
Photography Contributed By
Saeid Zare
Video By
Rebecca Askin
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On average, homes in Alice, TX sell after 134 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Alice, TX over the last 12 months is $205,000, up 32% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover an excellent investment or renovation opportunity with this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home located in the heart of Alice, Texas. Situated on a spacious lot with mature trees and a welcoming front porch, this property is ready for your personal touch. This single-story home features a classic layout with a large front living area, original windows, and vintage charm throughout. Furniture &
Discover this fully remodeled 3-bedroom, 1-bath home with modern updates including a new roof, windows, doors, tile flooring, updated bathroom, stylish fixtures, central air and heat, tankless water heater, new septic tank, enhanced insulation, quartz countertops, and ceiling fans in all rooms. The open floor plan features a large covered patio, fenced backyard with mature trees, and dual zoning
Escape to Your Private Country Oasis! Leave the stress behind and discover this tranquil 2.48-acre retreat, a perfect blend of seclusion and convenience—only 10 minutes from San Diego and 15 minutes from Alice, TX. This stunning 4-bedroom, 2-bath brick home feels fresh and modern, offering all the comforts you crave. Fall in love with the chef’s dream island kitchen, boasting abundant storage,
Three bedroom two bath home on 5 Acres of land in Alice ISD school district. Large open floor plan with all of the bedrooms on the first floor. Second floor has a large open space for a second living area. Grab your favorite Realtor and come check this one out!!
Hollow Tree Ranch Subdivision - Jim Wells County 34.13 Acres | High-Fenced | Custom Barndominium | Wildlife Paradise Welcome to Hollow Tree Ranch, a premier 34.19-acre ranch property located in the desirable Hollow Tree Ranch Subdivision in Jim Wells County. This beautifully crafted custom Barndominium is the perfect blend of rustic elegance and functional ranch living. With ag-exempt land,
This is one of 3 units. This unit is in the front and has 1 bedroom and 1 bath and is approximately 503 sq. ft. Rent includes yard maintenance. This unit has a refrigerator, stove, window ac unit and a mini-split in the living room. This unit is ready for occupancy. Please call today for immediate occupancy.
You'll feel at home at Sunset Village apartments in Alice, Texas. We are ideally located near a mix of shopping, local dining, and entertainment venues. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, visit one of the many nearby parks! Here you will find all this and more at Sunset Village! You can choose from our spacious one and two bedroom apartments and townhomes for rent. Our homes include a fully
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