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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Myssie Cardenas-Barajas,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Alice, TX sell after 95 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Alice, TX over the last 12 months is $480,000, up 24% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Set on approximately 1.83 +/- acres right along the edge of Alice, Texas, this charming property on N Johnson Street offers the perfect blend of town convenience and natural tranquility. Shaded by towering oak trees and fronting the peaceful San Diego Creek, the land has a relaxed, welcoming feel that invites you to slow down and stay a while. Whether you're looking to create your forever home or
The Eschberger Ranch was established over twenty years ago by a long time farming and ranching family that has been producing beef, corn, cotton and grain for over fifty years in Jim Wells County. This ranch offers some very unique features like a 10 acre lake and the San Fernando Creek traversing down one side. With the terrain being pasture and brush mix you get the best of both worlds with
The Stalking Horse is a rare gem of a ranch because of it's size. Some would consider this ranch a "legacy" since the previous owners operated this ranch for decades and was handed down through generations. The ranch is fenced and cross-fenced for rotation grazing purposes. There are even some lanes in place to make gathering your cattle a little easier. The habitat is a great mix of pasture and
16 Prime 12.5-Acre Homesite Lots with Seller Financing – Alice, TexasLocated along County Road 146, just 1.35 miles north of SH-44 in Alice, Texas, this beautiful 200-acre tract offers 16 unique 12.5-acre homesite lots in a prime South Texas location. Perfectly situated roughly midway between the towns of San Diego and Alice, the property provides convenient access to Corpus Christi, San
Over 10 acres of Highway Frontage just minutes North of Alice. Whether you are looking for a place to build, a small hunting tract, or an investment, this property checks all the boxes. Mature mesquite trees and other brush native to the area provide privacy to the property and habitat to an abundance of wildlife. Whitetail deer, hogs, dove, and the occasional coyote, bobcat, and turkey can be
Eric AtkinsonUnited Country Real Estate | 1836 Realty and Auction
This exceptional 35-acre hunting and recreational property offers the ideal combination of turnkey functionality, wildlife management, and long-term investment value. Currently under a wildlife exemption, this tract not only provides outstanding recreational opportunities but also valuable tax benefits for the owner.Designed with the outdoorsman in mind, the property is set up and ready
El Rayo Ranch 124 acres - Jim Wells County Conveniently located just 5 miles south of Alice and 1 mile north of Ben Bolt, Rayo Ranch offers 124 acres of versatile South Texas land with a prime location and exceptional potential. With 663 feet of frontage on Highway 281 and 1,556 feet along County Road 48, this property combines accessibility, productivity, and recreational appeal. Approximately
Ready for your dream home on 17.184 (+-) acres. Country Living at it's finest on the San Diego Creek. Lots of trees and choice home sites. CR 146 provides easy access to and from all your necessities. The owner has carved out a spot for a custom home for the new owners convenience. This property could be sold as an 11 acre tract or a 5 acre tract, all subject to a new survey. Price will be
Charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home offering a functional layout and plenty of potential for the next owner. This home features comfortable living spaces with a welcoming living area and a practical floor plan that makes everyday living easy. The spacious lot provides room to expand, add outdoor features, or create your own private retreat. Whether you are looking for a primary residence, a starter
Enjoy Peaceful Country Living On 9 Acres Just Outside The City Limits Of Alice! This spacious property offers endless possibilities with a total of 10 rooms, including 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths, providing plenty of space for family, guests or multi-generational living. There's even a second entry to the house. Inside, you'll find a welcoming living room, dining room, dedicated office area, and
Introducing a rare opportunity to own a property in an established neighborhood that boasts charm and character. This home features unique touches that reflect its inviting history, offering a canvas for those with a vision. While the property does require some tender loving care (TLC), it holds incredible potential for renovation and personalization. Perfect for investors or buyers looking to
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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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
