East of the Colorado River, 30 miles from bay waters with a creek winding through, Bay City is often called a gateway to nature. This Main Street city has a historic core and homes on acreage. Surrounded by farmland, there’s a touch of rural living here, with streets overflowing with old oaks. “We’re kind of an undiscovered area. So, could you keep it a secret?” says Realtor Sherry Williams, mostly in jest. She’s lived in Bay City for 17 years and works for Bay City Realty. “To the north and south of us, there are bigger areas like Corpus Christi, but we are in the middle and not as congested,” she says. Over 17,000 people live here, many working in wholesale agriculture and at STP Nuclear.
East of the Colorado River, Bay City is often called a gateway to nature.
Bay City historical homes sit on lots that overflow with oak trees that give the feel of rural living.
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Valor Park brings new homes to Bay City
Bay City has a historic district just south of downtown, where some residences trace back to the early 1900s. The city also has traditional-style homes from the midcentury to the early 2000s, and more options are coming. "We have two brand-new housing developments going in, and they are building hundreds of homes," Williams says. One is Valor Park, which is in the early stages but will eventually bring over 200 new residences to the area.
Bay City is built on low-lying land, making it prone to flooding. "A lot of people now are building things [like drainage ditches] to be more resistant to natural disasters," Williams says. Lot sizes range from under 10,000 square feet to over 5 acres on the outskirts. The city's median home price is around $215,000, significantly less than the state median.
Valor Park is a new development bringing hundreds of new homes to Bay City.
Traditional style midcentury homes in Bay City offer lots of charm.
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Vision Bay City 2040 looks toward the future
Bay City's gridded, downtown core is anchored by a town square and features longstanding, family-owned restaurants, coffee shops and specialty stores in historic buildings. Locals can meet here for lunch and dinner over seafood, Mexican, southern comfort dishes and elevated American cuisine or at a fast-food chain. As a Texas Main Street participant, the city commits to keeping its vintage buildings well preserved. Some of its plans outlined in Vision Bay City 2040 also include adding more landscaping and creating more events, creating an robust entertainment scene.
Bay City's gridded, downtown core is anchored by a town square featuring loads of retail and dining options.
As a Texas Main Street participant, Bay City commits to keeping its vintage buildings well preserved.
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Texas Paddlers' Rally brings local kayakers together
Downtown hosts numerous community events throughout the year. Camofest, a staple for nearly a decade, happens in January, giving residents a chance to sample wild-caught game and local wine while shopping at discounted rates. The Bay City's Matagorda County Fairgrounds rodeo launches in spring and always features a petting zoo. The season also brings local kayakers together for the Texas Paddlers' Rally at Riverside Park to float down the Colorado River.
Bay City kayakers get together for the Texas Paddlers' Rally at Riverside Park to traverse the Colorado River.
Bay City's Matagorda County Fairgrounds is always a beehive of activity every spring with rodeo action.
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Bay City ISD has a B rating on Niche
Bay City Independent School District serves over 3,500 students and earns a B-minus rating on Niche. Wharton County Junior College is local and there are over 30 colleges within 100 miles.
Bay City High School is empowering the next generation of leaders.
Bay City Junior High nurtures young minds and fosters excellence.
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Basketball at neighborhood parks, kayaking along the Colorado River
The city maintains over 20 parks and facilities. Riverside Park and Le Tulle Park are the largest, both along the Colorado River. Riverside Park’s 100 acres are filled with live oak, pecan and hackberry trees, and its concrete boat ramp offers a launching point into the river. At 32 acres, Le Tulle Park has lakes and an 18-hole disc golf course. It's in the same area as the Matagorda County Birding Nature Center — which hosts workshops and classes for naturalists at heart — and the Bay City Country Club. Neighborhood and community parks offer playgrounds, picnic tables, barbecue grills and sports courts. Matagorda Beach is less than 30 miles away.
Bay City's Riverside Park spans over 100 acres of natural beauty that is teeming with wildlife.
Grab a foursome for an afternoon on the course at Bay City Country Club.
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Houston is 80 miles away
State Highways 35 and 60 flow through Bay City, eventually leading to Houston in 80 miles, and Corpus Christi within 130 miles. “When I leave town, within one minute, I can be out driving through cornfields,” Williams says. “I always take the back road home.” Matagorda Regional Medical Center is a general hospital in the city. William P. Hobby Airport is the closest international airport, around 80 miles away following Highway 35.
Bay City crime and weather data
Bay City Police Department's annual report shows that calls for service are decreasing over time, from 31,645 in 2020 to 27,269 in 2023. The highest category of crime is traffic-related contact stops. As for weather, it's hot in Bay City for roughly four months and cool for less than three. Hurricanes sweep through periodically. The last major one was Beryl, in 2024, which caused power outages, flood and wind damage, across the state.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
Photography Contributed By
Mitchell Hester
Video By
Brandon Flash Craigie
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Reach out to
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This stunning Kendall home offers the perfect blend of comfort and functionality, featuring 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a private study, covered back patio and a side-load 3-car garage. Situated on just over half an acre in Little River Ranch, the popular Dallas floor plan showcases an open and inviting main living area and a modern kitchen. Enjoy quartz countertops throughout, a spacious walk-in
This stunning Kendall Homes Hardin floor plan features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2-car garage, and a covered back patio. Step into a warm and inviting entry that leads to a spacious layout with quartz and marble countertops and walk-in closets. The kitchen is a showstopper with a custom backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and 36" cabinets. Laminate wood flooring flows throughout the main
This stunning Kendall home offers the perfect blend of comfort & functionality with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths a study, a 3 car garage and covered back patio. Nestled on a little over half an acre of land in Little River Ranch the Grayson layout features an inviting main living area, a modern kitchen with quartz countertops throughout, walk-in pantry, 42 inch upper cabinets in Discerning Beige with
Builder Incentives Offered* Please visit our website (www.kendallhomes.net) or a sales model for more information. Introducing the Dallas, an exceptional plan by Kendall Homes that defines modern luxury and comfort. This impressive residence boasts 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a spacious 2,219 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. The flexibility of a 2/3 car garage adds a practical
Builder Incentives Offered* Please visit our website (www.kendallhomes.net) or a sales model for more information. Introducing the Smith, a distinguished plan by Kendall Homes that redefines the essence of modern living. This exceptional residence features 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, and an expansive 1,969 square feet of meticulously designed space, offering both comfort and style. The inclusion of a 2
Builder Incentives Offered* Please visit our website (www.kendallhomes.net) or a sales model for more information. Introducing an extraordinary Kendall Homes floor plan featuring 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a generous 1,792 square feet of meticulously designed living space. This home welcomes you with a warm and inviting ambiance from the moment you step into this home. Inside, discover the allure
Builder Incentives Offered* Please visit our website (www.kendallhomes.net) or a sales model for more information. Introducing the Grayson, an exquisite plan by Kendall Homes that embodies the epitome of refined living. This splendid residence features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a generous 2,084 square feet of carefully designed space, offering a perfect balance of elegance and practicality. The
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Welcome to your Cozy Coastal Cottage in Sargent! This charming 2-bedroom, 2-bath home is the perfect weekend getaway or an excellent vacation rental opportunity. Featuring two private bedroom suites, two comfortable living areas, and a quaint breakfast room, this cottage blends coastal charm with a relaxed country feel. Enjoy sipping lemonade from any of the THREE porch or sitting areas, fish or
Builder Incentives Offered* Please visit our website (www.kendallhomes.net) or a sales model for more information. Introducing the Caldwell, a delightful plan by Kendall Homes that brings together practicality and comfort. This charming residence features 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a cozy 1,691 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. The 2-car garage adds convenience to this well-crafted
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Impeccably maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath brick home offering a seamless blend of comfort and sophistication. Light-filled interiors highlight the inviting living area with fireplace, while the kitchen features granite countertops, sleek white cabinetry, and an elegant, modern aesthetic. A 2-car attached garage adds both convenience and functionality.
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Welcome to Shadow Bay Apartments located in Bay City, Texas. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, schools, and local parks – there’s always something to do! Matagorda Beach is only 30 minutes away! Visit today and see why Shadow Bay Apartments is the place for you!
Live steps from the Gulf in this bright, inviting, FULLY FURNISHED coastal home located less than 100 yards from a public beach. Enjoy open water views from the expansive deck and dining area, with direct sightlines to the shoreline and easy access across a small beach road. The property features a large wraparound deck designed for daily outdoor living — perfect for morning coffee, evening
We offer more than a place to live; we offer a home. A home where a true sense of community is felt. One where you can grow memories as well as your family tree.
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