Mathis provides small-town living near Lake Corpus Christi
The city of Mathis provides residents with many single-family homes and outdoor spaces in a rural setting, northeast of Corpus Christi. Established as a farming town, Mathis remains an agricultural center with farms and ranches surrounding this city of over 4,300. However, buyers are close to Lake Corpus Christi and its state park, while the town maintains a close feel. “It is a rural country setting,” says Cedrick Davis, Sr, city manager for Mathis, who has been in the role for 19 months. “[Residents] come together for homecoming parades and if someone in the community needs help, there are constantly fundraisers. I would say it's more of a helping community, and it's truly tight knit. We don’t have all the amenities that a big city would have, but the little amenities we do have, we cherish them.”
Prices vary widely, but more affordable than the state median
Homes in Mathis vary from cottage and ranch styles to bungalows and New Traditionals. The median is $55,000, far lower than the state and national medians. However, prices can range from around $45,000 to $600,000 depending on age, condition and location. Inventory also tends to move slowly, with houses spending an average of 111 days on the market, compared to the national average of 52.
Homes are typically on gridded streets with smaller lots along with oak and mesquite trees accenting lawns. Properties and farmsteads with more acreage surround Mathis to the east and north. Lakeside housing is also present, with some having private docks. More affordable housing units are also under construction near Interstate 37.
Eric Bluntzer, owner and broker with Bluntzer Real Estate, says the area has attracted workers from coastal industries searching for more affordable options inland.
Multiple parks, Lake Corpus Christi and seasonal holidays form fun
Mathis has multiple parks, including Gonzalo Paiz Park, which features a soccer field, courts, baseball diamonds and a skate park. Ramsower Park offers a playground and a veteran’s memorial. The 18,000-acre Lake Corpus Christi is immediately east of Mathis and has plenty of fishing and boating opportunities. Lake Corpus Christi State Park offers camping spots and wildlife trails.
Annual events include Freedom Fest, occurring on the 4th of July and features live music, fireworks and a parade. The city also has multiple houses of worship, including Mathis Church of Christ and Sacred Heart Church.
Mathis Independent School District serves students
The Mathis Independent School District serves public school students, and graded C-plus on Niche. Students can start at Mathis Elementary for kindergarten through third grade and earns a B-minus. They can continue to B-rated Mathis Intermediate for fourth and fifth grade. Mathis Middle earns a B-minus, while Mathis High has a C and offers career courses in business and culinary arts.
Plenty of chain and local dining options with some big-box grocers
Restaurants are primarily concentrated along San Patricio Avenue or Highway 359 and include a mix of chain and local spots. Smolik’s Steakhouse serves brisket, pulled pork and sandwiches. GIGI’s Pizzeria also offers pasta dishes and sandwiches. Taqueria Vallarta offers Mexican fare and opens for breakfast.
The area has several boutiques, an H-E-B and several dollar stores. More shopping options are in Alice, 33 miles southwest, and Corpus Christi, roughly 26 miles southeast.
Weather risks in Mathis
According to the flood maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, there is a low risk of flooding. Severe storms and hurricanes can be present. A rail line does cut through Mathis, but Davis says it does not run at night.
Interstate 37 serves as the main transport route
Mathis does not have any public transit connections and is primarily car-dependent. Interstate 37, connecting to Corpus Christi and San Antonio, is adjacent to the locale and has an entrance on Highway 359. Corpus Christi International Airport is 35 miles southeast.
Several health clinics are in town, but Christus Spohn Hospital is 27 miles southwest in Alice.
