History and water recreation shape life in quiet Port Isabel
Port Isabel on Laguna Madre Bay boomed in the mid-1800s as a shipping hub for cotton and shrimp. Today, a lighthouse and Mission Revival-style storefronts from that century make up the town’s small historic district, and locals often spend their days fishing, boating and walking along the water. This laid-back atmosphere is why families and retirees choose to live here, instead of crowded South Padre Island, about 5 miles east. “Port Isabel has a somewhat of a tourist element, but there aren’t any amusement parks or major resorts, so it’s much quieter,” says Johnny Martinez, a Realtor with Spi Realty who lives on South Padre. With lower housing prices, proximity to major employers like SpaceX and around 4,000 residents, Port Isabel is also a place where it’s easy to put down roots. “People actually live here full-time because it’s not a crazy spring break destination,” Martinez says. “You have a much better chance of knowing your neighbors in Port Isabel because of that.”
The median house price is less than South Padre’s
Bungalows, stilt styles and contemporary houses are common here. Homes often have Spanish or Mediterranean influences, like stucco exteriors or terracotta roofs. Palm and mesquite trees typically dot modest lawns, and some houses back up to the water with boat docks. Though nearly half of residents rent, the median single-family home price is around $300,000, which is significantly lower than South Padre’s $1.2 million. Smaller homes can cost between $100,000 and $360,000, while larger homes typically range from $400,000 to $685,000. Several mid-rise condo complexes are also here, with two-bedroom units starting at $185,000 and three-bedroom units reaching $539,000. Tropical storms occasionally hit Port Isabel, making flood insurance mandatory for some homeowners.
There’s no beach, but locals can boat and fish
Locals can walk along rocky shorelines at recreation spaces, like Arturo Galvan Coastal Park. However, Port Isabel doesn’t have a beach, and that’s how locals like it. “Nobody wants it to be as crowded as South Padre,” Martinez says. Several boat storage facilities sit along the coastline, including the public Southpoint Marina, which hosts the Texas International Fishing Tournament at the end of July. Every year, locals and tourists gather on the docks to watch fishermen bring in marlin, flounder and redfish. The 1,500-foot-long Pirate’s Fishing Pier in the eastern part of town is another popular place for anglers. Port Isabel also has a public pool, a library and the Laguna Madre Youth Center, which offers after-school programs for reading and math. A few 18-hole golf courses are in the area, including South Padre Island Golf Club. When locals do want to enjoy a day at the beach, South Padre’s 34-mile-long shoreline is a quick boat ride away.
The nearby SpaceX launch site is a major employer
Port Isabel’s economy is backed by shrimping, tourism and shipping. Several other major employers are nearby, including South Padre’s Coast Guard Station. The town of Starbase, about 35 miles south, is home to a SpaceX launch site that employs around 3,000 people. Though it only began operating in 2023, the site has been a draw to the area for years. “People started moving to Port Isabel about a decade ago to build the site, and we’re seeing more and more employees move here as it's around longer,” Martinez says. The nearby launch site can also cause problems, as happened in 2023 when a rocket exploded and fine debris fell over Port Isabel. The city maintains an online form through which locals can report SpaceX-related property damage.
It's popular to watch rocket launches at waterfront restaurants
The 72-foot-tall Port Isabel Lighthouse towers over the historic district, home to a local history museum, seafood spots and Mexican cafes. Tourists often watch SpaceX launches at waterfront restaurants, like Dirty Al’s Pelican Station, a casual Cajun eatery serving blackened fish and fried shrimp. “I’ve met people from places like Australia and California who visit Port Isabel specifically to watch the rockets launch,” Martinez says. Big-box stores like Walmart Supercenter and H-E-B are on the west side of town, and South Padre’s main boulevard has more tourist restaurants, bars and souvenir shops.
Port Isabel has two public elementary schools
Point Isabel Independent School District serves the community. Kids on the east side of town can attend Garriga Elementary, while kids on the west side can go to Derry Elementary. Both schools earn C-pluses from Niche, and so does Port Isabel Junior High. Students may continue to B-minus-rated Port Isabel High, where the P-Tech program allows them to earn an associate degree in fields like technology and engineering.
There’s heavy traffic during the summer, spring break and Easter
Port Isabel is a car-dependent community centered around State Highway 100. The highway’s bridge, which connects Port Isabel and South Padre, experiences heavy traffic during tourist seasons. “It’s absolutely bumper to bumper during the summer and spring break,” Martinez says. With Episcopal, Methodist and Catholic churches, the area is also busy around Easter. “Tourists go to all the holiday services in Port Isabel, then spend the rest of the week at South Padre’s beach,” Martinez says. Island Metro buses also offer rides between the two towns. Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport and Valley Regional Medical Center are both less than 25 miles west.
