Just north of internationally regarded fishing waters in Port O'Connor, on the banks of two bays, Port Lavaca is home to those who appreciate a well-connected coastal lifestyle. "There's a lot of tourists and a lot of experience-driving commerce that goes on in Port O'Connor, but people generally live here because it's closer to everything," says Jennifer Daniels, a Realtor with Re/Max Land & Homes On The Bay who's been a resident for 30 years. "It's safe and friendly and you've got a lot of outdoor activities," she says. Located in Calhoun County, the city has a population of over 11,000, many working in chemical, plastic and aluminum plants. Wide-open marshland meets expansive bay views here, while the central business areas have a semi-rural feeling.
Port Lavaca offers various parks right on the bay to enjoy.
Pelicans are a common sight along the bay waters of Port Lavaca.
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Lighthouse Beach is a go-to for swimmers and bird-watchers
At just 14 square miles, roughly half of Port Lavaca's residents can walk to a park in 10 minutes. The city's various recreational spots and green spaces house athletic courts, playgrounds, birdwatching areas and places to lounge on the sand. "Lighthouse Beach has a bird sanctuary with a mile-long walking trail," Daniels says. "There's not a lot of waves, and it's not very deep, so you can take the kids there and feel safe setting them free." Magnolia Beach has deeper waters and boat ramps. Port O'Connor offers the shortest boat ride to Matagorda Island, a popular fishing spot, and an over 17,000-acre wildlife area.
Locals in Port Lavaca can wind back with a relaxing day at the beach.
Lighthouse Beach Bird Sanctuary offers a serene walking trail.
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Flexible public transportation through R-Transit
Locals can schedule low-cost curb-to-curb services through R-Transit. Para Transit Services are also available for people living with disabilities. The Greyhound bus stops on Half League Road. The main highways here are U.S. Highway 87 and State Highway 35. Memorial Medical Center is in the city for general and specialty care. There are at least 10 houses of worship in the city. Corpus Christi International Airport is around 90 miles away.
Highway 35 and 87 intersect in Port Lavaca, Texas.
Plan a visit to the City of Port Lavaca City Hall.
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A mix of chains at Calhoun Plaza, plenty of local options
Daniels says people come to Port Lavaca for a mix of national chains and local shopping, which places like Port O'Connor, known for being strictly local, don't have. Most options line the highways, but they also dot the city. Calhoun Plaza is a popular shopping center featuring many of the city's chains. Downtown Port Lavaca has longstanding businesses housed in historic storefronts, including Ed Melcher Co, a hardware store in operation since 1917. Port Lavaca Main St Inc., a local nonprofit, is actively working to return this area to its former glory. One of its projects included renovating the old Main Street Theatre. For dining out, Daniels says there's an "unnumbered amount" of Mexican food restaurants and seafood places when it comes to dining. A popular spot on the bay is Scully's Sports Bar & Grill.
Sullys Sports Bar and Grill is a local favorite.
Many fishing piers are enjoyed by the locals of Port Lavaca.
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Life by the water at Brookhollow Estates, new homes in Claret Crossing
Port Lavaca has traditional brick homes, custom builds and beachy, stilt residences. Lot sizes are generous, with some homes on acreage. Most properties are relatively affordable, but neighborhoods offering bay views — including Brookhollow Estates — bring the most expensive prices for the area. Those seeking modern, new residences can look north, where there’s a small selection in the Claret Crossing subdivision. The city's median home price is around $260,000, lower than state and national medians.
Custom built homes are uncommon but still available in Port Lavaca.
Many beautiful homes can be found for sale situated right on the coast of Port Lavaca.
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Colleges near Port Lavaca, and its public pathway
Calhoun County Independent School District earns a B-plus on Niche. The city's top schools include Harrison-Jefferson-Madison Elementary School and Calhoun High School, earning A-minus grades. The closest higher-education option is Victoria College, less than 30 miles northwest.
Calhoun Highschool is highly rated.
Several sports are offered at Calhoun Highschool including Tennis.
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History at Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse
The inland Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse once served as a beacon in the bay and now welcomes travelers along Highway 35. The lighthouse has survived several hurricanes since it was built in 1858, making it the oldest wooden lighthouse in the state.
The last hurricane to land near Port Lavaca was Beryl in 2024, leaving the area largely unscathed. On the other hand, Harvey caused significant damage in 2017 and destroyed the Port Lavaca Fishing Pier, which is now restored. Daniels says storms with impacts like that only roll around once a decade. The most damaging hurricane to ever hit the Texas coast passed over Port Lavaca in 1961. Carla was a Category 4 and spawned 11 tornadoes. As for year-round weather, residents can expect hot summers and short, mild winters.
When it comes to crime, reports rose in Calhoun County by more then 7% from 2023 to 2024, at roughly 2,000 incidences per 100,000 people.
Welcome to Port Lavaca, Texas.
Many industries surrond the city of Port Lavaca.
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Events in Port Lavaca
Come spring, downtown Port Lavaca celebrates local creators at its annual ArtWalk and live music at Iguana Fest. The local Bauer Community Center also hosts a multitude of events throughout the year, including the Texas Mid-Coast Birding Festival in May.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
Photography Contributed By
Wyatt Stueve
Video By
Christian Gortler
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6 plex located in Port Lavaca Neighborhood. Income producing property with 2 studios , 2 1 Bedroom Units , 2 2 Bedroom Units upstairs. Front of property parking. Currently on Month-to-Month Leases. Only a short drive to the Bayfront, Schools and Hospitals. Units - 1705,1707A, 1707B, 1709A, 1709 B,1711
Empty lot in Port Lavaca City Limits. Ready for your next home! Small wood shed at the back of the property and a concrete pad. Only a block off Austin St and a couple blocks from the Bayfront. City Water and Sewer.
Welcome to the ultimate family fun bay house! Set on two fully fenced lots. This spacious home delivers the perfect blend of comfort and play, with separate upstairs and downstairs living spaces, ideal for hosting guests or creating your own private getaway zones. Step outside to your resort-style backyard featuring an in-ground pool and spa, a mosquito misting system for year-round enjoyment,
This stunning waterfront property on Lavaca Bay offers the perfect blend of privacy, protection, and panoramic views. Located in a quiet bay shore community just outside of the city limits, you’ll enjoy peaceful coastal living with room to breathe.The shoreline is already improved with rip rap bulkhead protection and an elevated grade, providing both stability and peace of mind. Whether you
Opportunity awaits at this 3-bedroom, 1-bath home in Port Lavaca. Situated on a spacious lot, this property offers great potential for investors, flippers, or buyers looking to renovate and make it their own. Features include a covered front entry, attached carport, and large backyard with room for expansion or outdoor living. Conveniently located near schools, shopping, parks, and just minutes
Welcome to the "Bird Watcher’s Beauty", a rare waterfront retreat on 6 lots where the marsh meets the bay and every day begins with birdsong. Tucked peacefully between Powderhorn Lake and Magnolia Beach, this property feels like a hidden oasis... quiet, private, and deeply connected to nature. Perched along the marsh with elevated “bird’s-nest” views of the bay, the setting is nothing short of
Investor-friendly opportunity in Brookhollow Estates! This well-maintained, low-maintenance townhome is already producing income with solid long-term tenants in place at $1,400/month — tenants pay all utilities, making this a true plug-and-play rental. Even better, the roof was just replaced on 2/5/26 with a transferable warranty and is windstorm certified. The main level features a comfortable
Welcome to 195 Wall Lane, a thoughtfully preserved 1927 home situated right on the water off Chocolate Bay, near the beautiful Lavaca Bay. This rare waterfront property has been kept in mostly original, move-in-ready condition, offering a perfect blend of historic character and coastal tranquility. Stepping inside, you are instantly greeted by stunning solid wood flooring and gorgeous wood trim
This stunning two-story property in Port Lavaca offers four bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a loft above the garage with an additional 1/2 bath blending modern living with elegance. A two-car garage, waterfront location with a 135 FT BULKHEAD, and cul-de-sac setting provide convenience and tranquility. Step inside to discover a blend of sophistication and functionality. Custom cabinets and vanities
Welcome to Driftwood Shores at Wolf Point where coastal living meets affordability. This beautiful 1 plus acre bay property is priced at only $69,900 and offers the perfect opportunity to own land along the Texas Coast without the high price tag. We only have a handful of bay properties left at this incredible price point. Located near Matagorda Bay between Palacios and Port Lavaca, this
Country living done right. 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathrrom home surrounded by towering oak trees located on 25 acres. This one-of-a-kind home was formerly the Baptist Church. With a wraparound porch to enjoy sunups and sundowns. There is a room upstairs for strage. Wooden fence, a horse barn complete with horse stalls and a dry pond. House has a generator. This is a must see if you are looking for
This stunning two-story property in Port Lavaca offers four bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a loft above the garage with an additional 1/2 bath blending modern living with elegance. A two-car garage, waterfront location with a 135 FT BULKHEAD, and cul-de-sac setting provide convenience and tranquility. Step inside to discover a blend of sophistication and functionality. Custom cabinets and vanities
Property Id: 2754722 Welcome to your 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment in Port Lavaca! This unit comes fully furnished with modern appliances including a freezer, refrigerator, oven, and microwave, with a 55 in. TV included. Enjoy laminate flooring, carpeted living area and bedrooms, off-street parking, and security cameras for added peace of mind. Utilities like internet, garbage, sewage, and
If you need a place to stay in Port Lavaca without breaking the bank, check out our newly renovated apartments—perfect for plant workers who are tired of long commutes and just want a comfortable place to relax after a long shift. Enjoy clean, updated interiors, convenient access to major plants and job sites, and an affordable monthly rate that makes sense for your schedule and budget. Whether
?? 2BR / 1BA Mobile Home for Rent – Port Lavaca, TX ??Rent: $650/moSecurity Deposit: Starting at $650Utility Deposit: $650Lease: 12 Months (shorter terms may be available)? 2 Parking Spaces? Refrigerator & Stove Included? No Pets? Available NowQualifications:• Gross household income must be at least 2.5× rent• Verifiable income required• Credit, background, rental & eviction history reviewed• All
Welcome home to this well maintained 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home located in the established Brookhollow Estates neighborhood of Port Lavaca. Offering approximately 1,365 square feet of living space, this inviting home features an open living and dining area, granite countertops, a breakfast bar, and a cozy fireplace that creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The home includes a spacious two car
?? 3BR / 2BA Double Wide Mobile Home for Rent – Port Lavaca, TX ??Rent: $1200/moSecurity Deposit: Starting at $1200Utility Deposit: $1200Lease: 12 Months (shorter terms may be available)? 2 Parking Spaces? Refrigerator & Stove Included? No Pets? Available NowQualifications:• Gross household income must be at least 2.5× rent• Verifiable income required• Credit, background, rental & eviction
A cute little apartment on a quiet street, close to just about everything in town. Enjoy the evenings on the spacious deck. Upgrade interior. Soon to add mini split heating and cooling. Please verify all measurements
?? 2BR / 1.5 BA Mobile Home for Rent – Port Lavaca, TX ??Rent: $745/moSecurity Deposit: Starting at $745Utility Deposit: $745Lease: 12 Months (shorter terms may be available)? 2 Parking Spaces? Refrigerator & Stove Included? No Pets? Available NowQualifications:• Gross household income must be at least 2.5× rent• Verifiable income required• Credit, background, rental & eviction history reviewed•
?? 2BR / 1BA Mobile Home for Rent – Port Lavaca, TX ??Rent: $825/moSecurity Deposit: Starting at $825Utility Deposit: $825Lease: 12 Months (shorter terms may be available)? 2 Parking Spaces? Refrigerator & Stove Included? No Pets? Available NowQualifications:• Gross household income must be at least 2.5× rent• Verifiable income required• Credit, background, rental & eviction history reviewed• All
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