Two bays and one lake surround Portland, Texas, and it's on the second-highest point along the Gulf Coast. "Our city is known for its high bluffs. There is no need for flood insurance living here, which is astounding," says Shawn Cass. Cass lives in Portland and is a real estate broker for Cass Real Estate. Industries of oil, gas and tourism are vital here — with Exxon being a primary employer — and kiteboarders flock to Portland from all over. "We have the most consistent windspeeds of any city in the United States, and our beaches aren't cluttered with piers, giving people space to ride the waves."
This should be enough information to let you know Portland is the place to be.
The Texas Gulf Coast is famous for its warm waters and amazing fishing.
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From dog parks to bayside swimming spots
Kaiah Dog Park is local to Portland on Moore Avenue and provides an off-leash area for dogs to run and fellow dog lovers to meet. There are also several shorelines within a 7-mile radius of Portland. Sunset Lake offers bay waters for swimming, fishing and kayaking. "Violet Andrews Park is where all the kiteboarders go. The water isn't very deep, so it's great for beginners," Cass says. Locals appreciate walking out into the shallow water and that there's always a breeze as they lounge on the shore. The lake and park also have multi-use trails for hiking, biking and jogging. Violet Andrews Park has a playground for the kids as well.
Kaiah Dog Park in Portland, Texas.
Jogging and biking trails at Sunset Park offer amazing views.
Sunset Lake in Portland, Texas lives up to its name.
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Less retail, but more coming
Shopping is currently limited in Portland, but a few local eateries and well-known chains dot the area and surround Highway 181. A Walmart Supercenter is right off the highway, and there is an H-E-B on Wildcat Drive for grocery hauls. Texas A1 Steaks and Seafood is on Cedar Drive and Sabor Maya Mexican Cuisine is on Lang Road. According to Cass, Portland recently purchased a block of land surrounded by 5th Avenue, Houston Street, 6th Avenue and Elm Street and plans to turn it into a thriving Leisure and Entertainment District (LED) with shops, eateries and an outdoor concert space. For retail, locals can travel 16 miles to the Shops at La Palmera via Highway 181, which has over a million square feet devoted to box chains like Forever 21, Macy's, H&M and more.
H-E-B Grocers in Portland, Texas.
Texas A1 Steaks & Seafood serving the best of both worlds in Portland.
Texas A1 Steaks & Seafood serving the best of both worlds in Portland.
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Residents near the Northshore Country Club in Portland.
Established homes by the water
Portland is an established neighborhood where many homes were built in the 1950s, '60s and '70s. Some are built on bluffs overlooking Nueces Bay, Corpus Christi Bay and Sunset Lake. But even though some residents are on the beach, they don't have to worry too much about erosion, according to Cass. "We have the barrier island of Padre Island that breaks up the rotation of storms before they come into the Corpus Christi area. It helps tremendously." The island is beside Portland, separated by a sliver of Corpus Christi Bay. Portland's bay and lakefront homes can sell for over a million, but as properties move inland, they lower in price. The farthest from the shore are in the $200,000s.
Students paint the parking lot of Gregory-Portland High School.
Gregory-Portland Independent School District
The Gregory-Portland Independent School District serves students in this coastal neighborhood. East Cliff Elementary School, Gregory-Portland Middle School, and Gregory-Portland High School are along its pipeline. The elementary school earns an A-minus rating by Niche, the middle school scores a B-plus and the high school scores a B. The high school students were invited to express themselves and painted their parking lot with colorful murals containing symbols that represent coastal life, including sharks.
Events organized by locals
Cass spearheaded the annual St. Patrick's Day celebration in Portland. Last year, over 3,000 people showed up for live music, food trucks and vendors and the event was in what will become the Leisure and Entertainment District (LED). Portland also runs a farmers market on Houston Street on the first Saturday of the month for seven months out of the year.
Connected to all of Corpus Christi via Harbor Bridge
Harbor Bridge, along Highway 181, connects Portland to broader Corpus Christi. The bridge is currently undergoing a significant renovation and, upon completion, it will be the largest cable bridge in the United States. For long trips along this main thoroughfare, Corpus Christi International Airport is 16 miles away.
Written By
Corrine Fizer
Photography Contributed By
Austin Rowdy Winters
Video By
TJ Wengert
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Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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Discover the charm of Seagrass Cottages at Northshore, an up-and-coming Cottage-Style Apartment Home in picturesque Portland, Texas. Enjoy our tranquil surroundings, we're strategically positioned just minutes away from the Corpus Christi Bay with endless opportunities to experience outdoor activities. Enjoy the convenience of easy access to Work, Shopping, Dining, Local Schools, and Abundant
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