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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Alice Hinojosa,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Portland, TX sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Portland, TX over the last 12 months is $285,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Stunning Bay View Home with Indoor-Outdoor Living! Tucked just minutes from the heart of downtown Corpus Christi, this beautifully refreshed home offers not only incredible views but also a versatile flex room that can serve as a fourth bedroom, home office, gym, or media space whatever best suits your lifestyle. This thoughtfully updated home features new kitchen appliances, new AC units, a new
WELCOME HOME! *ROOF REPLACED JANUARY 2026* Step into charm and comfort with this delightful 3-bedroom/2-bath home located in the desirable East Cliff subdivision. From the moment you walk through the front door, you're greeted by a dedicated dining area and a cool, vintage mirrored hallway that sets a warm, inviting tone. Down the hall, you'll find three generously sized bedrooms, including a
Welcome to 1804 White Ibis, a beautiful new construction Azali Home in the growing Portland subdivision, The Reserve. This Mockingbird floor plan offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage with 1,817 square feet of living space. A long gallery-style entryway with 13–14 foot boxed ceilings leads into the open-concept living area, creating an inviting flow throughout the home. The kitchen
Classic North Shore Beauty with Timeless Charm and Modern ComfortsStep into this beautifully maintained red brick home nestled in the desirable North Shore neighborhood. Boasting a spacious, open-concept living area with a cozy wood-burning fireplace, this home is designed for comfort and gathering. The eat-in kitchen is a chef’s dream, featuring abundant counter space, cabinets galore, a
Great Floorplan in this Beautiful 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home. Located in popular East Cliff Subdivision! Large living area plus a second living area with many possibilities. Turn it into a playroom/school room/home gym, office, etc. Great kitchen with lots of cabinets, a peninsula, built-in dishwasher, garbage disposal and an electric wall double oven. Four Spacious bedrooms, with one of the
WHY wait for new construction? Come on home to this darling 3BD/2BA home in the West Wood Estates of Portland! Inviting, spacious primary suite with a spa tub and bath. Gourmet kitchen with a huge island, granite countertops and stainless appliances perfect for entertaining. Large backyard for fun gatherings! Call your favorite realtor today for a showing!
Located on a corner lot in the new David Estates subdivision. This home features an open concept with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Step inside to a foyer that opens into the large living room, kitchen, and breakfast area. Gas stove, dishwasher, pantry. Split bedrooms. Vinyl flooring throughout the main areas and carpet in the bedrooms. Spacious fenced backyard. Attached garage. Schedule a private
Welcome to Northshore Place! Where lavish meets tranquility. We offer one and two bedroom apartment homes with upscale amenities and just minutes away from Northshore Golf and Country Club. Northshore Place is the newest community in Portland with a lifestyle that will fit anyone.
Welcome to this charming 3 bedroom 1.5 bath home. The home features a functional kitchen complete with a refrigerator and stove for your everyday cooking. Also offers a nice living room with space to hangout and host, nice sized bedrooms. This home offers a great balance of comfort and convenience and is ready for its next residents to move in and make their own.
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