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
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Portland, TX sell after 70 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Portland, TX over the last 12 months is $282,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 123 Catalina – A Home That Feels Just Right! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath brick home offers a perfect blend of comfort and functionality in one of Portland’s established neighborhoods. With a warm, inviting layout and thoughtful features throughout, it’s easy to picture yourself living here.Step into the spacious living area, where natural light fills the room and flows
Welcome to this stunning home located in the prestigious Northshore Country Club community located just minutes from the golf course, coastal amenities, and local conveniences. . Offering 4 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a dedicated home office, this property is packed with upgrades and thoughtful features throughout. Step into the gourmet kitchen, complete with granite countertops, plenty
This well-maintained two-story home by Hogan Homes is located in Bay Ridge. With 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage, this property offers a spacious layout and thoughtful features throughout.The first floor includes the primary suite and an additional bedroom with a nearby full bath. The primary suite includes a walk-in shower, dual sinks, and a walk-in closet that connects
Welcome to 123 Catalina – A Home That Feels Just Right! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath brick home offers a perfect blend of comfort and functionality in one of Portland’s established neighborhoods. With a warm, inviting layout and thoughtful features throughout, it’s easy to picture yourself living here.Step into the spacious living area, where natural light fills the room and flows
Beautifully updated home in East Cliff on a corner lot with fresh paint, cabinets and flooring throughout!This 3 bdrm/ 2 bath property is ready to be called home, simply move in & relax! Wonderful over-sized yard with a side-load garage that faces Broadway for easy ingress and egress. Multi-diverse floor plan and functional kitchen with a bar. Sidewalks, covered patio and mature landscaping
Classic North Shore Beauty with Timeless Charm and Modern Comforts. Step 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
Welcome to Crescent Village Apartments in Portland, TX — offering comfortable, updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath units in a well-maintained community. This spacious apartment features an open living and dining area, plenty of natural light and a functional kitchen layout with ample cabinet storage.Each unit includes two generously sized bedrooms, a full bathroom, and on-site parking. Enjoy the
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.
This charming three-bedroom home has been recently updated with fresh interior paint, vinyl flooring, and modernized baths and kitchen, making it move-in ready. The L shape kitchen features ample counter space, sleek white cabinets, and a stainless steel/black freestanding smooth-top electric stove/oven. A kitchen window over the sink offers a lovely view of the large backyard. The home includes
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