Sitting along the shores of Aransas Bay near the Gulf of Mexico is Rockport, a southeast Texas community recognized as one of the top retirement spots in the nation by America’s Best Places to Retire. Rockport started as a boat building and fishing port in the late 1800s and has evolved into a hotspot for vacationers, retirees and those looking to live by the water. “The beach and relaxing pace of life brings people to the city, including many Texans during winter,” says Veronica Duncan, a real estate professional with Coldwell Banker Pacesetter Steel. Rockport is a bit of a bedroom community to Corpus Christi and the port area, with most people commuting for work or offering short-term rentals for visitors.
A classic car and picturesque traditional home located in Rockport.
Two gentleman enjoying a day of fishing at Rockport Beach.
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Waterfront properties and elegant homes near the bay
The median sales price for Rockport homes is $370,000, higher than nearby Corpus Christi ($249,000). “We have a booming market in Rockport; many out-of-state people are moving to town,” Duncan says. Master-planned communities like Wandering Oaks feature elegant homes, while Fulton is a quaint area north of Rockport Beach. “We continue to build homes in this growing community and have a large vacation/second home market,” says Keith Hamilton, a broker and owner at RE/MAX Security Real Estate. Waterfront properties with the bay in their backyard typically cost several million dollars.
A scenic view from the waterfront properties of Rockport.
Waterfront properties can be purchased one both the Gulf Coast or the Bay in Rockport.
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Thousands show up for Oysterfest
While Rockport hosts several community events and festivities throughout the year, the biggest event might be Fulton Oysterfest. Running for four days every March, Oysterfest features carnival rides, games, unique shops and an oyster-eating contest. There is also the Wine Festival in May, an art festival for the 4th of July weekend and Seafair in October.
Rockport acts as a bedroom community to nearby Corpus Christi.
Rockport has an Arts and Heritage District Downtown.
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Fishing and boating at Rockport Beach
Outdoor recreation around Rockport starts with Rockport Beach and Aransas Bay. “It’s great for fishing, birding and hanging out on the beach,” Hamilton says. Aside from the water, Memorial Park is a 92-acre space featuring a hike & bike trail, covered pavilions, a dog park and several sports fields and courts. The Tule Hike and Bike Trail is about a mile-long concrete path that runs along Tule Creek and through the dense Oak Motts. The Rockport Community Pool is open year-round and includes a competition and recreational pool.
Locals of Rockport can enjoy a day of fishing on the Gulf of Mexico or Copano Bay.
Locals can take in the sights at the picturesque and charming Rockport Harbor.
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Strong marks for Rockport schools
Students are assigned to the Rockport-Fulton Independent School District, formerly known as Aransas County Independent School District, which serves about 3,000 students and receives a B-minus grade from Niche. The only private school in the district is Sacred Heart School, serving Pre-K through 5th grade. Sacred Heart does not have a rating on Niche.
Rockport students are part of the Rockport-Fulton Independent School District.
The district serves 3,000 students and earns a B-minus grade from Niche.
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Boutiques and specialty shops in the Heritage District
The Heritage District downtown showcases specialty shops, boutiques, antique shops and art galleries. “We have a vibrant merchant scene,” Hamilton says. Harbor Oaks Shopping Center is a modest shopping mall with a handful of boutiques, service businesses and eateries. Rockport also has supermarket giant H.E.B, about a mile from Rockport Harbor.
Two gentleman enjoy the day roam the shops and food spots of Rockport.
Many boutiques and diners can be found in downtown Rockport.
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Curb-to-curb service with Aransas County Public Transportation
The Valley Transit Bus Line stops in Rockport twice daily, once to the north and once to the south. Aransas County Public Transportation offers curb-to-curb services. Highway 35 is the main roadway in and out of the city, leading into Corpus Christi 30 miles away. Travelers head to Corpus Christi International Airport, a modest airport with connecting flights to larger hubs, like DFW International Airport. Corpus Christi Medical Center ER is the nearest medical facility.
Rockport crime rates and environmental factors
According to FBI crime statistics, violent crime rates in Rockport are higher than the state and national average, with rates going up in recent years. Property crime rates have been trending down and are now on par with the national and state averages.
Rockport is known for having mostly mild weather throughout the year; however, the location close to the Gulf of Mexico makes it prone to potential storms and hurricanes. “We took a direct hit from Hurricane Harvey on August 25, 2017,” Hamilton says. “The community as a whole has worked tirelessly to rebuild our community and make it even better than it was previously.”
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On average, homes in Rockport, TX sell after 116 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Rockport, TX over the last 12 months is $362,125, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Experience the best of Wilhoit Living at Sea Mist Townhomes in Rockport, Texas.The community features 2 & 3 bedroom townhomes with fully-equipped kitchens, spacious floor plan, over sized closets and washer & dryer connections.Residents enjoy a host of amenities such as community clubhouse, on-site laundry center, playground and picnic area.Sea Mist is the perfect place to
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