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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.”
The Neal & Neal Team was founded in 2010 by twin brothers Clint and Shane Neal. Since then this dynamic team has sold over 1 billion dollars in residential real estate in the greater San Antonio area. As the name suggests, the NNT takes a team approach to provide knowledgeable advice, cutting edge technology, and the ultimate level of customer service for all clients. With a keen understanding of the local market, their success is evident in the loyalty of lifetime clients and in their business growth of 50%-200% year over year. In a few short years, NNT has helped almost 4,000 families with their real estate needs and continue to be awarded distinguishing titles and designations, such as Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Companies, #1 KW San Antonio Team, Platinum Top 50 Realtors, and the #1 Real Estate Team by the San Antonio Business Journal.
Professionalism, honesty, and a straightforward approach are at the heart of the Neal & Neal Team's philosophy. Their goal is to make lifelong relationships, not just random real estate deals. Your time is valuable and their objective is to work behind the scenes to make your goals happen in a seamless, stress-free way.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
