On the shores of the Gulf Coast, Texas City is considered an affordable gateway to Galveston. "You're between Galveston and Houston, so it's a good commute," says Sophie Balusek. "And if you're a first-time homebuyer, you have more options for a good price point in this area." Home to nearly 60,000 residents as of 2024, the city's population has grown by about 9% in the past five years. Realtor Susan Cahill, who grew up in the area and works for Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene, says it differs from nearby League City for the small-town feeling.
Fishing is naturally a pastime here. In fact, one of Texas City's claims to fame is its pier, which at just over 5 miles is the world's longest. Other cultural attractions include the Texas City Museum, shopping and dining on historic Sixth Street, and annual festivals, including Lagoonfest Texas and the Texas City Art Festival. Petroleum and petrochemical industries flourish along the city's deep-water port. Other employment areas include healthcare, retail and construction.
Texas City is home to about 54,000 residents.
East Texas City is home to the Texas City Dike, a popular fishing area.
There is a rich history on full display in Texas City.
Texas City is full of beautiful homes that have lots to offer.
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Texas City's parks encompass 1,000 acres
Texas City has over 40 green spaces spread across 1,000 acres. The Texas City Dike features the city's famous pier, popular spot for fishing, as well as boating, kiteboarding, beach and a trail system. Nessler Park covers over 55 acres and is home to a skate park, athletic fields and the Nessler Family Aquatics Center, with its children's area, lazy river and flume slides. The city's 200-acre Bayou Golf Course is open to the public and hosts local golf tournaments.
A couple enjoys a walking trail at Bay Street Park in East Texas City.
Residents of East Texas City feed the fish and birds at Tarpey Park.
Bay Street Park offers a fishing pier for visitors to try their luck on.
Friends play football on the green space at Goddard Park.
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Master-planned communities and bayside options in Texas City
Cahill says there's a fine line between La Marque, Santa Fe and Texas City. "At some point it's like, where does one city end and the next begin," she says. "Most new development in Texas City is on the west side. But my prediction is that in the next five to 10 years, the older [east] side will be revitalized." One of the newest communities on Texas City's western side is Lago Mar. It spans over 2,000 acres and circles an artificial lagoon.
There's a bounty of ranch and Craftsman-style homes on the city's eastern side that were built from the 1940s to '70s. But homebuyers can also find bayside communities. Among them is the luxury Grand Cay Harbour development, which offers panoramic views of the bay from properties built at an elevation to prevent flooding. The area also fetches a top price range, from the $400,000s to $900,000s. Texas City's median home price is otherwise relatively modest, between $260,000 and $290,000. This is from 17% to 25% less than the state average.
Waterfront living is a way of life in East Texas City, as shown by many waterfront homes.
Older historical cottages can be found inland in Texas City.
Texas City has something for every taste rom ranch style ramblers to bayside bungalows.
Newer parts of Texas City have beautiful masterplanned communities.
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Events from Lagoonfest Texas to The Texas City Art Festival
Festivals, museums and historic districts connect Texas City residents. The Texas City Art Festival takes place each March at the Doyle Convention Center, featuring free workshops for creatives. The Texas City Independence Day Celebration starts with a downtown parade and ends with a curated fireworks show. Lagoonfest Texas, where locals gather at Lago Mar's lagoon for live music and beverages, runs from May to October. The Texas City Museum is a 30,000-square-foot space holding the city's past, present and visions of the future. Nearby, the 1867 Settlement Historic District is the county's only Reconstruction-era Black community. Some descendants of the freed people who founded it still live there.
Lagoonfest is a yearly event that Texas City residents anticipate with excitement.
Texas City has a history that can be seen at the 1867 Settlement Historic District.
The Doyle Center is the largest convention center in the Texas City Area.
An anchor sits at the base of the Texas City Dike in East Texas City.
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Texas City's historic Sixth Street
Downtown Sixth Street offers a mix of taverns, homegrown businesses and eateries housed in historic brick buildings. "They've really made it pretty with streetlights – old-looking streetlights. They're revitalizing the area to make it nice," Cahill says. The city has engaged in this effort since the early 2000s and developed a range of incentives to draw businesses in. One is designing and installing business signs at no cost to the owner.
There's a selection of fast-casual chains and locally owned eateries in Texas City to meet almost any taste. Many restaurants surround Palmer Highway, North Highway 146 and Ninth Avenue North. The community also has a Tanger Outlets location. "Nike, Coach, Adidas, Cole Haan, every big retailer you can think of, they have outlet shops there," Cahill says. She adds that the outlet mall is located on the newer side of the city, which is growing in its commercial and residential options.
Sixth Street is home to some of the best local shopping and dining in Texas City.
Urban Gypsies has been a East Texas City staple for over 10 years.
Residents enjoy breakfast at Rigos Cafe in East Texas City.
Tanger Outlet allows Texas City residents to visit some of the largest retailers in the area
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Public, private and community college pathways in Texas City
Texas City is served by two school districts. Texas City Independent School District earns a C-plus from Niche, while Dickinson Independent School District scores a B-plus. The city currently has two private schools: Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School for prekindergarten through sixth grade and Mainland Christian School for prekindergarten through fourth grade. The local community college is College of the Mainland but there's over 20 higher education facilities within 50 miles.
Kohfeldt Elementary School hosts a vibrant art show that showcases student creativity.
The playground at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School buzzes with laughter and activity.
Texas City High School offers a football and baseball team for students to try out for.
College of the Mainland is Texas City's local community college.
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Texas City contends with hurricanes and a higher crime rate
Summers are long and hot in Texas City. Locals can expect the heat to last for a solid four months out of the year. Temperatures spike in August, start cooling off around December, and hit their lowest in January.
Cahill says Texas City does get hit by hurricanes, but not as severely as Galveston. Beryl, in 2024, mainly caused wind-related damage from downed trees to power outages. "The last really devastating one was Hurricane Harvey in 2017," she says. "There was a lot of flooding. Many places that we would have never dreamed would flood flooded." Texas City is also vulnerable to tornado activity. An EF1 tore through the area in 2021, displacing 400 residents of an apartment complex.
According to 2023 statistics released by the FBI, Texas City's crime rate is 12% higher than the national average. Violent crimes are below the average, while property crimes are higher. One in 352 people in Texas City could experience violent crime, as opposed to one in 232 throughout Texas. Property crimes occur at the same rate in the city and state, with a 1-in-43 chance of falling victim to theft or burglary.
A one-way ticket to Galveston
Interstate 45 and Texas State Highway 146 pass through Texas City, and Texas Loop 197 circles it. Highway 147, the Gulf Freeway, connects commuters to Houston in 40 miles and Galveston in 13 miles. William P. Hobby Airport – an international airport served by major airlines from Delta to American – is 30 miles north. The larger George Bush Intercontinental Airport is within 60 miles.
The Gulf Coast Transit District (GCTD) operates flexible microbuses, fixed bus routes and one-way park-and-ride services in Galveston. The park-and-ride location for Texas City is along Farm to Market Road 1765. GCTD also offers ADA-accessible paratransit that travels within three-quarters of a mile of fixed routes.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
Photography Contributed By
Mitchell Hester
Video By
Matt Ferguson
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 Texas City, TX sell after 68 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Texas City, TX over the last 12 months is $290,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Spacious home with electric blinds, on a corner lot in Lago Mar. 4 beds, 3 baths, 2,411 sq ft. Open layout, high ceilings. LG refrigerator, washer, dryer, and Styler negotiable. Recent water softener. Primary suite at rear with walk-in closet that connects to the laundry room. Two secondary bedrooms up front. Private upstairs retreat with bedroom, den, and full bath. Real-time surveillance
Daniel VeraKeller Williams Realty Clear Lake / NASA
Welcome home to this beautiful 4-bedroom, 2-bath home built in 2020! Featuring an open-concept layout with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and clean modern finishes, this home is both stylish and comfortable. The spacious primary suite pairs perfectly with three additional bedrooms, giving plenty of room for family, guests, or a home office. Outside, enjoy a large backyard on a
Andrew GutierrezLogos Investment Properties & Real Estate
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Welcome to this stunning 3 bedroom 2.5 bath home located in the sought-after Lago Mar community. Situated within walking distance of the 12-acre crystal clear lagoon, splash pad, fitness center, and dining options, this property offers the ultimate convenience. Enjoy the privacy of a corner lot, a covered back patio, and a fully fenced backyard. The neighborhood entrance is gated for added
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Beautifully updated 1 bedroom/1 bath! Unit B of a duplex property in quiet neighborhood with ample parking. Enjoy the remodeled kitchen with quartz countertops, new appliances, cabinets, and fixtures. Refrigerator included. Light and bright dining area off kitchen and open to the living room with original wood floors through out the living room and bedroom, and ceramic tile in the bathroom,
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