Outlying Texas City

The area known as East Texas City, which lies about 40 miles southeast of Houston between Highway 146 and Galveston Bay, is a community that wears many hats. It's not only home to the 15th-largest shipping port in the US and several petroleum refineries but also a destination for folks seeking a laidback, waterfront lifestyle. "The thing I like most about the area is its small-town atmosphere and friendly people," says Sheri Williams, broker and co-owner of Hometown Properties, who has lived and sold properties in Texas City for over 40 years. "And, of course, we border Galveston Bay, so there's great fishing and water sports. And speaking of the bay, another nice thing about the area is that we're levy-protected. We haven't had flooding from a storm surge since the levy was built after Hurricane Carla in 1961."

With the proximity of Highway 146 and Emmit Lowry Expressway, which lead to Interstate 45, East Texas City residents don't need a sea-worthy vessel to get to Galveston. Commuters can hop on the freeway and be there in about 20 minutes or Houston in 40. "It's a great location. Everything you could want is within an hour's drive," Williams says. "We're blessed in that regard."

Among the East Texas City area's quiet streets shaded by leafy Texas oaks and spikey palm trees, you'll discover an eclectic mix of houses, from quaint early-20th-century four squares and bungalows near the historical part of town to 1960s Traditional and ranch styles to stately waterfront gems and newly-built Tiki Island condos with stunning bay views. "As far as the homes here, it runs the gamut," says Williams. "So, you have your pick for what you're looking for." Home sizes range widely from 800 to 4,800 with two to six bedrooms, and list prices span from $90,000 to over $2 million.

East Texas City area children attend schools in either the Texas City or the Hitchcock Independent School Districts, which both earn a C-plus rating from Niche. Texas City ISD schools include Heights Elementary and Fry Intermediate for kindergarten through sixth grade; both rated a C by Niche. Next, students move on to Blocker Middle and Texas City High School, given a B and C-plus rating, respectively. Students in Hitchcock ISD attend Hitchcock Primary and Stewart Elementary for kindergarten through fifth grade, rated a B-plus and a C, before moving to C-minus-rated Crosby Middle and Hitchcock High School, which Niche gives an overall grade of C.

East Texas City offers plenty of pleasant outdoor spots to enjoy an afternoon. An obvious choice would be near water, and the 5-mile-long Texas City Dike, with its fishing pier, beach access and boat ramps, fits the bill. There's also Bay Street Park, 45 acres of waterside green space with a ton of amenities, including paved walking and biking trails, fishing piers, basketball courts, outdoor fitness stations and an amphitheater, perfect for summertime concerts. Next on the list of East Texas City parks to visit is the 55-acre Nessler Park, home to a skate park, tennis and basketball courts, indoor and outdoor pools, an indoor fitness center, walking and biking paths and a convention center.

If all that time by the bay has you craving seafood, check out Fish Spot, an unassuming waterside restaurant favored by locals, where you can enjoy their popular boudain ball hushpuppy appetizer, then dive into a tasty fried shrimp basket. For breakfast fans, there's the locally-owned Rigos Café in Texas City's Heritage Square historical district, serving up hearty, home-cooking favorites like banana pecan pancakes and chicken fried steak. "Rigos is a little family café. It's very good." Williams says. While in the historic area, poke around some local shops, including Karat Creations Jewelry and Urban Gypsies On 6th home decor and furniture store. For everyday errands, head to the Highway 146 and Lowry Expressway interchange, where you'll find several retail options, including H-E-B, Aldi and Kroger grocery stores.

Written By

Kristen Hughes

Video By

Brian Bernhard