In June of 1940, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed Naval Air Station Corpus Christi into existence, starting a brand new chapter in the Coastal Bend’s history and bringing thousands of military personnel and their families to South Texas.
Image courtesy of TexVet webpage
Today, Corpus Christi is home to Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Naval Air Station Kingsville, Corpus Christi Army Depot, a Marine Aviation Training group, and the US Coast Guard… plus a few Air Force jet pilots to round it all out. Corpus Christi has also long been the proud home of NAS CCAD (a principal training site for military aviation). Needless to say, the Coastal Bend wears its patriotism well.
But we know a warm and welcoming community doesn’t change the fact that getting PCS orders (that’s military jargon for “moving”) every couple of years can make finding housing a hassle and a half. So, should you not want to live on base, we’ve compiled a list of some excellent neighborhoods near military bases in the Coastal Bend to help you find your next “home base.”
Southside
7741 Marissa Dr, Corpus Christi
When it comes to peaceful, spacious suburban living, the Southside neighborhood sets the bar high. Running along East Corpus Christi, the coveted communities of Southside (like Kings Crossing and Buckingham Estates) showcase a range of properties popular among families, first-time buyers, and folks looking for a smart investment.
From stately, old-style Southern estates to modern townhouses and subdivisions, Southside homes are spacious and often feature open floor plans and expansive yards. The neighborhood also boasts a bevy of location perks. Think upscale shopping, quick access to the Corpus Christi Country Club and public parks, and tons of to-die-for nearby eats.
Image courtesy of South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center Instagram Page
(Pro tip: spend a day with the parrots at the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center!)
Flour Bluff
Flour Bluff (or just “The Bluff”) is an up-and-coming neighborhood that spoils its residents with views of Oso Bay, Corpus Christi Bay, and the Laguna Madre. Though Flour Bluff has struggled in the past, recently, new construction, proximity to Padre Island, and large land availability have drawn buyers to the neighborhood and Flour Bluff is experiencing a boom.
Image courtesy of Coffee Waves Flour Bluff Instagram page
As the site of NAS CCAD, Flour Bluff has always been a great military neighborhood because of the sub-10-minute commute to base. But stellar commute time isn’t all it has to offer: between the base and residential areas, the streets are lined by shops, dining options (Coffee Waves is definitely a top local favorite), and the Flour Bluff Independent School District. Flour Bluff residents also enjoy the perks of quick access to fishing, kayaking, and boating.
Padre Island
15810 Portillo Dr, Padre Island
Young flight students, military families, and retirees alike find paradise on Padre Island, where waterfront property is available at unbeatable prices, and the beach is never more than a 10-minute walk away.
The island maintains its small-town feel with locally owned businesses and restaurants, a bi-weekly farmer’s market, and its own community newspaper: the Island Moon.
Students can attend Seashore Charter Schools through eighth grade, and residents of all ages are always eager to get together and have fun…island style. The annual Barefoot Mardi Gras Parade and Island Blast Fireworks Show are among the many beloved communities traditions.
Image courtesy of Island Joe’s Instagram page
From the upscale Point Tesoro neighborhood to the Gulfstream condos, Padre Island has something for everyone. Properties vary from elegant Tuscan-style estates to Mediterranean villas to open plan canal front homes. For single folks or those who just don’t need a ton of space, islanders also have a variety of apartments and condos (complete with community pools and one-of-a-kind views of the seashore) to choose from!
Removed just enough (but not too much) from the bustle of the city — and within cycling distance of the Padre Island National Seashore — the island truly embraces “island living.”
Calallen
14722 Santa Gertudis Dr, Wood River
Halfway between NAS Corpus Christi and NAS Kingsville, the sought-after Calallen neighborhood sits in the Northwest corner of Corpus Christi. With downtown Corpus Christi to the East and Kingsville to the West, Calallen is the perfect example of a rural-urban living environment, and it is particularly popular among military personnel who are stationed at NAS Kingsville but want to be close to the activity of Corpus Christi.
Image courtesy of Calallen High School Cheer Instagram page
Much of the Calallen community revolves around the Calallen Independent School District, which stands out with its state-recognized athletic and academic programs. But education isn’t the only draw; in recent years an impressive array of eclectic and upscale shopping has popped up in the area. The neighborhood also makes the most of its outer-edge location, and there are lots of spacious and well-maintained public parks for residents to enjoy all year round.
Homes in Calallen range from $100k-$450k, with the average home falling on the more affordable end of that spectrum. Communities like Wood River, River Hills, and Tuscan Place are well-known for their charm and high percentage of custom builds with spacious, open floor plans. Calallen also offers luxurious homes with considerable acreage in Quail Valley and Heather Ridge Estates.
If you’re moving to the Coastal Bend and starting to think about where to live, Keller Williams is here to help! Check out our list of Coastal Bend communities that need to be on your radar, download our exclusive Buyer’s Guide, speak with a local lender, and contact an agent to help you make your dream home a reality. 
