Picture this: you’re relaxing on vacation, basking in the sun (poolside) and sipping a cold fruity beverage at a gorgeous resort. Your days consist of beach lounging, boutique shopping, and perhaps a fierce but friendly game of shuffleboard. Amidst all this relaxing social activity, you think, “I could get used to this.”
Well… Coastal Benders are used to it. As firm believers that “life should be more fun,” many Corpus Christi, Port Aransas, and Rockport residents take advantage of the many luxury resort-style communities that combine the perks of a vacation resort with a close-knit community. This is the land of sunshine, endless beaches, and day-to-day living that gives any old “vacation” a run for its money.
And although luxury resort-style living may seem out-of-reach to some, that world-famous South Texas affordability means that luxury living doesn’t always break the bank (and what might cost an arm and a leg somewhere is surprisingly attainable in the Coastal Bend).
To kickstart your luxury lifestyle research, we’ve compiled a list (in no particular order) of some of the premier luxury resort-style communities on the Texas Gulf Coast.
Image courtesy of the Cinnamon Shore Instagram page
A walk along the beaches at Cinnamon Shore (Port Aransas’ premier beachfront community) is a walk in paradise. Thoughtfully designed and immaculately maintained, Cinnamon Shore is a neighborhood where families “turn activities into memories.” This community offers vacationers and residents countless coastal activities like bay fishing, kite surfing lessons, movies on the lawn, shrimp boils on the beach, horseback riding, and yoga on the beach…and that’s just the start of the list!
Image courtesy of the Cinnamon Shore Instagram page
Designed with walkability in mind, this South Texas oasis embodies the “new urbanism” style. Properties are built close together with front porches to encourage neighborly visits. Cinnamon Shore ensures its vacationers and residents want for absolutely nothing. In addition to its many activities, amenities include casual and fine dining (Lisabella’s Bistro is a must-try!), on-site boutique shopping, a community park and entertainment stage, pool and fitness center, and first-row access to Port A’s golden sandy beaches.
Image courtesy of the Cinnamon Shore Instagram page
Cinnamon Shore real estate is architecturally iconic, featuring clean lines and crisp coastal colors. Condo, townhome, cottage, or homesite, this elegantly beautiful community has something for everyone. Most properties boast a stunning interior design that features plenty of natural lighting, coastal colors, and airy open-floor concepts, creating a seamless transition from the beach to the home. Properties start in the mid-$250,000’s and soar up into the millions.
Built in the 1980’s, the Aransas Princess is an iconic Port A condominium community and a beachside oasis with a history of turning vacationers into full-time residents. One look at the professionally landscaped grounds and sweeping panoramic views and it makes sense why. The Aransas Princess truly lives up to her name.
720 Access Road Unit 1-A, $393,000
Condos at the Aransas Princess overlook the glittering Gulf of Mexico, which means every condo comes with a private balcony for taking in the one-of-a-kind view. In addition to a killer skyline vantage point, this community offers top-notch amenities like tennis court, shuffleboard, front row beach access, a hot tub, a private beach walk, an on-site fish cleaning facility, and (not one, but two) expansive swimming pools (for maximum post-beach lounging).
Real estate in this community ranges from $300,000 to the $800,000s, with prices reflecting the Princess’ luxurious standards while still offering some more affordable properties. Located just around the corner from the Palmilla Beach Resort & Golf Club, and a quick drive to Old Town and the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center, the Aransas Princess offers the “home base” to launch a life of coastal adventure and luxury.
The Reserve At St. Charles Bay
Image courtesy of The Reserve at St. Charles Bay Instagram page
Take a drive through the old maritime town of Rockport, and you’ll see homes of some of the wealthiest Texans (and vacation homes of many an actor and musician). It’s no surprise, then, that Rockport also boasts one of the most luxurious resort-style communities in the Coastal Bend.
Image courtesy of The Reserve at St. Charles Bay Instagram page
The Reserve at St. Charles Bay is the poster child for that age-old real estate saying, “Location! Location! Location!” Not only does this elegant community overlook St. Charles Bay, but it’s nestled between Goose Island, the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, and Matagorda Island. In other words, endless coastlines and gorgeous protected lands are at your fingertips. Talk about a nature lover’s and sportsman’s paradise!
Waterfront cottages, waterfront homesites, waterfront villas (because who doesn’t love every sort of waterfront property?!) start at $500,000 and go upwards of $1,000,000. Stunning, refined, and uniquely coastal, each one boasts spacious open concepts and expansive windows for soaking in those one-of-a-kind Rockport views. If you’re dreaming of a custom build in an exclusive neighborhood, you can take advantage of one of the available undeveloped lots.
Image courtesy of The Reserve at St. Charles Bay webpage
When it comes to amenities, The Reserve at St. Charles Bay offers the best of the best: a bayfront pool, resort-style cabanas, a 500-foot fishing pier complete with cleaning station and kayak lift, shoreline boardwalk, a 2-acre private park slung with hammocks for lounging in the shade, and a calendar chock-full of private community events.
5330 Greenbriar Drive $749,550
Since its builders broke ground in the seventies, Country Club Estates has been synonymous with Corpus Christi luxury living. Built around the impeccably maintained Corpus Christi Country Club (and accompanying golf course), this community offers residents unparalleled daily living in the heart of the sought-after Southside neighborhood.
Image courtesy of the Corpus Christi Country Club Instagram page
Residents can enjoy some friendly competition on the community tennis courts, basketball courts, and soccer fields. After that, how about lunch at one of the picnic areas or pavilions? Head over to the Corpus Christi Country Club for golf, swimming, and a workout at the state-of-the-art fitness center. The club also offers residents five-star dining options and hosts a bevy of social events (hula lessons, anyone?).
Image courtesy of the Corpus Christi Country Club Instagram page
Properties in this community are typically stately one-family homes of diverse architecture ranging from the $200,000s up to $1,000,000 and higher for the more luxurious homes.
From the suburban calm of a country club atmosphere to the relaxed-yet-active lifestyle of a beachfront community, the Coastal Bend offers every brand of luxury living. Designed with the utmost attention to outdoor activity, community, and comfort, the Gulf Coast resort-style neighborhoods will ensure you spend every day living your best life.
If you’re moving to the Coastal Bend and starting to think about where to live, Keller Williams Corpus Christi 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, or contact an agent to help you make your dream home a reality.
