Alongside San Antonio, Corpus Christi is a Texas city with its own unique charm and living conditions. Naval Air Station (NAS) Corpus Christi contributes to a prominent military community, while the city’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico provides a distinct coastal influence on its culture and lifestyle.
While there’s no doubt that service members living here will never run out of things to do, it’s understandable that you may want to scope out the area before moving to Corpus Christi. Here are the main questions military members have about the area!
NAS Corpus Christi Housing
NAS Corpus Christi provides base housing to those who wish to live closer to work. However, many military families choose to live off-post and join the communities surrounding the base. On-base military housing on NAS Corpus Christi comes with a variety of amenities for military members and their families to look forward to.
Review the NASCC Homes website for more insight into what on-base housing looks like for this area. From bowling alleys and swimming pools to an accessible marina and boat slip, many service members enjoy how close to the water NAS Corpus Christi gets them.
What are the best neighborhoods?
For those who choose to live off-base, there are many exceptional living options. NAS Corpus Christi is in the Flour Bluff area, which is located ten miles southeast of the city of Corpus Christi. Flour Bluff is a suburban, coastal community that is popular among service members commuting into Corpus Christi itself.
Corpus Christi Country Club is a golf course community within easy commuting distance that is highly desirable. It’s only five miles away from the base and a dream for those who enjoy golf and the comradery that accompanies the sport. Notably, Pelican Bay Estates is an older, safe community that allows commuters to avoid Southside traffic. It often has open waterfront lots to choose from!
More Like This: Learn more about what you need to know to make your next PCS as smooth as possible with our article, Your Next Military Move Checklist—Processes and Strategies to Know.
NAS Corpus Christi Community
With NAS Corpus Christi being right on the water, there are numerous water-based activities in this area. Don’t worry, though, if you’re not a water lover. Museums, shopping opportunities, and delicious restaurants are just a few attractions in the area that keep people raving about living in Corpus Christi.
What schools are considered the best?
Local schools are run by Flour Bluff Independent School District and the Corpus Christi Independent School District. Flour Bluff High School earns a solid rating of 8 out of 10, with the elementary and middle schools earning 7 out of 10.
Impressively, these are some of the highest-ranking schools in the nation, as the national average is 5-6. You can find more detailed information about specific schools at GreatSchools.
Is there anywhere that traffic is especially bad?
Traffic on the South side of the base can be particularly heavy, and the gates can get busy at predictable times. However, the overall traffic conditions are manageable — even during the busier times. Commutes in this area are known for being easy if you choose to live farther out but want to still come to the base to enjoy the amenities.
Where are the best grocery shopping locations?
The commissary is always an option, but it may not be ideal for those wanting to add variety and local flavor to their shopping list. There are many nearby grocery shopping options off base, including HEB Plus, Sprouts Farmers Market, Natural Grocers, and even Island Market IGA.
What are local restaurant favorites?
If an exceptionally delicious burger is something you are craving, you need to check out Wallbangers Gourmet Hamburgers. It’s worth noting that this restaurant is also super kid-friendly and sports a casual atmosphere. Surfside Sandwich Shoppe is also a must-experience with the bonus of being inexpensive!
Where do you go to grab a coffee with a friend and relax?
There are very few places in the world where you can have your coffee right on the water. Grab some coffee on the way to the beach and take a walk on the waterfront while you catch up with your friend(s). There’s no better way to spend your time!
What is the best spot for date night?
Corpus Christi is known for its art scene and markets! Make it a day on the first weekend of the month and enjoy the First Friday ArtWalk, Marina Market Days, and the Harbor BridgeWalk! Get out and enjoy the outdoors and water with some kayaking.
Go for an afternoon drive and take the scenic route from downtown along Ocean Dr. with gorgeous views of the bay. For a full-day scenic adventure, you can drive across the JFK Causeway to Port Aransas, and then take the ferry to Aransas Pass, then on to Portland, and finally over into Corpus Christi and over the Harbor Bridge.
What are the best activities in town for kids?
Locally, you can visit the International Kite Museum, the USS Lexington Museum, the local beach, or the botanical gardens. The South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center offers 180 acres of natural beauty with gardens for strolling and plenty of trails for hiking. There are endless kid-friendly activities in this area!
Discover Corpus Christi Military Housing
There is so much to enjoy in Corpus Christi – both locally and in the surrounding coastal communities. Plus, Corpus Christi is 144 miles from San Antonio, 215 miles from Houston, and 218 miles from Austin, all of which have their own plethora of attractions. We recommend making a list of all the things you’d like to do before you PCS to the area!
However, before you make your list of activities to do in Corpus Christi, you should probably secure your military housing. Through AHRN, you can discover both rentals and homes for sale by reputable landlords and sellers in the Corpus Christi area.