While much of the country suffers from a difficult housing market, the Port Aransas Bay coast is at the center of a very active real estate market. Both retirees who are looking for a community on the beach (which is not synonymous with “steel and glass skyscrapers”), and investors who are looking for profitable investments in the complex national housing market open Port Aransas.
Port Aransas (Port A, as locals call it) is the center of the Mustang Island community. Mustang Island is an 18-mile barrier island that runs parallel to mainland Texas north of Padre Island, with Corpus Christi Bay to the west and Gulf of Mexico to the east. The north end of the island is connected to the mainland by a ferry system operated by the Texas Department of Transportation. The trip is free and takes only three minutes to cross the mainland. At the southern end of the JFK Causeway connects the island with the mainland Corpus Christi.
Because of this, Port Aransas is as affordable as beautiful. With its own life and great character, this peaceful beach community has miles and miles of pristine beaches covered with gentle waves. Port Aransas is an area of immense natural beauty that (combined with the opportunity for reasonable investment in real estate) is becoming especially popular among baby boomers. The island is ideal for people who are looking for a relaxed coastal lifestyle, different from what is offered by tall and glitzy condominiums elsewhere in the United States. Many of them, Port Aransas, is the place described in Jimmy Buffett’s song.
Housing Market in Port Aransas
Overall, the housing markets in Texas are among the most undervalued markets in the country. Because of this, the state was able to avoid the “surge of a large real estate bubble” that occurs in growing communities across the country. Texas homes live in a downward pricing trend experienced by other US states; instead, many Texas coastal communities are showing strong and steady growth.
Port Aransas is one of the strongest of these communities - the active Port Aransas market boasts one of the best coastal properties in the United States. Although most of the Gulf Coast is dotted with high apartments, Port Aransas is an attractive option for those seeking a quieter retirement (or just a reasonable investment) in a beach house or condominium. This is also an affordable option, as prices are plentiful and housing is not overpriced, as they were in popular coastal communities in Florida.
Why is Port Aransas a growing community? Part of the reason is that Mustang Island boasts much of the total Texas coastline available for development. Of the 375 miles that make up the coast of Texas, 293 miles are not available for development, 56 miles are fully developed and 26 are available for development. Many of these 26 miles lie on the island of Mustang. According to Anne Vaughan of the Chamber of Commerce, the Port Aransas area is "absolutely exploding."
Communities on Mustang Island
Port Aransas has always been a Mecca for those seeking beach or fishing. Now it has become a popular destination for second home buyers from Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and other countries. On the island of Mustang built many planned communities. These communities range from modest condominiums and town houses to planned planned communities, complete with berths, golf courses, parks, shops and restaurants.
Brown Shore
Cinnamon Shore is a planned 64-acre community that began construction in spring 2007. At the conclusion of this planned community of craftsmen, about 240 single-family homes, 275 housing units and 1,100 feet of coastline will be presented. The design is developed around the idea of beautiful architecture and pedestrian streets, and also has minimal impact on the environment around it.
Royal Sands
Founded in 2003, Royal Sands is a 32-acre community of beaches on Mustang beach on 90 home sites. The complex has family and adult pools, ponds, protected dunes and a beach walk. Royal Sands provides on-site management, security and maintenance services for vacation rentals.
Newport Beach and Golf
The planned Newport Beach and Golf Club community is planned around the concept of a European port city. In the center of this community will be the center of the city of Marina, surrounded by residential villas with luxury houses, hotels, shops, marina and cafes on the waterfront. Weaving through the community is the Newport Dunes Arnold Palmer golf course.
Palmilla
The Palmilla seafront resort will be located on 30 acres of land and will consist of 94 household objects. The community will include a bulkhead mile, floating docks and a resort-style pool. Construction should begin in spring 2009.
Toruga dunes
Tortuga Dunes is a $ 100 million community on 137 acres of Mustang Island with 1,000 feet of beach. This community and the architecture of the houses are based on a Caribbean feeling full of winding paths, tropical trees and wooden shutters. It will have a simple but eclectic design, with closed access, walkways and views of the beach.
Visiting the village
Village Walk, located in the heart of Port Aransas, consists of 98 houses and was opened for placement in 2007. This community consists of coastal cottage-style houses with closed access, views of the bay, swimming pools and a vast landscape, just two minutes from the beach.
Mercer village
Mercer Village is located in the Old Town of Port A, conveniently located and within walking distance of the harbor, shops and restaurants. Twelve cottages will surround the private pool and tropical palapa. Construction will begin in the summer of 2008.
Real Estate Research
The real estate market on the island of Mustang is constantly changing. For updated information or to find the MLS network for current real estate properties, visit http://www.TexasIslandProperties.com. To further refine your MLS search on Mustang Island and in Port Aransas, enter Nueces as the county and 78373 for the postcode.
