I keep reading that Corpus Christi isn't like the rest of Texas (Houston: transplants, crime) - City-Data Forum

smalltownmama · 02-28-2009, 08:17 PM

But no one has said why that is. And what area would you compare corpus christi to?

awecelot · 02-28-2009, 08:41 PM

Corpus Christi is like a smaller version of Miami, without the traffic and the glamour. There's a large Hispanic influence in the area.

bb54321 · 02-28-2009, 11:43 PM

It's very much like San Diego, CA...only cheaper to live. It's got a lot of culture for a smaller city and it just doesn't seem to have the same Texas mentality as most of the state. Not very country and western. It's more laid back and kind of in it's own little world. And it's the only metropolitain city in Texas on the water. Transplants from out of state seem to like it very much.

NOTAM · 03-01-2009, 07:44 AM

That is right. Corpus Christi, (and alot of South Texas) is not like the rest of Texas.

It definitely doesnt have the same Texas mentality, like bb54321 said.
It is NOT country and western by any stretch of the imagination. (i had lots of strange looks and comments wearing the simplest of cowgirl gear-straw cowboy hat, roughstock boots)
It is the LEAST likely place you will hear a TEXAS DRAWL (trust me, when I lived down that way, folks would immediately comment "you are not from here, are you?" when I would open my mouth.
Hispanic culture is primary there.
Mexican food is much more prevalent than chicken fried steaks and hushpuppies and bbq (the kind of stuff you will find in most any other area of Texas)
And after 1 year living down there, I found it the least friendly place in Texas. (dont bash me-this is my experience and no it did not have to do with having a bad attitiude-i ididnt come there with a bad attitude-i was very ecstatic about being back on what I thought was "home turf", my beloved Texas-but it was not very long until I realized that a blonde haired blue eyed "Anglo"-oh God how I cringe at that term-i got SICK and TIRED of hearing myself labeled that every single day-would never be accepted fully there, or be in my comfort zone, or have a social life or a dating life).

Jammie · 03-01-2009, 07:59 AM

I'm glad you asked that question cause I've been confused about CC, too. Anyone from up here who has visited, likes it there. But it's totally different from living there so this is interesting. I know a few people who would like to retire there.

It was mentioned that there's a strong Hispanic influence there. What is the ratio of transplants to locals? Are the Hispanics accepting of others? Is it a clean and neat area or is it trashy? (Sorry, I've read that so I'm just curious)

tstone · 03-01-2009, 08:59 AM

I can't see any similarity of CC to SD, except for it being on a bay. I've never been to Miami but just looking at pictures it doesn't seem very similar at all, except for maybe the weather.

It's not that CC isn't like the 'rest of Texas'. There are lots of different regions of Texas that are all different from each other. CC is part of the Gulf Coast, which is sort of a region in itself. You're not likely to find very much of the "Texas mentality" there, nor the wannabe cowboy clothes. The large Hispanic influence can be found from Galveston/Houston all the way down to Brownsville/RGV. The region is dotted with refineries and one big nuclear generator. So if you see boots & jeans for work purposes, they are steel toe Red Wings and fire-retardant Wranglers. Everyday clothes for leisure will usually be T-shirts, cargo shorts, flip flops, etc.

Canine*Castle · 03-01-2009, 09:13 AM

Well, I definitely don't like it in Corpus. When you've seen the Pacific Ocean, there is no comparison to the Gulf of Mexico. It is nothing, to me, like San Diego. It is hot and humid, the mosquitoes are as big as wasps, and when you can't sit on the beach and not sweat, it's not fun. Their morning relative humidity through the year averages 89% and the afternoon, 65%. No thanks!!!

The month I was there was June, so one wouldn't think it would be so bad. There was a bad storm when I was there with a tornado touching down some where in Corpus. I just can't seem to get away from storms no matter where I am in Texas. Hmmm, I wonder why?

I don't have a clue as to the ratio of transplants to locals, but the Hispanic population is about 55%. The crime is quite high as well. I don't remember it being trashy. The beach itself was okay, but the weather, wind, and bugs made it horrible. I have no desire to ever visit again.

bb54321 · 03-01-2009, 09:15 AM

NOTAM,

I'm anglo and have a great social life. Sounds lilke your "comfort zone" must be only anglos in cowbowy hats. Yes I said it's not country and western here, but I've never seen anyone give dirty or odd looks to people in cowboy hats. It is still Texas you know. I have friends that are "kickers" and they don't seem uncomfortable at all. Everyone is excepted here. It's probably one of the most firendly places I've ever lived or visited. I'm sorry you had such a horrible experience, but no one points at me and calls me anglo. I think that might have been all in your head. But if you say so, then perhaps you were haning around the wrong crowd.

CC not like San Diego at all? How about the geographic set up around the bay, the military presence, the hispanic culture, the large marina and endless outdoor recreational opportunities, the beaches, the laid back atmosphere coupled with the cosmopolitain feel. What more do you need for two places to resemble each other? I'm not saying it's exactly like San Diego, but you have to admit it really isn't that far off. Miami, I can see some similarities, but not quite the same. South Beach is very fake and pretentious and I wouldn't describe CC that way at.

Canine*Castle · 03-01-2009, 09:32 AM

There is a way less percentage of Hispanics in SD, less crime, and the weather is terrific. Sure, one could say CC is like SD when speaking of he military, marina, outdoor activities, et al but in SD one can enjoy the weather. I think one would have to be in CC in the winter to enjoy to not swelter. SD's scenery is much prettier with the mountains, but at least both places have palm trees.

I'm into weather, less crime, and beauty for the most part, so forgive me if I don't like CC as well as I like SD. SD's crime is getting worse, but it's still better than CC. As I said, the CC beach was okay minus the heat, humidity, storms, wind, sand blowing everywhere, and bugs.

awecelot · 03-01-2009, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tstone

I can't see any similarity of CC to SD, except for it being on a bay. I've never been to Miami but just looking at pictures it doesn't seem very similar at all, except for maybe the weather.

It's not that CC isn't like the 'rest of Texas'. There are lots of different regions of Texas that are all different from each other. CC is part of the Gulf Coast, which is sort of a region in itself. You're not likely to find very much of the "Texas mentality" there, nor the wannabe cowboy clothes. The large Hispanic influence can be found from Galveston/Houston all the way down to Brownsville/RGV. The region is dotted with refineries and one big nuclear generator. So if you see boots & jeans for work purposes, they are steel toe Red Wings and fire-retardant Wranglers. Everyday clothes for leisure will usually be T-shirts, cargo shorts, flip flops, etc.

tstone - CC is like Miami in that both cities are very beachy and have a heavy Hispanic influence. Miami, however, is much bigger and more crowded. There's also quite a contrast in both cities between the monied and the poor (but this is all cities).