Coastal towns to move to? (Houston, Groves: neighborhoods, new construction, school)

[AK123]

Originally Posted by Kid Ashbury

LOL. As if the photoshopped, re-touched and most choice postcard shots found on Google images are an actual indicator of the reality of what these beaches look like day-to-day.

Because of that, it's better to use Google streetview or similar.
Although, the views taken on different days/times and with varying amounts of sunlight can make slight differences.

First view is Corpus Christi / Port A.
Second is Galveston.

[War Beagle]

Originally Posted by AK123

Because of that, it's better to use Google streetview or similar.
Although, the views taken on different days/times and with varying amounts of sunlight can make slight differences.

First view is Corpus Christi / Port A.
Second is Galveston.

Both of those are poor by the standards of recreational beaches in the US.

[Dr.Mcninja]

Originally Posted by War Beagle

Both of those are poor by the standards of recreational beaches in the US.

Based on what criteria?

[War Beagle]

Based on nearly everyone not from Texas that has been to both Texas and non-Texas beaches. Here are some of the reasons why Texas beaches suck (with the exception of SPI):

1) Brown or gray water.

2) Hard or gravelly sand.

3) Generally ugly scenery in the vicinity of the beaches.

Texas has a lot of great things going for it, but the beaches are not one of them.

[Dr.Mcninja]

Respectfully, I disagree. I'm not from Texas. I used to live in the Outer Banks.
The beaches here in Corpus have much finer, powdery sand than the OBX. Not sure where you went where it was hard or gravelly. Having to tow the 4x4s out of the sand on a regular basis, I would say that it's the opposite of hard.
The water isn't clear, but neither is the water on either Atlantic or Pacific beach. Clear water is limited to the gulf east of the Mississippi, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Some days the water is brown, but others it is green.
I don't consider Padre Island to be much different than Ocracoke, with very natural scenery. Sure, there aren't high rises, but some people don't want those.

On the other hand, the water is nice and warm, and the waves are gentle. Not great for surfing, but great for kids. And the warmth lasts a long time. You can't use the water in lots of places in spring or fall because it is too cold. Hell, we couldn't stand the water in Oregon in August, as it was about 55 degrees.

Does that mean I think they're the nicest beaches in the world? No, but they're certainly not the worst. Try going to a beach in England or Scotland, and you'll see.

[BobTex]

Originally Posted by Kid Ashbury

LOL. As if the photoshopped, re-touched and most choice postcard shots found on Google images are an actual indicator of the reality of what these beaches look like day-to-day.

Sorry to burst your tourism board bubble, but spending a day at a Corpus beach or finding out how insanely polluted the waters there are is no fun at all.

I find your posts and seeming attitudes interesting.

Could you expound on the pollution, is it chemical/industrial in nature?

Also what beaches do you prefer ... just curious to your tastes in seashore(s)?

[jrh22]

I appreciate all the thoughts from everyone. While the detailed debate on beaches is a little beyond the scope of my interests, it is good to see the opinions.

[20yrsinBranson]

Originally Posted by jrh22

Would appreciate any advice you have. My family is relocating from Indianapolis to Texas for my business, which can be anywhere in Texas. We love the ocean. So we're trying to figure out where to go.

A few things to keep in mind.

1. We have several young children, so we care about the area/local schools/crime.
2. I run a business, so I care about access to educated workforce. In other words, living in a pure resort vacation area probably wouldn't work.
3. We enjoy boating and taking advantage of the ocean
4. Smaller towns are fine
5. Occasionally I travel, so distance to a commercial airport matters, although not as much as the previous points.
6. Our budget is fairly significant

Thank you for any guidance you can offer.

*Several* young children? [shudder]

Anyway, for my money, I'd be heading to Port O'Connor. Port Isabel isn't bad, except at spring break.

20yrsinBranson

[Westerntraveler]

Originally Posted by 20yrsinBranson

*Several* young children? [shudder]

Anyway, for my money, I'd be heading to Port O'Connor. Port Isabel isn't bad, except at spring break.

20yrsinBranson

Port Isabel is a long ways from a major airport.

[sxrckr]

Originally Posted by Dr.Mcninja

Respectfully, I disagree. I'm not from Texas. I used to live in the Outer Banks.
The beaches here in Corpus have much finer, powdery sand than the OBX. Not sure where you went where it was hard or gravelly. Having to tow the 4x4s out of the sand on a regular basis, I would say that it's the opposite of hard.
The water isn't clear, but neither is the water on either Atlantic or Pacific beach. Clear water is limited to the gulf east of the Mississippi, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Some days the water is brown, but others it is green.
I don't consider Padre Island to be much different than Ocracoke, with very natural scenery. Sure, there aren't high rises, but some people don't want those.

On the other hand, the water is nice and warm, and the waves are gentle. Not great for surfing, but great for kids. And the warmth lasts a long time. You can't use the water in lots of places in spring or fall because it is too cold. Hell, we couldn't stand the water in Oregon in August, as it was about 55 degrees.

Does that mean I think they're the nicest beaches in the world? No, but they're certainly not the worst. Try going to a beach in England or Scotland, and you'll see.

I agree.