Gulf Coast area

[CandyApple]

Despite all the talk about hurricanes, I'm still considering living by the beach. I'll have to think about those hurricanes a bit more before I decide for sure if it's worth the risk.

In the meantime, what can you guys tell me about the Gulf Coast? The towns I'm looking at are Port Isabel, Kingsville, Corpus Christi, Port Lavaca, Port Arthur, Houston, the Brazosport area, and their surrounding areas.

What are some things that stand out in your mind about those towns? (example: for me in Anchorage, AK, it would be the coastal trail that runs along the coast for miles and miles that lots of people use for walking, biking, etc.) Are they pleasant places to live? Are the neighbors friendly (or at least not jerks)? Are there any special laws/ordinances I should know about? Will I be able to get a job? (I don't mean real high wages, just an average blue collar job at somewhat decent pay- maybe $10-14/hour)

Also, what kind of annoying/dangerous critters live in those areas? Are crocodiles/alligators a problem? How dangerous are crocodiles/alligators? Would my kid get eaten?

[RAINBOWWAVES]

Originally Posted by CandyApple

Despite all the talk about hurricanes, I'm still considering living by the beach. I'll have to think about those hurricanes a bit more before I decide for sure if it's worth the risk.

In the meantime, what can you guys tell me about the Gulf Coast? The towns I'm looking at are Port Isabel, Kingsville, Corpus Christi, Port Lavaca, Port Arthur, Houston, the Brazosport area, and their surrounding areas.

What are some things that stand out in your mind about those towns? (example: for me in Anchorage, AK, it would be the coastal trail that runs along the coast for miles and miles that lots of people use for walking, biking, etc.) Are they pleasant places to live? Are the neighbors friendly (or at least not jerks)? Are there any special laws/ordinances I should know about? Will I be able to get a job? (I don't mean real high wages, just an average blue collar job at somewhat decent pay- maybe $10-14/hour)

Also, what kind of annoying/dangerous critters live in those areas? Are crocodiles/alligators a problem? How dangerous are crocodiles/alligators? Would my kid get eaten?

All i know is that the gulf water is warmer and so hurricanes are more likely on that side...that's why Katrina headed up to La on that side. The huge hurricane Charley was on that side. There are gators all over Fl and where ever there's water. We could have lived by a canal but since the gators are known to come up to the houses, we chose not to, plus there's too many mosquitos by water. there are alot of critters also all over Fl, and lots of snakes, some very poisonous. Here by me we have Foxes, small Jags, armadillos, opossom, muskrats and big turtles running around. Plus we have these giant birds called Sandhill Cranes that walk around and make a really horrible sound. You kids could be eaten if they are left unattended. I am 10 mins from the beach...unless one can afford a castle, i would never even consider living there...so many house were leveled with the 3 canes we had...even Hotels were destroyed. Being by water or having a trailer is dangerous here.

[kimbercuddles]

When I lived in San Antonio, we used to go down to Port Aransas and Padre Island quite frequently and NEVER saw anything dangerous, whatsoever! I think alligators hang out mostly in Louisiana and in Florida where the fresh water and ocean water meet. Corpus Christi is a quaint little city with very friendly people and nice beaches...although I preferred Port Aransas.

As far as the risk of hurricanes, well, since we just moved here...I'll get back to you on that!!

[Panterro]

Ahh Stingrays and jelly fish and the occasional shark. The Stingrays and jelly fish are the biggest problem. Had a stingray get me once in the calf, man I thought I was gonna die. Leg swelled up like a beachball, burned like a sun of a... he had covered himself on the beach and the tide dropped back, and I stepped on him and he got me.. so if your out there at low tide walk a ways off the water line.

Snakes are a small problem in the Corpus area along the beach if you camp to close to the brush.. I have seen alligators out near the light house near Port Aransas. I camp out on the beach near Corpus each year.. out on Mustang Island. But have not had any problems yet. I love the Texas Coast.

If I had to pick a place on the Texas coast to live it would be Rock Port, or Port Aransas.