The Most Expensive Beaches in Texas to Buy a Second Home

If you are looking for a vacation home, you should consider looking at real estate along the Gulf Coast in Texas. There are many beautiful locations with exceptional waterfront properties. Unfortunately, however, these estates can reach astronomical prices. This article will explore the most expensive beaches in Texas to buy a second home.

5. Rockport

The first of the several expensive beaches in Texas to buy a second home is Rockport. Rockport is a popular vacation destination and a beautiful place to live. However, the median sale price of houses is a sky-high $445,800! Its scenic coastal landscapes provide a perfect backdrop for a summer beach getaway. Rockport is in Aransas County on the Live Oak Peninsula.

There are plenty of fun opportunities for residents and tourists alike, which makes Rockport an ideal location for people of many interests. One can enjoy the sun by fishing at Fulton Harbor, going on a picnic at Rockport Beach, or searching for wildlife at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. For culturally immersive activities, visit Rockport Center for the Arts, the Texas Maritime Museum, or Historic Downtown.

4. Surfside Beach

Another expensive location for a second home in Texas is Surfside Beach. The median price of houses in Surfside Beach is $493,200. It is on Follet Island between the Gulf of Mexico and the Intercoastal Waterway, 60 miles south of Houston. It is a convenient getaway destination for city dwellers hoping to enjoy a sunny day at the beach.

While in Surfside Beach, one can visit the beach itself which is approximately 20 miles of pristine sandy coastline. There are plentiful fishing opportunities as well as areas for kayaking, swimming, and picnicking. Nature lovers can also visit Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, and Jetty Park.

3. Bolivar Peninsula

The next pricy place on the Texas coast is Bolivar Peninsula. The median selling price of houses there is a whopping $536,950! Located in Galveston County, it is home to beautiful beaches with exceptional scenery. It is accessible by ferry from Galveston or by driving across the highway bridge at High Island.

Bolivar Peninsula has many fun opportunities for all who visit. Many beachfront events are hosted there including sandcastle-building competitions, fishing tournaments, and live music concerts. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Crystal Beach, the historic Fort Travis Seashore Park, and the Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary.

2. Tiki Island

The second most expensive beach in Texas to buy a second home is Tiki Island. If you wish to buy a second home on Tiki Island, be prepared for the median selling price in the area of $625,000! Tiki Island is a small residential area on a man-made island in West Bay, just north of Galveston Island. It is accessible from the mainland via the Tiki Island Causeway.

Attractions in the area include fishing, boating, picnicking, and enjoying views of the bay. There is a private beach that is restricted for residents, as well. There, residents can enjoy the sun and ocean views with a greater sense of privacy and serenity. If you are not a resident, check online to verify if you will be able to access the Tiki Island beaches before visiting.

1. Port Aransas

The most expensive of all beaches in Texas to buy a second home is Port Aransas. The median price of houses is an incredible $833,000! This expensive town is on the northern tip of Mustang Island and offers a laid-back, beachside atmosphere. Its extraordinary beaches stretch over 18 miles along the Gulf of Mexico. It is the perfect location for the vacation home of the avid birdwatcher, angler, wildlife enthusiast, and anyone else seeking a relaxing coastal getaway.

Visitors can enjoy a range of attractions in Port Aransas. There are both offshore and bay fishing opportunities that allow anglers to catch redfish, speckled trout, flounder, snapper, and marlin. One can also go on dolphin-watching trips. Outdoorsmen and women can explore Port Aransas Nature Preserve, which is 1,217 acres of marshes, dunes, and other habitats. In the nature preserve, visitors can enjoy walking trails, birdwatching platforms, and boardwalks. For a cultural excursion, visit the Port Aransas Museum and learn about the rich culture and history of the town.

Other Expensive Places to Live in Texas

Texas is home to several highly sought-after and expensive places to live away from the coast, as well. One such area is Highland Park and University Park within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The median price of houses in Highland Park is $623,000! These affluent neighborhoods boast luxurious homes, upscale shopping districts, and top-ranked schools. The tree-lined streets and proximity to downtown Dallas contribute to the allure of these communities, making them highly desirable but subject to higher living costs.

Another exclusive enclave is Westlake in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The median price of houses sold in Westlake, Texas is 3.2 million dollars! With its gated communities, expansive estates, and scenic setting of rolling hills and lakes, Westlake provides a serene and upscale living experience. Privacy, security, and an elegant lifestyle are notable attributes in this prestigious neighborhood, leading to a higher cost of living.

In Houston, the neighborhood of River Oaks stands out as one of the most affluent and expensive areas in Texas. Its median listing price is $2.4 million dollars. Renowned for its opulent mansions, beautiful tree-lined avenues, and exclusive country clubs, River Oaks epitomizes luxury living. It is home to high-end boutiques, fine dining establishments, and cultural attractions. The central location and prestigious reputation of River Oaks contribute to its elevated property values and the overall higher cost of living in the area.

Other Beaches to Explore

There are several hidden coastal treasures of Texas that lie beyond the well-known destinations. South Padre Island, nestled on the southernmost tip, captivates visitors with its crystalline turquoise waters and velvety sand beaches. Engage in thrilling water sports like kiteboarding and jet skiing or simply relax with sunbathing and refreshing dips. Galveston Island, near Houston, boasts expansive sandy beaches perfect for leisurely strolls and beachside games. Immerse yourself in the island’s rich history with a visit to the iconic Pleasure Pier or indulge in the captivating exhibits at Moody Gardens.

For a secluded beach experience, venture to Padre Island National Seashore, the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world, where stretches of shoreline await beachcombers and birdwatchers alike. Seek tranquility at Matagorda Bay Nature Park, where calm waters welcome kayakers and paddleboarders. One may also head to Mustang Island State Park near Corpus Christi for picturesque coastlines ideal for swimming, surfing, and beach camping. These coastal havens offer diverse experiences beyond the beaten path.

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