vacation home dreams

2 Texas utopias thrive among 10 most affordable U.S. beach towns to buy a home

The Formosa Wetlands Walkway in Port Lavaca is a great spot for birdwatching.

portlavaca.org/

Texans who have longed to buy a home on the Gulf Coast can make their dream a reality by searching for their next home in Port Lavaca or Corpus Christi, which were both named on Realtor.com's list of the 12 most affordable American beach towns for homebuyers in 2025.

Realtor.com's economists narrowed down the numerous list of American beach destinations based on which towns had at least 50 active residential home listings for the month of April 2025, then ranked them by their median list prices for single-family homes (including condos but excluding mobile homes). To keep the list fair, only two towns were included per state in the top 12.

Located about 130 miles from Houston, Port Lavaca ranked as the No. 5 most affordable beach town with the fifth-most budget-friendly housing prices this past spring. Homes in this quaint Texas town were on the market for a median price of $292,000 in April, the report found.

Realtor.com said Port Lavaca is a restful place that beckons visitors to "take a breather from the chaotic pace of modern life" through calming activities such as nature walks. The town is also situated along a "major migratory flyway" for 400 different bird species, making it an ideal destination for birdwatching.

"Although the town is small, with just 11,000 year-round inhabitants, it is not short on attractions and activities, from relaxing on Magnolia Beach to taking a stroll in Bayfront Peninsula Park," the report's author wrote.

Port Lavaca is also home to one of the top-10 best barbecue restaurants in Texas, LaVaca BBQ, plus several historical monuments and the Calhoun County Museum for any history enthusiasts that want to learn more about the small town.

6930 Anastasia, Corpus Christi home for sale This beautiful property in Corpus Christi is on the market for $287,900, which is more affordable than the April median list price for a home in the city.Photo courtesy of Zillow

The (much busier) city of Corpus Christi ranked as the 8th most affordable beach town in America, with April homes selling for a median price of $310,000. The report said Corpus Christi's bustling population of more than 300,000 residents makes it the most populous city on the list for 2025.

Corpus Christi is located just over 200 miles from Houston, and spans more than 100 miles of beaches, including parts of both Padre Island National Seashore and Mustang Island State Park. From water-based activities like kayaking, surfing, or fishing, to visiting iconic attractions like the Selena Museum, Texas State Aquarium, or the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History, there's no shortage of things to do in this coastal paradise.

The 12 most affordable beach towns for homebuyers are:

No. 1 – Pascagoula, Mississippi
No. 2 – Deerfield Beach, Florida
No. 3 – Atlantic City, New Jersey
No. 4 – Port Richey, Florida
No. 5 – Port Lavaca, Texas
No. 6 – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
No. 7 – Ocean Springs, Mississippi
No. 8 – Corpus Christi, Texas
No. 9 – Surfside Beach, South Carolina
No. 10 – Long Beach, Washington
No. 11 – Ocean Shores, Washington
No. 12 – Ocean City, Maryland

beach texas housing market real estate vacation

HAUTE PROPERTIES

NBA champion Jordan Clarkson lists San Antonio mansion for $7.5M

Photo courtesy of Barlowe Daly Realty

The spacious open area is roomy enough for an oversized sectional.

Another NBA player has listed his San Antonio home, but this one never housed a Spur. New York Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson is selling his Dominion estate for $7.5 million.

After the still-stinging finals, maybe it’s for the best.

Having a Knick embedded in Silver and Black country might seem as unlikely as finding a Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s court. But the shooting guard has a long history in the Alamo City. His parents, both in the Air Force, moved there when he was six. Later, he was named San Antonio High School Player of the Year while attending Karen Wagner High School.

His sprawling five-bedroom, seven-bath mansion, listed by Janay Bankston of Barlowe Daly Realty, naturally contains touches tailored to a pro baller. Photos show customized closets with shelving for caps and a huge collection of kicks. And the property makes space for a private gym and a half basketball court.

Jordan Clarkson home Half-court basketball kept Clarkson in shape.Photo courtesy of Barlowe Daly Realty

During downtime, Clarkson could relax in a jacuzzi, sip Champagne in a wine lounge, or watch Space Jam from the comfort of a theater room outfitted with stadium seating. Other luxe features include a four-car garage and elevator for those days when he did too many line sprints.

Photo courtesy of Barlowe Daly Realty

The spacious open area is roomy enough for an oversized sectional.

Outside, resort-style landscaping surrounds an infinity pool deck outfitted with an Italian pizza oven. A detached casita — built with its own bar — gives guests privacy but easy access to a quick dip.

Although the home is mostly in neutral grays and whites, the listing does give a peek of some of Clarkson’s personality. A zippy blue stove is installed in the marble island, an oversized Swatch hangs near the living room, and one room features a funky purple shag rug. A mischievous Pokémon is pictured on another rug.

Interested parties must book a showing 24 hours in advance. Inquiries may be made through Realtor.com. There’s no word on whether the many lanterns scattered across the living areas are included in the sale.

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