Little known Southern island with white sand beaches and tight-knit community sees influx of residents

A little known Southern island with luxurious white sand beaches and stunning stretches of clear turquoise water is now more popular than ever. 

South Padre Island - or SPI as its locally known - is a growing and affordable tropical paradise located at the southern tip of Texas. 

The under-the-radar island, longtime a destination for snowbirds and spring breakers, has steadily been climbing in popularity after the 2019 arrival of Elon Musk's SpaceX facility in Boca Chica Bay - 42 miles from SPI. 

'Between 2022 and 2023 the population of South Padre Island grew from 2,386 to 2,852, a 19.5 percent increase,' according to DataUSA.

'We are still under the radar and affordable compared to places in Florida and other states,' Lauren Hable, an agent with Keller Williams Realty LRGV, told Mansion Global.

'But with SpaceX moving its headquarters here from California, we are about to be more widely discovered,' she added.

Hable, a real estate professional in the area since 2022, said the island, unlike most of the rest of the country, is a 'buyer's market'. 

Most properties have been selling for slightly under the asking price, a trend she sees continuing for the foreseeable future.

In fact, the average list price of the 357 available properties was $659,501, with 47 price reductions in the past 30 days, according to a February report by John Medrano of eXp Realty in Austin, Texas. 

'Anything fronting the Gulf is higher end, while locals typically live on the less tourist-ed bay side,' Hable said.

The agent added that now 'is a great time to buy an investment property' on the 'undiscovered' island, especially for those interested in renting out their winter retreat during the peak seasons. 

Short-term rental rates during spring break and through the summer range anywhere from $2,500 to more than $10,000 per week, depending on the size, location and amenities, Mansion Global reported.

In addition to affordable housing, the low-population island offers a vast array of things to do. 

A lively food scene includes casual cafes and breakfast shacks to fancier surf-and-turf establishments and authentic Mexican taquerias.

'Clayton's Beach Bar & Grill is the favorite local hangout,' said Cianna Perez, who owns Texas Coast & Country Real Estate and whose family has deep connections to the island.

Perez described SPI as a tight-knit community where everyone seems to know everyone - including part-time residents, affectionately known as 'winter Texans.'

'The winter Texans return year after year and tell all their friends, then meet at their favorite places. It's a lot of fun,' she said of the area where it's easy to rent golf carts and bicycles to get around. 

The city itself is only five miles long and a half-mile wide, however, opportunities to interact with​​ local wildlife are plentiful. 

More than 350 avian species have been recorded at the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center and Alligator Sanctuary due to the close proximity to the Upper Laguna Madre Bay.

The Laguna Madre Bay is one of six hypersaline bays worldwide in which the water is saltier than normal seawater and teems with fish and other wildlife, earning SPI as a top-ranked birding destination. 

'Life here is very laid back. We drive golf carts to run errands and gather at bars to watch the sunset over the bay, have a cocktail or beer and listen to live music,' Hable said. 'And this being Texas, we are known for being friendly.'

SPI natives often enjoy the Jetties at Isla Blanca Park, known as a prime surfing and kiteboarding destination with a 'cult-like following.'

Other watersports, namely paddle boarding, kayaking and jet skiing, are also available up and down the island.

Land-lovers can take horseback rides on the beach at the South Padre Island Adventure Park or play a round at the South Padre Island Golf Club, a public course in Laguna Vista.

'Pickleball is super popular here, and the city just opened public courts,' Hable added.

More recently, test rocket launches at the SpaceX facility across the bay have become another must-see attraction and can be viewed from the Jetties, the causeway or a south-facing private home. 

'It's very futuristic and fascinating,' Perez said.

'[The launches have] been drawing a whole other scene of buyers interested in space exploration,' Hable said. 'People come here to watch the test launches. It's quite a spectacle.' 

A popular destination for retirees - with a median age of 59-years-old, according to DataUSA - SPI is also home to young families and professionals who work remotely or in the service industry. 

While South Padre Island is considered a small town, it offers essential services like healthcare and education, making it a great place for families. 

The 34-mile island is part of the Point Isabel Independent School District, which serves the area's public school students. The schools in the district have earned a solid reputation, with small class sizes and a focus on personalized education, Franke Realty reported. 

For higher education, Texas Southmost College in Brownsville provides affordable options for students, while University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

Healthcare services on the island itself are limited, however, in Brownsville - just 28 miles from SPI - residents can access comprehensive medical care. The Surepoint Emergency Center offers emergency services, and there are a number of local clinics for routine healthcare needs. 

SPI offers a unique lifestyle which combines natural beauty, outdoor activities with a one-of-a-kind friendly, welcoming community. 

Whether you’re buying a home, looking for a vacation getaway, or investing in a rental property, South Padre Island provides endless opportunities for enjoyment and relaxation.