In the state of Texas, Portland is a city in San Patricio and Nueces counties. A 640-acre original town site of Portland was bought by John G. Willacy in 1890 and was sold to Portland (Maine) Harbor & Improvement Co. in 1890. 1, 280 acres of land east and northeast of the 640-acre land was bought by the New England Land & New England R. E. Company. These companies have most of their stockholders from Portland, Maine and named this city in honor of their hometown, thus the city of Portland, Texas.
On the Gulf Coast, Portland is located on the second highest bluff overlooking both Corpus Christi Bays and Nueces
In the state of Texas, Portland is a city in San Patricio and Nueces counties. A 640-acre original town site of Portland was bought by John G. Willacy in 1890 and was sold to Portland (Maine) Harbor & Improvement Co. in 1890. 1, 280 acres of land east and northeast of the 640-acre land was bought by the New England Land & New England R. E. Company. These companies have most of their stockholders from Portland, Maine and named this city in honor of their hometown, thus the city of Portland, Texas.
On the Gulf Coast, Portland is located on the second highest bluff overlooking both Corpus Christi Bays and Nueces. Portland was called the "Gem City of the Gulf" because of its natural wildlife and terrains that offers vast of recreational activities and sports for residents and tourists alike. The city was said to be the most pleasant and attractive place in Texas overlooking 150 square miles of ocean and fronted the deepest waters in Corpus Christi Bay. Portland, particularly fortunate with its mild climate and bay breezes, is a summer and winter resort that serves as great attraction to sportsmen with the numerous water sports. Its location on two bays provides excellent sailing, boating, swimming, kite surfing and some of its lake parks are the dock and wade-fisherman's first choice for an excellent fishing experience. Nature study, bird watching, food and drinks are abundantly available around the area. Portland is accessible by the following two major highways: the Texas highway 35 and the U.S. Highway 181. This made way for the city to become a home to a diversified workforce serving businesses and Coastal Bend Industries.
Moving to Portland
Housing units may vary from rental houses and rental apartments (one-bedroom apartments or two-bedroom apartments for rent) to an apartment complex and rental condos in Portland. Rentals are relatively cheaper in Portland than in other Texan cities. Interested? In order to find the right apartment or house allot a decent amount of time in doing your search then add at the most 30 days to close on it. Also make sure your financial information is in order such as income, credit score / profile, debts and your budget. It is also advised to take the time to talk to a realty agent that can act as your apartment locator and also to advise you regarding your financial budget. Then you'll be all set to be a permanent resident in the Texan "Gem City of the Gulf."
Portland Neighborhoods
Portland is an amazing place to live in with safe and upscale neighborhoods and excellent city services that are everything you would want in a hometown. Portland neighborhoods are describes as "coastal," having towns on the oceanfront or by the bay.
Sunset Lake: This area is a natural wetland habitat and bird nesting territory that boasts a 2.1 mile bike-hike trail that passes between the lakes and ponds! It's a haven for anyone who likes the great outdoors, but probably not the place city slickers will want to call home.
Violet Andrews Park: This area is a kite surfer's heaven and a wildlife preserve with a quarter-mile bike-hike trail overlooking Corpus Christi Bay. The Violet Andrews Park provides an easy access into the bay with its terrain naturally sloping into the water, enticing people to take a dip. Outdoor showers are available for those that are attracted by the water and have been wanting to take a dip, so no worries.
Town Center: Living right in the middle of town is a great area for anyone who likes a convenience factor that's through the roof. You'll get to enjoy shopping at the Northshore Plaza, a K-Mart Superstore and plenty of other amenities all within walking distance!
Living in Portland
Portland also offers many activities that also involve its residents and attract tourists as well. Residents gather for their annual special events such as the city triathlon, Parade of lights every Christmas Season, Sweetheart Ball for Valentines, Spring Break Bash, Donuts with the Easter Bunny (a decorate your doughnut event) and the up-and-coming Move Portland, a fitness event that offers fitness guidelines, provides nutritional information and makes Portland active.
Being a coastal neighborhood did not hinder Portland to develop an excellent retail shopping and dining experience. Retail stores such as K-Mart, Bealls and Walmart are available for residents daily services. U.S. Highway 181 is a long strip full of restaurants that provides a gastronomic experience from Mexican food of Pepitos Mexican Grill, to Asian cuisine K-Bob's Restaurant, IHOP and a lot more. Popular food chains are also available in this strip such as McDonald's, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Subway and Papa John's Pizza. There are also a few coffee shops around the neighborhood namely the ever popular Starbucks coffee, Angie's Lil' Cafe and Rickster's Cafe. Portland also has a few bars along U.S. Highway 181 such as Caboose 181 and Chili's Grill and Bar that caters to late night drinks and dining.
In Portland a lot of neighborhoods are located in areas wherein residents can commute on a bicycle or walk and like in every other city, some residents may need to have a private car to go around. Public buses and taxi cabs are also available within the city. It is said that commuters spend between 15-30 minutes traveling one-way to their destination which is shorter than the time spent commuting by an average American.