Oso BayCorpus Christi, Texas

LIVING NEAR OSO BAY in TEXAS

When many people think about living in South Texas, Corpus Christi is often the first location that comes to mind. Dubbed the “sparkling city by the sea,” this is a place where sailboat masts, windsurfers, and fishing poles make the skyline. On the ground, the area’s business district is brimming with restaurants, stores, and shopping centers.

Oso Bay is a place where the hustle and bustle of the city life fade into serenity. You may have heard of the Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve & Learning Center, but there’s more to the Oso Bay residential area than this natural haven. Here’s everything you need to know:

Photo of La Palmera Shopping Center in Corpus Christi

Photo of the Republic of Texas Bar and Grill via Omni Corpus Christi

Oso Bay Location

Oso Bay is an enclosed, shallow water body located on the Southside of Corpus Christi along Corpus Christi Bay’s southern shore. It’s about 7 square miles in size and is fed saltwater and freshwater by the Corpus Christi Bay and Oso Creek respectively.

The Oso Bay area stretches from Oso Creek to Ward Island and boasts numerous attractions and amenities. It’s considered one of the fastest-growing residential areas in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Amenities and Attractions in Oso Bay and Surrounding Areas

Oso Bay offers a nice balance of nature and important community amenities. Some of the highlights include:

Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve & Learning Center

Sitting in the backyard of Terra Mar and overlooking Oso Bay is the Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve & Learning Center. The 162-acre nature reserve is run by the City of Corpus Christi Parks and Recreation Department and houses a wide variety of plants and animals in their natural habitats.

While recreation is a top priority, the preserve is dedicated to educating visitors and the local community on the coastal ecosystem of South Texas with emphasis on the importance of conserving natural resources for future generations.

You’ll get to explore the wetlands through its 4 miles of walking trails with a newfound appreciation of nature’s beauty and the need to protect the ecosystem for a sustainable future. You can also be part of the numerous local events, seasonal emphasis tours, and guided walks hosted in the preserve.

The opening hours range between 7:30 AM and 7:00 PM, Monday to Saturday.

Hans and Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge

If you’re enthusiastic about birds, the Hans and Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge is a must-visit. Located just off Oso Bay’s western shore (on Ennis Joslin Road), this is one of the best places to watch sea birds in their natural habitat.

You can visit the pier for birdwatching or take a hike through the meandering trails of the wildlife refuge. The nature walk is accessible year-round and offers several activity options. It’ll take you through a lake, grassy marshes, mudflats, and woodlands. Viewing platforms and picnic tables are spread throughout the reserve for visitors.

Some of the popular birds in the area include egrets, pelicans, coots, seagulls, ducks, spoonbills, and herons.

Oso Bay Area Schools

As a responsible parent, you have every right to worry about the quality of education your kids will get in any prospective community.

Since 1909, Corpus Christi Independent School District (CCISD) serves most of the city of Corpus Christi and has enjoyed an excellent reputation as a strong District. It has 60 campuses and more than 39,000 students.

Some of the best schools in the area include:

Barnes Elementary School ranked higher than the majority of the elementary schools in Texas. They have a special education division and some students were enrolled in English and bilingual language learning programs.

Dorothy Adkins is the newest middle school in the area. King High School is one of the largest high schools in the area and is classified as a 5A school by the University Interscholastic League.

For higher education, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is just a short drive from Oso Bay. Thanks to the open and non-congested roads, your children can attend the second largest higher learning institution in Texas without limiting their living options.

Commute and Shopping

The Oso Bay area boasts a network of open and quiet roads, allowing you to reach local destinations as quickly as possible. Yorktown Boulevard provides access to the numerous boating ramps along the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.

Use Ennis Joslin road for quick access to South Padre Island Drive, where you’ll find several large shopping malls including La Palmera Mall and Moore Plaza Mall.

With such accessibility and proximity to the water, beach, and fishing grounds, you enjoy the perks of living near the local waterways without compromising too much on your commute to school or work.

 

Healthcare

There’s a sense of security that comes with knowing that you can easily get to a healthcare center in case of an emergency. Oso Bay and the larger Corpus Christi area is not only surrounded by hospitals and pharmacies, but also vet clinics for your furry friends.

Some of the best hospitals in the area include South Texas Surgical Hospital, Corpus Christi Medical Center, Christus Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi – Memorial, and Driscoll Children’s Hospital.

For your pets, VCA Oso Creek Animal Hospital & Emergency Center, Baldwin & Crosstown Animal Clinic, Southside Animal Clinic, and Corpus Christi Animal Clinic are top options.

Own a Home Near Oso Bay Texas

If you’ve always wanted to live in a serene residential area with a nice mix of nature’s beauty and all the modern amenities, the Oso Bay area might just be the place for you.

Hogan Homes can help you realize that dream with our homes on the western shore of Oso Bay in our Terra Marr community. Our homes are designed with optimal functionality and elegance in mind. We can custom-fit your home with features such as drop zones, conveniently located laundry rooms, energy-efficient appliances, and many more features that’d make your home stylish and convenient for you.