Figure out if you can afford it. The single biggest consideration when deciding to live somewhere is whether you'll be able to afford it. Generally speaking, housing will make up the biggest portion of your budget. According to City-Data.com, the average price for a home in Port Isabel is just over $107,000. As of 2009, City-Data.com reports that the average price for rent was $507. Because of its proximity to South Padre Island, Port Isabel also has a high end market with homes reaching as high as the low millions.
Research the job situation. Unless you're retired or independently wealthy, you're going to have to make a living. The most popular industries in Port Isabel are: Accommodations and food services, construction, manufacturing, administrative support, waste management, retail, and public administration. As of 2009, the average household income was $24,445, compared to Texas' average of $48, 259. About 60% of Port Isabel residents have a high school diploma, but only about 12% have a college degree or higher. According to City-Data.com, unemployment in Port Isabel is under 5%, but average salaries are substantially lower than the Texas and national averages. However, according to City-Data.com, Port Isabel's cost of living is substantially below the U.S. average.
Consider your entertainment options. Is there anything to do? In Port Isabel, the answer really depends on your point of view. Because of its seaside location, there are quite a few seafood restaurants and a few bars. The town is just 2.5 miles away from the beaches of South Padre Island, which offer hiking, all-terrain vehicle trails, water sport, swimming, tanning, and fishing opportunities. If you're into fishing, you may be in heaven: You can expect to catch speckled trout, redfish, flounder, snook, snapper, mackerel, and tarpon. There are also excellent bird-watching opportunities and attractions such as the Port Isabel Lighthouse, the Port Isabel Historic Museum housing artifacts from the Mexican-American War, and the Treasures of the Gulf Museum, dedicated to Spanish shipwrecks dating from the 1500s.
Research the school system and your higher education options. If you have kids, it's important to be familiar with the local school system. The local public school system is run by the Port Isabel Independent school district, and there are two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. The University of Texas and Brownsville, Texas Southmost College, and Texas State Tech College are all within a 50 mile radius.
