Flour Bluff - Corpus Christi, TX

In its early days, Corpus Christi thrived as a result of illicit trade of goods brought in from Mexico, following an 1838 French blockade in response to the mistreatment of French citizens living in Mexico. With Mexicans claiming Corpus Christi as their own port of entry, Texans rallied to counter this action. The Mexicans left, leaving behind supplies, and the area came to be known as Flour Bluff as a result of the usable flour that the Texans confiscated.

Since then, Flour Bluff became a railroad branch off of the Texas Mexican Railway to the Naval Air Station. On the south side, Waldron Field, built during World War II, has been utilized as a Navy landing airfield. Residents still see training planes flying across the sky on a daily basis.

Residents can find film festivals and museums such as the USS Lexington in Corpus Christi or enjoy community events hosted by the local schools and churches. Stop by the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History for a look back at the past and experience hands-on fun and children's science camps.

Flour Bluff has a modest assortment of dining options, with many more requiring a drive across Texas State Highway 358 into Corpus Christi. There are options for pizza delivery from well-known chains as well as Chinese take-out. However, there are a number of casual establishments in lieu of staying in.

If you are in the mood for tacos, head out to Taqueria Almeida, otherwise known as the taco stand to locals. An affordable and casual spot, this place serves up tasty tacos under $10. You can enjoy anything from breakfast tacos on your way to work to enchiladas and steak tacos for dinner. Whether you decide to go through the drive-thru or avail yourself of the outdoor seating, don't forget to order the watermelon juice.

For more of a culinary adventure, try Filipino cuisine at the family-owned Little Manila Lumpia House. Order the Lumpia: Chinese pastries similar to spring rolls. Chinese cuisine became a fixture in the Philippines and even in Indonesia following the settlement by Chinese immigrants, making it no surprise to find them here. With affordable prices and prompt service, the restaurant provides the perfect place for a family outing.

While Flour Bluff has few options for nightlife, People’s Restaurant and Lounge can offer both diners and people looking for a few drinks an escape. Bringing its patrons a well-stocked salad bar and seafood menu, this restaurant creates a pleasant dining experience. Locals say the grilled redfish is a top dish — simple yet well prepared. The restaurant also has a full bar, making it a great option for residents who want to grab a drink.

The majority of residents in Flour Bluff drive around the area and into Corpus Christi taking the Texas State Highway 358. If you don't want to drive, you'll find two Corpus Christi Regional Transportation (CCRT) stops in the area, one at Wal-Mart and the other at the HEB supermarket.

Cyclists find it easy to get around the area due to bicycle friendly roads throughout the neighborhood, even on Highway 358. Taxis and Uber are also available in the area, creating ease for residents wanting to get into Corpus Christi. Walking the neighborhood remains relatively safe in this small community.

Although Flour Bluff does not have its share of museums, the area makes up for it with parks.

Waldron Park has a nine-hole disc course. Established in 2007, the course spans 2165 square feet and has mostly flat, lightly wooded grounds. The park also has a small pound and creek that disc players play around.

Retta Place Park provides sports-minded residents with a venue to play outdoors. If you are in the mood for America’s pastime, baseball, the park has a field in addition to a softball field. The park also has basketball courts and playgrounds for children.

For a quiet and relaxing day outdoors, head over to Golden Oaks, which is equipped with a picnic area. Pack up a healthy lunch, gather the kids, leash the dog and enjoy a nice sunny afternoon in this park.

Flour Bluff has a cost of living only slightly higher than that of Corpus Christi, at 0.2 percent greater than the city. But residents do find a cost of living 12.3 percent less than the national average and benefit from the quiet suburban life of the area with an average rental price at $672 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Although the area does not have many public transportation options, taking the bus into Corpus Christi costs $1.25, and residents do not feel the burn when it comes to driving, with gas prices 9.6 percent lower than the national average. Getting into Corpus Christi via the CCRT costs around $1.25.

Residents can also enjoy an affordable night out with beer prices around $4.

Outside of thrift stores and a Wal-Mart in this area, residents need to cross either the JFK Memorial Causeway or Highway 358 to go shopping, with the majority of retail establishments concentrated in Corpus Christi.

Get out of the Texas heat and enjoy air conditioned shopping at La Palmera. Shoppers can find over 100 stores, including shops like Express and department stores such as Macy's. The mall also proffers a number of eateries to restore your energy.

On the 4300 block of Alameda Street in Corpus Christi, residents can spend hours antiquing. The entire row has a selection of stores that can pleasantly fill up your entire day. Try Deluxe or Bumblebee Antiques for household items and unique furniture pieces.

For artisan-made items and to fulfill eclectic tastes, Flour Bluff residents visit Rustic and Refined. Here, women can find home decor, jewelry and interesting clothing pieces. Whether you want to peruse the selection of creative merchandise for yourself or for others, you'll enjoy spending time in this small business.