Whether you have been seeking an idyllic vacation home located on the beaches of South Padre Island or you are on the hunt for your forever home in the same areas, your first steps may have been trying to wade through a sea of listings on popular websites. Vacation property sites will try to show the best side of the least desirable properties and real estate websites may be a little more complicated to figure out, so your second step may involve choosing a realtor and realty company that can guide you in the direction of making your dreams come true. And that is where Franke Realty comes into the picture! Since 1956 we have been matchmaking people with their dream homes and our passion is making you happy! For over 60 years we have given our all so that our clients can have it all. This guide to what sets us apart from all the other Texas real estate companies will help you find the home, be it a temporary vacation escape or a permanent family home, you have always dreamed about!
What Sets Franke Realty Apart From Other Real Estate Companies
South Padre Island is one of the most beautiful places in the world and we don’t just work here, we play, we live, and we love here, as well as taking a key position in the development of our little piece of paradise! Too many islands end up being overrun with people, homes, and businesses and we work hard to create a balance that provides all the modern conveniences of the real world with the magic of island life. Vacationers will enjoy feeling as if they are the only people on the island while still being able to experience high speed internet that rarely glitches. Homeowners will know the joy of stopping by D Pizza Joint on a Friday night and devouring tasty pies while listening to their favorite music; and still be able to go home to the beach and also feel like they are on their own private island! It’s a tricky tightrope we walk, balancing convenience with the simple purities of island life, but we love our clients and we work hard to give them everything they want and need! Providing luxury, style, and homes that welcome, your Texas vacation will reach new heights of wonderful when you choose to vacation in one of our homes and your forever will shine that much brighter when you buy one of our luxury escapes!
A Peek at Our Homes
We can talk about ourselves all day long, but the proof of how we stand out shows in our homes. The homes we sell, located exactly where you want to be on South Padre Island, are priced right and built to last. Choose a family home in a neighborhood filled with kids, a beachfront cottage that will bring your family peace forevermore, or a townhome in the middle of the island, close to shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Every night at home will be better than any night on the town, simply because we found you the home that fits your family like a fine leather glove. Vacationers can be assured that the property they temporarily make their own will offer comfort in the furnishings, modern conveniences in the electronics and appliances, and a style that is uniquely Texas. Condos on the beach will provide views you will never want to close your eyes to, Bay Front homes will give peace and respite to those who reside within, and although our Inner Island properties may not be located on the gorgeous beaches that make South Padre Island so desirable, many of our private homes will feature private pools and hot tubs, ensuring that you too can enjoy water adventures during your time in the sun! Either way, you can spend your days enjoying all the wonders that South Padre Island has to offer and come home to quiet luxuries every night.
Working Hard to Earn Your Trust
When you want to stand out, you must start with earning trust and our integrity and hard work ensures that you will find exactly the space that speaks to your soul. We show up at every appointment we make on your house search and we follow every lead to help you find “the one!” Our vacation rentals are not just stylish and comfortable, they are sparkling clean and filled with all the modern day conveniences that make vacation life run even smoother. We listen to what you want and we don’t stop until we succeed in fulfilling every wish you have! After 60 plus years in the rental and real estate market, we have learned a few things and we love to share some of that knowledge with you! Give us a call today and discover for yourself all the ways Franke Realty stands out in a sea of sameness!
When you’re making your Easter plans, you might be thinking about the warmer weather that springtime and Easter bring. When the holiday rolls around, the outdoor temperature and the waters of the Gulf are slowly warming up and you’ll enjoy some South Padre Island Easter activities. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy while you’re here, so start planning today!
South Padre Island Easter Activities
Many of our visitors celebrate the religious and solemn meaning of the holiday. Churches on South Padre Island host services for the celebration. Each one has its own special schedule, including alternate locations for larger gatherings, so contact your place of worship of choice to get all the details.
Easter Egg Hunt
Last year’s hunt was a blast. Bring the kids – and a big basket for each of them. There are hundreds of eggs scattered around the farmer’s market on North Market Street. Other fun includes food, other activities, and prizes like gift certificates for free vendor products. Not all the details are available yet, but their Facebook page will have them all as they become available.
Easter Dinner
Our island is full of delicious tastes, from seafood to authentic Tex Mex and Mexican cuisines and much more. Some of these eateries will be offering a special traditional Easter meal. Contact your restaurant of choice for details, including reservation requirements, as well as pick-up and delivery options if available.
The Beach
While you came for Easter, you also chose an island destination full of sand, sun, and water. Make sure to spend some time at the beach! You can lay out on the sand and catch some sun, play or swim in the waves of the Gulf, or kick back with a book and a drink and watch the kids play. Add a mask and snorkel and plunge under the waves to get a look at the marine life. Keep up with your exercise routine with a walk or run on the beach!
Largest Outdoor Sandcastle
Many beach and island locales find a way to celebrate one of the things that make them unique from any other place: sand. South Padre Island is no different. Plan a stop at the country’s largest outdoor sandcastle! Originally build in 2013, it has had to undergo “repairs” over time, but the original base remains, making it the oldest permanent sandcastle in the U.S. The structure is located at 610 Padre Boulevard and is an ongoing project by artist Andy Hancock and is made of 150 tons of River sand! After you see the structure, take a lesson sandcastle building lesson from Any himself.
Sandcastle Building Lessons
After you’ve been inspired by the country’s largest permanent sandcastle, take some lessons to learn to build your own. The creator of the attraction, Andy Hancock, offers several packages in one, two, and three-hour blocks, as well as a VIP or corporate sandcastle package. There are several other companies that offer lessons, too, so choose the company that best suites your needs.
Jet Skis
Water sports are a must during an island vacation. Add some adrenaline-pumping excitement to your Easter break and rent a jet ski. If you’d like to get used to the machine before heading out on your own, take a tour of the area, like a 1.5-hour h historical jet ski tour, where you’ll learn island history and other facts. Rental companies often have restrictions on rider age or weight, but all pilots born after September 1, 1993 must hold a boater’s education certificate, and all riders must wear a life jacket.
Golf Cart Rental
Rent a golf cart and see the island in a way your rental car doesn’t allow. Choose from a four- or six-seater cart that has been outfitted for comfort and fun with roofs, LED headlights, blinkers, horns, and more. All of the carts are street legal, so it’s easy to get from beach to beach and everywhere in between. Rent a cart in four-, six-, or eight-hour blocks of time, or on a per-day (24 hour) basis.
Easter on South Padre Island
When you choose South Padre Island for your Easter getaway, take the first step in planning when you book a vacation rental with Franke Realty. For a more intimate Easter vacation, choose a one-bedroom condo, or invite all of your loved ones and book a six-bedroom single-family home with room for everyone! Enjoy an Easter activity, then return to relax in an open living room or retreat to a private bedroom. Take a dip in a private or community pool, take the short trip to the beach for a day on the sand, and more. Each home comes with a fully equipped kitchen for creating delicious home-cooked meals and snacks.
Contact us today to start planning an Easter adventure that will have you coming back for years to come!
Texas is famous for BBQ, and its diverse topography makes it a great place to buy an SPI home. One of the areas in Texas that’s unique compared to other parts of the state is South Padre Island, a resort town lying off the southern coast of Texas. Its calm waters and pristine beaches make it a great tourist destination and a perfect place to live. Beautiful scenery and attractions are not the only things that set this town apart. Other aspects such as security, education, cost of living, and healthcare make it a great pick.
New SPI Home!
Striking attractions and great scenery propped with amazing infrastructure make South Padre Island pass the aesthetics test. Every part of the town showcases well-detailed design, from the townscape to the houses. Well-paved paths and well-maintained roads crisscross past abodes displaying an architectural brilliance pleasant to the eyes.
The cost of living in South Padre Island is 6% lower than the national average. Such statistics translate to a generally affordable way of life for the average American. You can afford to raise a family or live solo in this resort town. Transportation, food, and groceries are 11% and 21% lower than the national average. All these, together our stunning houses, make this Texas town a great place to relocate.
Since it regularly experiences a spurt in tourist activities, South Padre Island generally offers great security. This coastal town is one of the safest tourist destinations in America. On top of excellent security and good infrastructure, healthcare in South Padre Island is also cheaper than the national average. This stat means that this Texas town offers more affordable healthcare than most urban areas in America. Whether it’s a veterinary visit or a dentist visit, the costs you’ll incur in South Padre Island are bound to be lower than in most areas in the country.
Education in South Padre Island is also impressive because it boasts several natural attractions that make up great practical learning grounds for kids. Apart from a conducive environment, the teaching in all the schools in South Padre Island is above par, leading to high graduation rates.
Love Island
It’s not farfetched to consider South Padre Island the “Texas love island,” since the area embodies romance in unique ways. A romantic getaway to this coastal gem to commemorate Valentine’s Day offers numerous memorable events that are hard to recreate in most areas. These moments are even better enjoyed if you’re a resident of this coastal town. You can enjoy patio dining with your loved ones in one of the restaurants in the area, ending your day in your SPI home. Most of this alfresco dining occurs on beachfront eating establishments, making the experience worth trying.
You can also explore the beach that stretches along the island’s shores. The beach and the calm waters hitting the shores make ideal grounds for outdoor water activities. This beach is also close to a lot of houses, meaning it might be a walking distance from your house. You can set out with your partner for water adventures, trying out snorkeling, boating, surfing, and more. The day can end by enjoying seafood and other tasty cuisines offered in South Padre Island’s restaurants.
Other interesting spots to spend Valentine’s Day in South Padre Island that promise memorable events include the Turtle Inc. This nonprofit organization works all year long to ensure the safety of turtles. You and your partner can have a mindful romantic day by participating in these campaigns. For nature and animal lovers, moving to this island town means you get to contribute to this course proactively.
South Padre Island’s attachment to nature is further evident by the inclusion of the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center. You can have a nature trail on this sanctuary, taking in the therapeutic views emanating from nature and the sounds of birds chirping. This attraction might be the perfect Valentine’s Day date location for birdwatchers. In a nutshell, South Padre Island promises adventure, even during the romantic month of February. The beach, the food, and the attractions make the town the perfect Valentine’s Day getaway destination in Texas.
Purchase Your Home Today!
A great atmosphere, good weather, amazing attractions, and a world-class beach make South Padre Island a Rio Grande Valley gem. These excellent features and amazing living conditions make this town the perfect place to relocate to in Texas. Contact us today, and we will be more than happy to help you choose your dream home in South Padre Island from many of the many amazing options we have.
Christmas tends to bring out unique and different traditions. And with this memorable holiday fast approaching, perhaps you are wondering what to do in this haven. One of the benefits of being a homeowner in South Padre Island is that you can decide when and where to have endless fun as you create new memories and practices.
But what if you don’t want to go far from your new home? What if you’d rather stay local? Don’t worry, this magnificent place is home to enjoyable activities! The list of activities and events to engage in this charming island is endless. Below are South Padre Island Christmas events and activities you can do to make this lovely season.
The Best South Padre Island Christmas Events
There is no shortage of South Padre Island Christmas events to make your Christmas phenomenal in South Padre Island. Start this memorable holiday with your family or friends by attending the annual Christmas Parade, free for everyone. As you relish the fresh air filling the atmosphere, you can observe the festive groups and spectacular floats passing by on Padre Boulevard.
Are you looking for something more to uplift your holiday spirit? In addition to the parade, partaking in the tree lighting ceremony is an excellent way to spend time and kick-start the festive period. As you marvel at the gorgeous lights, you will undoubtedly feel delighted. If you want to experience both the parade and the Christmas tree lighting, getting to the captivating City Hall earlier is advised, as the parade starts at 6 p.m.
Visit the Stunning Holiday Sandcastle Village
Though the Sandcastle Village is a year-round area, it is effortlessly one of the best places to tour during the cherished Christmas holiday. Yearly, travelers flock to the exquisite South Padre Island to unwind and experience its sands! However, there is more to these great sands, particularly during the festive seasons. Besides building sandcastles, people use the sand to make some of the most eye-catching sculptures that leave many, if not all, impressed.
With some of the most gifted local artists delivering exceptional visions, get ready to marvel and snap some of the best sculptures you have ever seen. From the fantastic Christmas tree made out of sand to reindeer and sometimes Santa Claus himself, you can be sure to leave this place with unforgettable memories.
Join the Pleasant Lighted Boat Parade
If you want to encounter something incredible that will make Christmas in South Padre Island complete, heading to the shore and partaking in the annual Light Boat Parade is a must-have on your bucket list. With those dear to you by your side, you can watch and take photos of the beautifully adorned boats of different sizes cruising.
Even better, there are designated viewing spots throughout the route, allowing everyone to see some of the most spectacular light exhibits adding charm to the bay. There is more. The viewing is accessible to the public, and if you wish to join the parade, you can easily register online and bring your boat.
Shop for Christmas Gifts
Christmas is an adored season when many gather to celebrate and exchange gifts. Whether you want to buy a holiday decoration or a unique gift for a friend, family, or significant other, South Padre Island has everything to ensure you have a fabulous holiday. From the many gift stores in this place, you can buy t-shirts, toys, furniture, art, jewelry, and seashell, just to mention a few. If something unparalleled is what you are looking for, plenty of shops also specialize in handmade items. And if you’re feeling crafty, there are lots of things for DIYers out there. Whatever will help you put a smile on the faces of those dear to you, this enchanting place has it all.
Savor a Christmas Buffet
During the festive season, you may not feel like cooking at home. When that happens, the tempting restaurants in this spot await to make your Christmas the best while satisfying your taste buds. Whether you want to devour the mouthwatering turkey and ham or want to try out a foreign meal, these eateries have something for everyone to leave with their bellies happy.
To make this special occasion exceptional, you will find kid-friendly meals to ensure the little ones are also delighted. Some restaurants to check out include the alluring Windjammer’s Beachfront Cafe and Sea Ranch Restaurant and Bar, among others.
Reach Out to Us
Christmas is around the corner, and maybe you are not sure where to start when it comes to purchasing a new home in South Padre Island. At Franke Realty, we are here to take you through all the necessary steps to be a homeowner in this piece of heaven. Since we have been serving this beautiful island for over six decades, we have the experience to help you settle on a home that will give you value for your money. Get in touch today and have all your questions answered by our real estate experts. Whatever dreams you have, we will help you make them a reality.