The beleaguered Texas housing market has been getting some help from Washington's attempts to revive the economy. First-time homebuyers in the state are taking advantage of tax credits of as much as $8,000 provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Corpus Christi tempts tourists with miles of beaches, sea breezes, an arts and museum district, waterfront restaurants, shopping and more. It is also home to a major seaport, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, a large health care system, military bases, refineries and chemical plants. Port...