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The Space Coast · Boca Chica

Can you buy a home in Starbase, Texas?

Mostly no. Starbase is the SpaceX launch site at Boca Chica, incorporated as a city in May 2025, and SpaceX bought most of the old Boca Chica Village. Buyers who want to live near it look at South Padre Island, Port Isabel, Laguna Vista and Brownsville.

Wide dune-backed beach at sunset

What Starbase is

Starbase is where SpaceX builds and launches Starship, on the Gulf at Boca Chica. Voters approved incorporating it as a Type C city on May 3, 2025, by 212 to 6, and elected a mayor and two commissioners. Reports at the time put the population under 500.

The old village

SpaceX started buying land at Boca Chica in 2012 and, starting around 2018, bought most of the homes in Boca Chica Village. What was a small beach community is now largely company housing and the SpaceX campus.

Launches and the beach

The FAA approved up to 25 Starship launches a year from Starbase in May 2025. For tests and launches, Cameron County closes Boca Chica Beach and State Highway 4 from FM 1419 to the beach, with checkpoints that let residents reach their homes. Public access to Boca Chica Beach depends on that schedule.

Where to live near it

South Padre Island is a few miles north across Brazos Santiago Pass, with Gulf-front homes and condos and a clear view of launches. Port Isabel and Laguna Vista are bay towns on the mainland. Brownsville is the city, with the Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport and the Port of Brownsville, the only deepwater seaport right on the U.S. and Mexico border.

Sources and notes

Cameron County election results, May 3, 2025, as reported by FOX 7 Austin and KRGV. Federal Aviation Administration, Starship environmental review (May 2025), as reported by Space.com. Cameron County Judge's office closure notices, as reported by KRGV. Starbase, Texas (Wikipedia, with Business Insider reporting). Port of Brownsville. Facts were checked in October 2026 and can change. Nothing here is legal, tax or insurance advice; confirm rules with the city, county and your insurance agent.
Talk to Rick

Want to live near the launches?

Rick will send homes on South Padre, in Port Isabel, Laguna Vista or Brownsville that fit what you want. Or call 214.906.9834.

Starbase and Boca Chica questions

Is Starbase, Texas a city?

Yes. Cameron County voters approved incorporation on May 3, 2025, by 212 to 6.

Can I buy a house in Starbase?

Very little comes up. SpaceX bought most of Boca Chica Village, and the city is largely the SpaceX campus.

Where is Starbase?

At Boca Chica on the Gulf in Cameron County, at the southern tip of Texas, east of Brownsville and just south of South Padre Island.

How many launches can happen at Starbase?

The FAA approved up to 25 Starship launches a year in May 2025, up from 5.

Is Boca Chica Beach open?

When there is no SpaceX closure. Cameron County closes the beach and State Highway 4 for tests and launches.

Where is the closest place to buy a beach home near Starbase?

South Padre Island, a few miles north across Brazos Santiago Pass.

Where can I watch a Starship launch?

South Padre Island and the Port Isabel area are common viewing spots. Boca Chica Beach itself is closed during launches.

When did SpaceX come to Boca Chica?

SpaceX began buying land at Boca Chica in 2012.

What airport serves Starbase?

Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport (BRO) in Brownsville.

How do I find homes near Starbase?

Send the form. Our site's MLS does not carry the Rio Grande Valley, so Rick sends Space Coast listings directly.