Texas Gulf Coast Region Questions???

Hi All

Wife and I will be travelling your part of the country (McAllen to Beaumont) looking at vacation/retirement properties in Jan 2014.
I prefer small towns near the coast (1/2-1 hour drive from coast?) to big cities.

Will take suggestions to "stay away from..." as well as "go to..."

Any suggestions from our FABO brothers in Texas?

Thanks,
Pete