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Rockport and the village just to the north, Fulton (population 1,500), are often considered one town and have a mature population with half of the residents age 45 or better. The city has more than doubled in the last couple of decades, although some residents who left before and after Harvey may not return.

Windswept, flat and dotted with towering live oaks, Rockport is an easygoing place, and life often occurs in or on the water. Mile-long, pebbly Rockport Beach Park is the main beach and is Texas' only certified Blue Wave Beach. Some of it is gone now, thanks to the storm, but it is still one of the cleanest and safest strips of sand in the state. The water is shallow and a little murky but without an undertow or rough waves. The city marina in Rockport Harbor remains closed but is working to reopen as soon as possible.

Goose Island State Park, about 10 miles to the north and home to Texas' biggest tree, is a fisherman's delight, with speckled trout, red fish, drum, flounder and sheepshead all in good supply (as are crabs and oysters). Mustang Island State Park, about 15 miles from town, has five miles of beach, 300 beach camping spots and attracts birdwatchers, sunbathers, hikers and picnickers. Marinas, piers, 20,000 nearby acres of bays and Matagorda Island provide further opportunities for fishing, boating and sunning. Huge Aransas National Wildlife Refuge has 400 bird species, including large flocks of endangered whooping cranes.

Rockport has a growing arts community and boasts the Rockport Center for the Arts (three galleries, classes and workshops), 15 art galleries and a nationally known sculpture foundry. Residents also enjoy the Texas Maritime Museum, two golf courses, 30 churches and a YMCA. Many of these organizations are taking donations to help cover rebuilding construction costs. The Aransas Public Library provides free Internet access. The Aquarium at Rockport Harbor has yet to reopen.