Hey Ben, that was probally me. When I left Corpus less than 6 months ago you coulddn't get (married) housing unless your orders had you there for longer than 6 months. I just assumed Snacks was a flight student, If I was wrong sorry.
Snacks, since your wife is a nurse you are probally better off in Corpus Christi proper. It would be great if you could get housing. It doesn't hurt to try anyway.
The coastal bend is home to me and I, personally, never understood what the draw to Padre island was. Live where you want, but I'll never be suckered into living out there. I can see trying your luck if you are only there for a short time, like for school, but I think it's expensive, boring, and dangerous- but that's just me. There are lots of outlying towns, that might have a slightly longer drive, but are cheaper, safer, more fun, and dare I say it... cultural! Quaint little towns like Taft and Sinton with their charming mainstreets lined with antique and specialty shops and homecooked restaurants. If you like the outdoors at all- that's where the best fishing, hunting, horseback and ATV riding, etc. is. You can't ride down the beach on Padre Island. Besides, what did you say you were paying for gas between the base and the island? It only costs me $20 to fill my van up in Sinton and it is a straight shot down the I-69 45 min. to Corpus, 20 min. to Ingleside, 50 min. to Kingsville, and 2 hrs. to the opposite side of San Antonio.