If you want to move to a coastal island city in Texas, Galveston is one of the top options. The city occupies most of Galveston Island, a 32-mile long barrier island on the southeast Texas coast. Living in Galveston means 365-day access to its plethora of beaches, top-notch seafood, amusement parks, history, and more.
Plus, if you are looking for a less densely populated city, Galveston, with only a population of around 50k, could be a great fit.
Apart from that, here are some insights into what living in Galveston is like.
Access to Beaches
If you love a coastal lifestyle, a lot of seafood, and the feeling of waves hitting your toes, Galveston ticks all the boxes. Galveston has at least 7 beautiful public beaches.
The beaches of Galveston are well-maintained and have a variety of amusement parks near them. The coastal region of Galveston stretches for up to 32 miles along the Gulf of Mexico.
Some of the most popular beaches include:
- Babe’s Beach: Famous for its historic seawall, Babe’s Beach is the most popular in Galveston. It’s named after A. R. Babe Schwartz, who was believed to be an ardent lover of beaches and the island of Galveston.
- Stewart Beach: It is another family-friendly beach with a park. It’s located on Broadway Avenue. It’s a perfect spot to spend your weekend. Lie down with a book, build sandcastles, and have fun, as the beach isn’t as crowded as other Texas beaches.
- East Beach: This is one of the beaches that allow alcohol. Therefore, it’s popular among bachelors and college students, but it can get a bit crowded compared to other Galveston beaches.
- Crystal Beach: Situated on Port Bolivar, it’s again a very isolated beach. It stretches up to 7 miles and is perfect for dog walking. Even cars are allowed on the sand due to the lack of crowds.
Along with beaches, Galveston offers a diversity of seafood, water sports activities, fishing, and more. Some of the best seafood restaurants include Shrimp N Stuff, Gaidos’ Seafood Restaurant, Fish Tales, and Fisherman’s Wharf.
Hot and Humid Weather
The weather in Galveston is similar to what it’s like in any coastal region. If you have ever lived in or visited a coastal region, you know the climate is usually hot and humid for most months of the year. For someone who highly detests harsh, cold winters, Galveston is the perfect place to be.
The summers are hot and humid. There is also a hurricane season in Galveston that lasts from June to November (probably during the monsoon season). Thereafter, the winters are mild and easily tolerable. The hottest month in Galveston is August, with an average daily high temperature above 90 degrees F. January is the coldest month in Galveston, with an average minimum temperature of 49 degrees F. Galveston also experiences a lot of rain, usually during the hurricane season. Though Galveston does not witness violent hurricanes every year, it’s still important to stay prepared during those months.
Ample Education and Employment Opportunities
The best part about seeking education in Galveston is knowing that your child will get more one-on-one attention than in many other public schools. Galveston Independent School District has a 14:1 student-teacher ratio, which is lower than the Texas average.
For higher education, Galveston has three major colleges: Galveston College, the University of Texas Medical Branch, and Texas A&M University. You can access another 32 colleges in the area if you do not mind traveling a bit to attend them.
The employment opportunities in Galveston are abundant. With a low population and multiple industries thriving, there are ample jobs in different sectors. If you are interested in pursuing your career and seeking jobs in finance, tourism, healthcare, maritime, or hospitality, Galveston won’t disappoint.
Exploration Opportunities
Galveston, TX, US – April 29, 2022: Moody Gardens Aquarium and Rainforest Pyramids in Galveston Texas.
There is no shortage of entertainment activities in Galveston. Besides the beaches, other popular attractions in Galveston include:
- Moody Gardens, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Galveston, is home to hundreds of animal species in a pyramid-shaped aquarium.
- Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is an amusement park with many activities, carnival activities, and rides.
- Bishop’s Palace, a three-story home known for its Victorian-style architecture.
- Schlitterbahn Waterpark is best for weekends and families with kids.
- Galveston Island State Park has both beaches and bays and is perfect for a day out. You can enjoy fishing, swimming, bird watching, hiking and more.
There are also trails, fishing spots, food spots, and kayak launches to explore. For the latest and upcoming events happening in Galveston, you can keep an eye on its website. You can visit the Galveston Island Convention Center for events, visit 23rd Street Station for live music, attend the Galveston Island Wine Festival, and much more.
It’s a great place for nature lovers as well. Galveston is home to several marshes, rich wildlife, and wetlands that are a haven for wildlife photographers, birdwatchers, and other nature enthusiasts.
Fairly Low Cost of Living
If you have previously lived in one of the top cities in Texas, living in Galveston won’t pose a problem budget-wise. Galveston is also perfect for middle-class families as it offers affordable living options. To give you a perspective, living in Galveston is 1.9% less expensive than living in Houston.
You can easily find many houses for rent or sale in Galveston. Some popular residential neighborhoods include Pirates Cove, Sea Isle, San Jacinto, Trout St., and more. The median sale price for houses in Galveston is $455K.
High Crime Rate
The only downside to living in Galveston is the crime rate. While not all neighborhoods of Galveston are prone to high crime rates, the rate is fairly high compared to cities of the same size.
When living in Galveston, choose a lower-crime area, like the southwest part of the city. The right neighborhood can make Galveston a safer place to live.
In Summary
Galveston is a great place to live for those who love seafood, are comfortable with coastal weather, and are looking for a less populated city in Texas. This island city is perfect for families and students to settle in. As long as you decide to live responsibly and do not live within the crime areas of Galveston, you will be able to enjoy its vibrant and peaceful life.
So, are you ready to move to Galveston, TX? Simplify your move with Ward North American. With more than 40 years in the business, we know what it takes to move effortlessly. Contact us to get your quote today.
