So you vacationed in Galveston, and now you want to move here? We get it!
With year-round sunshine, beautiful historic districts, fun attractions, and a thriving foodie scene, what’s not to love? If you’re considering living in Galveston, Texas, you should know a few things before taking the plunge. We all know that living in a beach town isn’t the same as vacationing in one, so what’s it like to be a year-round Galveston resident?
We’ve rounded up some tips and insights below to help you get to know Galveston as an insider — from the best neighborhoods and school districts to year-round things to do on the island. When you’re read
y to start house shopping, Sand `N Sea Properties will help you find your new home on the island.
What to Know Before Living in Galveston
Photo Credit: Cire notrevo
Though it’s often considered a vacation destination, over 50,000 people call Galveston home. With year-round sunshine, easy beach access, top-notch healthcare, and a wide variety of restaurants, what’s not to love about living along the Gulf Coast?
Of course, living in Galveston differs from vacationing there, so here are a few things to consider before moving to the island.
Galveston Schools
The Galveston Independent School District serves the city of Galveston plus Jamaica Beach, Port Bolivar, and Crystal Beach. There are no school zones, and the district has a “Schools of Choice” program that allows families to pick where their child attends. Transit is provided to all campuses. Several private schools are available, too.
The island is also home to Galveston College, Texas A&M University at Galveston, and the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB Health).
Healthcare in Galveston
UTMB is the largest health center in Galveston, with a variety of services at Jennie Sealy Hospital, John Sealy Hospital, and Children’s Hospital. There are several other clinics and small hospitals on the island as well.
Cost of Living in Galveston
Overall, the cost of living in Galveston is 8% lower than the national average. Housing expenses fall about 24% below the average, while items like utilities and groceries are closer to the national average.
Seasons in Galveston
Photo Credit: Cire notrevo
Spring in Galveston
Spring is one of the nicest seasons in Galveston, with long days, low precipitation, warm afternoons, and cool evenings. This is one of the best times to enjoy Galveston’s parks and trails. Sea temperatures usually warm up enough to swim by the end of March. The average high temperature is 75, and the average low is 65 Fahrenheit.
Spring break in Texas brings vacationers to the island during March and April, so avoid the crowds by enjoying your backyard views or quieter West End beaches during this time.
Summer in Galveston
Summers in Galveston are hot, but the sea breezes help keep it much more pleasant than the inland Houston metro. Summer typically has higher precipitation levels (plus hurricane season), so it is a good time to explore indoor activities like museums and the Moody Gardens pyramids. The temperatures in summer average 85 for highs and 79 for lows.
Summer, of course, brings vacation crowds with school breaks, so if you plan to rent out your Galveston home, there are plenty of opportunities to do so between June and August!
Fall in Galveston
Fall is a great time to be outside on the beach and in Galveston Island State Park after the summer crowds disappear. Water temperatures are still warm enough for swimming, and the air temperatures average 78 for highs and 67 for lows.
Fall is the least humid season, and October is one of the driest months, but you do have to watch out for the end of the pesky hurricane season.
Winter in Galveston
Winter in Galveston is a gem. While festivals and holiday events still draw visitors some weeks, winter is the best time for locals to enjoy the island without vacationers. Walk on the beach on a sunny day, stroll The Strand on the weekend, and take advantage of January’s Galveston Restaurant Week to try all the local eateries.
Winter temperatures average 62 for a high and 50 for a low, so you rarely have to deal with freezing conditions. Mardi Gras usually falls towards the end of winter and is a big draw to the island!
Galveston Neighborhoods
Photo Credit: travelview
With historic downtown cottages, beachfront condos, and bayfront homes, it can be hard to narrow down where to look for real estate on the island. Before living in Galveston, it helps to get to know a few of the pros and cons of the different neighborhoods.
East Beach
Located on Galveston’s East End, East Beach is home to a long stretch of sand, a few condo complexes, and a luxury oceanfront community called Beachtown. Homes here have access to a village center with shopping and dining.
East End Historical District
One of Galveston’s first neighborhoods, the East End is designated a National Historic Landmark. You’ll find streets lined with trees and historic architecture dating to the Victorian era. It flows into downtown Galveston, with easy access to tons of restaurants and shops along The Strand.
Evia
A planned community located centrally on the island, Evia incorporates nature, with freshwater lakes around the colorful homes. It’s near the Moody Gardens Golf Course and has a selection of cafes and boutiques in the village.
Jamaica Beach and the West End
The West End is known as the quiet side of Galveston, trading tourist attractions for quiet neighborhoods and empty beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. There are several small communities here on either side of Galveston Island State Park, with amenities like parks, beach access, and boat docks. Look for names like Jamaica Beach, Sea Isle Beach, and Pirates Cove.
Things To Do in Galveston
Photo Credit: Mark Taylor Cunningham
As a popular vacation destination, Galveston offers lots of activities, from museums to amusement parks to beaches. Living in Galveston means you can take your time to explore these attractions, visiting popular ones in the off-season and taking advantage of annual passes.
Seawall
The Galveston Seawall runs for more than 10 miles along the coast, offering access to sandy beachfront, fishing piers, waterfront dining, and tourist attractions like the popular Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier.
For locals, it’s a great spot to go for a walk or bike ride, especially on the quieter west end.
Moody Gardens
Moody Gardens is one of the most popular attractions on the island, with a golf course, pyramids full of wildlife, a 4D theater, a water park, a ropes and zipline course, and more.
Locals can purchase season and annual passes that include most of the attractions, a big discount over daily admission.
The Strand
The Downtown Historic Strand Seaport Area is full of shopping and dining a block inland from the Port of Galveston. Full of Victorian-era buildings that have been renovated into fun bars, restaurants, boutiques, and souvenir shops, it has appeal for both vacationers and locals.
When living in Galveston, you’ll learn which days The Strand is busiest (usually when cruises are in port), so that you can avoid the crowds and hit the restaurants on slower days.
Galveston’s Beaches
Photo Credit: Mark Taylor Cunningham
With over 30 miles of shoreline, Galveston offers a lot of sandy beaches, rocky coastlines, and waterfront parks. When you live in Galveston, you’ll find your favorite spots, but these are a few popular ones to look out for.
- East Beach: Long beachfront on the East End with amenities like restrooms and concessions.
- Stewart Beach: Family-friendly beach with lifeguards and beach rentals.
- Babe Beach: Stretch of sand along the Seawall near the 61st Street Fishing Pier.
- Galveston Island State Park: Paid admission park with quiet beaches and facilities.
- West End Pocket Beaches: Series of quiet beaches in West End neighborhoods.
Year-Round Living in Galveston
Living year-round in Galveston is different from vacationing there, and mostly for the better! You get all the same perks — beautiful waterfront, lots of great restaurants, family-friendly attractions — and so much more time to enjoy them.
As a Galveston resident, you can take advantage of annual passes to attractions and museums to visit your favorite spots often, go to tourist spots during slower times to avoid crowds, and explore all the beaches to find your favorite spot.
Ready to start looking for that dream beach house or historic cottage? Sand`N Sea knows all the best spots and is ready to help you find your perfect island home.
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