Living in Galveston, TX: One of the Best Beach Cities in the Country

Dreaming of beachside bliss in the Lone Star State? Then Galveston, TX, may be just what you’re looking for! Located along the Gulf Coast, the area provides residents with charm, rich history, historic architecture, and — of course — picturesque beach surroundings. It’s also situated just 50 miles southeast of Houston, so you can get your fill of big-city fun whenever you want. Is living in Galveston, TX, right for you? Here’s what we think you should know before you put on your flip-flops and go. 

Galveston at a Glance

• Located in Galveston County, the city of Galveston, TX, is situated along the state’s Southeast Coast.
• Galveston City has a land area of just over 41 square miles.
• Galveston has a population of around 53,000.
• The median age in Galveston is 39.4 years old.
• Galveston used to be referred to as the “Wall Street of the South” because the local banking industry was so successful.
• The first bank and first post office of Texas were in Galveston.

20 Things To Know About Living in Galveston, TX

Is Galveston a good place to live? Well, living in Galveston, TX, means you’ll get the perfect combination of beautiful outdoor recreation and rich history, so if that’s your jam, you’ll love it. But there are a lot more qualities that make up this charming city. Check out some of the top things we think you should know about what it’s like to live there.

1. Cost of Living in Galveston, Texas

With a cost of living index score of 95.8, according to BestPlaces, Galveston is 4.2 percent cheaper than the average cost of living across the United States. And although the cost of living in Galveston, TX, is nearly 2 percent higher than the state average, the city is nowhere near as expensive as some of the other major cities across the state, like Austin. 

So how much do you need to make to live in Galveston, Texas? If you’re a single adult residing in Galveston without children, then you should expect to make at least $43,000 annually before taxes, according to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, to live comfortably.

Couples without children and at least one working adult should expect to make around $60,000 annually before taxes to live comfortably, while a family of four with two working adults should be making closer to $102,000 annually before taxes. 

2. Pros and Cons of Living in Galveston, TX

Pro: You Can Always Relax With a Day at the Beach

Who doesn’t like listening to the relaxing sound of waves lapping on the shore? Fortunately, the beaches of Galveston stretch over 30 miles along the Gulf of Mexico, and some of the most popular ones include East Beach and Stewart Beach.

Pro: Festivals Are Part of Galveston’s Special Charm

You never have to leave Galveston when you’re looking for something fun to do, as you can attend some type of event or festival nearly every single weekend! The Galveston Island Wine Festival is a local favorite, along with the ARToberFEST for art enthusiasts. 

Pro: Its Convenient Location Makes It Easy To Travel

Whether you’re in the mood for a road trip or just a short drive, you have access to plenty of exciting cities to explore across Texas when you live in Galveston. Houston is just an hour away, and other major cities like Dallas and San Antonio are between 4 and 4.5 hours away.

Con: Tourism Is Prominent 

Galveston’s waterfront location and plethora of amenities makes the city quite the hotspot for tourists. This leads to additional pressure on infrastructure, which means larger crowds year round. Finding the quiet areas around town will likely become a priority after you’ve moved in. (Don’t worry, you’ll make friends who know their way around town soon enough!)

3. Homes for Sale in Galveston, TX 

There are over 60 structures in Galveston listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and The Strand is home to one of the largest and most well-preserved concentrations of Victorian architecture in the entire country.

Whether you’re looking for a classic and secluded Victorian home or a beach house with a view, there are plenty of options available as you navigate through the real estate market of Galveston. 

Average home price in Galveston, TX: $353,400

(Source: Beachtown.com/)

5. Best Places To Live in Galveston

Galveston has some great neighborhoods, but these are our top picks for places you want to be sure to check out.

Beachtown

Beachtown, a beachfront area located on the eastern end of the island, is one of Galveston’s newest communities. Self-described as a “collection of coastal villages,” you’ll find walkable streets here, all surrounded by traditional architecture with Floridian influences (the neighborhood is modeled after Seaside, Florida). Beachtown is considered to be one of the best places to live in Galveston for retirees, in particular, due to its laid-back beach atmosphere and walkability overall. The best part? Beachtown has its own Town Center. Whether you’re in the mood for dining, shopping, or renting a bike, that can all be done there! 

Cedar Lawn

A fun fact about Cedar Lawn is that it’s actually the first planned community of Galveston, originally developed in the 1920s. This neighborhood is popular for its unique architecture overall, which includes Spanish Eclectic, Colonial Revival, and Mid-Century Modern homes.

In Cedar Lawn, you’ll be close to some of the area’s best schools — including Ball High School and Galveston College — and Alamo Park, which is perfect for playing on the playground after school or taking evening strolls through the greenery.

6. Hotels in Galveston, TX

Once you decide to make the move to Galveston, you’ll surely have family and friends who want to come visit you. Galveston is a great place for visitors, and you can rely on a variety of local top-notch hotels for the best quality of services. 

Some popular spots include The Tremont House and the Grand Galvez. The Grand Galvez is the only historic beachfront hotel on the Texas Gulf Coast, while the Tremont House boasts easy access to the Historic Pleasure Pier and Old Galveston Square (where you can satisfy your sweet tooth at La King’s Confectionery). 

7. Galveston’s Public Transportation 

You’ll be able to find two transit options in Galveston, offered by Island Transit. The rubber wheel trolley service runs daily on two fixed routes — Downtown and Seawall — and you can hop on the rail trolley service during the weekend. There are also fixed bus routes servicing the island on weekdays and Saturdays.

Vintage steel wheel trolleys used to be much more popular across the city; however, rubber tire trolleys have become much more frequent instead, due to the damage that was caused by Hurricane Ike.

8. Galveston’s School Systems 

Families relocating to Galveston want to rely on the best schools possible, and the local Galveston Independent School District is top-notch. Oppe Elementary Magnet Campus of Coastal Studies, Austin Middle School, and Ball High School are among the best-rated schools of the entire district. 

For students who are interested in furthering their education, there are also top-rated institutions to choose local to Galveston. Galveston College is one of the most affordable colleges in the state, while the University of Texas Medical Branch offers education within the health sector. 

9. Sports Culture in Galveston

Within an hour, residents of Galveston can travel to the nearby city of Houston, which is famous for its rich sporting culture consisting of seven professional teams. Some of the most popular teams include the Houston Rockets (NBA), the Houston Astros (MLB), the Houston Texans (NFL), and the Houston Dynamo (MLS). Houston’s NRG Astrodome is the first domed stadium in the U.S. And spectators of sports in Houston also get to watch teams at the Toyota Center and Minute Maid Park. 

10. Galveston’s Weather

Because of the warm climate in Galveston, you can expect to experience long and hot summers along with mild and cool winters. The temperature throughout the year can vary anywhere between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and it’s rare for the temperature to ever drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. 

While May to September is when Galveston experiences the hot temperatures close to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, the average temperature between December and March usually falls somewhere between 49 and 61 degrees Fahrenheit. 

The most important factor about Galveston’s weather is hurricanes. Hurricane season runs from about June 1 to November 30, peaking late August through September.

For new residents, it’s essential to understand the potential impact of these storms. First, ensure your home is equipped with hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows. Additionally, familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and have an emergency kit prepared with essentials like water, non-perishable food, medications, and important documents. Knowing your insurance options and having a plan in place can help mitigate the risks associated with living in a hurricane-prone area.

Moving to a beautiful coastal city like Galveston has its perks, but being prepared for hurricane season will ensure you can enjoy your new home with peace of mind.

12. Galveston’s Job Market

Because of all the city’s valuable amenities, Galveston is proud to boast a bustling and robust economy. Tourism, healthcare, and shipping make up some of the city’s major sectors. The Port of Galveston, in particular, provides an annual economic impact of more than $2.3 billion and generates almost 13,900 jobs.

Along with employment opportunities available at various resort-style accommodations, there are also plenty of places to work at both shopping and dining establishments. Educational institutions in the area, like Galveston College and the University of Texas Medical Branch are also ideal places for new residents of Galveston to find employment. 

13. Never-Ending Food Options

Galveston’s location on the coast means there’s plenty to choose from when it comes to finding seafood restaurants. With over 100 different species of fish in the water, you can find the best seafood dishes at restaurants such as Shrimp ‘N Stuff and Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant. 

And when you’re in the mood for a dessert option, look no further than local hotspots such as The Sunflower Bakery & Cafe and La King’s Confectionery. Alongside its candy selection, you’ll be able to choose from over 20 flavors of ice cream and frozen yogurt at La King’s, made completely in-house!

14. Arts and Culture Throughout Galveston

You can’t say you know about Galveston until you understand its history, which you can explore throughout its many history museums, art galleries, and more. Learn about the city’s evolution when you visit the Galveston County Historical Museum, or explore the literary treasures of the Rosenberg Library. 

The cultural heritage of Galveston is best represented through its arts scene, including the Grand 1894 Opera House. And when you’re in the mood to explore some contemporary art, visit the Galveston Arts Center for exhibitions, children’s programs, and more. 

15. Galveston’s Nightlife Scene

Whether you’re looking to hit the club and dance the night away, enjoy some live music, or simply relax with friends, Galveston’s nightlife scene has got you covered! If you’re in the mood for more of a lively atmosphere, head to a vibrant rooftop and outdoor bar such as Float Pool & Patio Bar. There, you can enjoy a beautiful outdoor patio along with the most delicious food. And if you’re looking for a spot to relax with friends and hang by the pool, head to the Island Pier Club. 

16. The Outdoor Recreation in Galveston

You’ll have plenty of time to explore the beautiful sun-kissed beaches of Galveston once you become a resident, but the outdoor recreation fun doesn’t stop there! Fishing piers like Seawolf Park are available, as well as spots for people to picnic, watch for dolphins, and simply enjoy quality time out in the local nature. 

17. Shopping Throughout the City

If you’re tired from all of the outdoor activities and looking to spend your time in a different way, why not take up some shopping? The Strand, previously referred to as the “Wall Street of the South,” is downtown’s main shopping area. Instead of expensive stores and malls, though, this area has a variety of quaint cafes, galleries, and gift shops that will keep you entertained.

18. Entertainment in Galveston

And speaking of entertainment, with all the family-friendly activities available in Galveston, it’s hard to pick just one activity when looking for something to do. One of the most unique entertainment options you can choose from, though? Moody Gardens, composed of three distinct pyramids — the Aquarium Pyramid, the Rainforest Pyramid, and the Discovery Pyramid. There, you’ll be able to explore one of the largest aquariums in the Southwest, get an interactive and up-close view of the many rainforests across the world, learn about the science of waves, and experiment with robotics. Whoa!

19. Free Ferry Rides

The Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry is one of the best free things to do in Galveston, TX, once you become a resident. It transports travelers between the Galveston Island and Bolivar Peninsula, right by Seawolf Park and the Galveston Naval Museum. You’ll also be able to see the remnants of the shipwrecked USS Selma, and you might even be able to catch a glimpse or two of some dolphins on your ride! 

20. Turtles About Town — Art & Advocacy in One

And while we’re talking about free and fun-filled things to do in Galveston, TX, check out the Turtles About Town — an island-wide initiative that incorporates 50 colorful sculptures. These sculptures were created to raise awareness of the importance of preserving endangered species like sea turtles. Local businesses and organizations sponsored these sculptures, while the original project was created by Turtle Island Restoration Network and Clay Cup Studios. Can you find all 50?  

See How PODS Can Help You Move to Galveston

When you’re ready to relocate to Galveston, let PODS help you get there. Have a moving container delivered right to your driveway, and load it on your own schedule. PODS can also refer you to local packing and loading services to help you with the heavy lifting. And when you’re ready to move, your container will either be picked up and taken to your new home or stored away in a secure PODS Storage Center for as long as you need. Easy as that!

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.