Your EZ Guide to Moving to Galveston, TX

Escape to the sun-kissed shores of the Texas Gulf Coast, where Galveston presents a playground of life. Moving to Galveston appeals to many because of its coastal lifestyle and kicked-back vibes. Steeped in maritime lore and Victorian elegance, the lifestyle is one-of-a-kind. Get to know the “Playground of the South” and what to expect from Galveston living.

About Galveston, TX

Welcome home to Texas’ Gulf Coast, where dolphins play in the waves, and fragrant oleanders perfume the sea breezes. Galveston Island faces the Gulf of Mexico. The barrier island protects the bays that separate it from the mainland. Downtown Houston is about an hour away, making it the metro’s seaside escape. 

But it wasn’t always the resort playground it is today. Back in the day, this 32-mile-long spit of sand was a busy port town. In the 1800s, Galveston was all about shipping goods and providing transportation for the immigrants flooding into the American Southwest. People became rich by working in cotton, flour, grain, railroads, land development, and more. The City of Galveston was a sight to behold, with opulent buildings and homes. The wealth earned it the nickname “Queen City of the Gulf.”

The Great Hurricane of 1900 brought that heyday to an end. Over a century later, the impact of the ferocious storm is still present. It left around 8,000 people homeless and killed 6,000 more, making it the US’ deadliest natural disaster. That’s why a 16-foot-high seawall stands around the city today and building codes are strict.

Galveston pivoted after the storm, partially due to damage but also because of the deeper Houston Ship Channel diverting ship traffic. From shipping, it became a town of amusements. Gambling was a big business for a while, followed by a B-17 training base in World War II. Post-war, it added education centers like the Marine Biomedical Institute and Galveston College.

Modern Galveston spans the entire island plus Pelican Island. Around 54,000 people enjoy its fun, friendly culture and the best of seaside living. 

Galveston Cost of Living

It’s slightly more affordable to set up a home in Galveston than in other US cities. The 4% lower average is partially thanks to lower transportation costs, but utilities definitely contribute to the savings. Housing is above the Texas average, but this is a waterfront town. Ocean real estate is in higher demand.

Do be aware, especially if you are moving to Galveston from out-of-state, that Texas’s property tax burden is higher. Homes are revalued each year, and the tax rates also adjust. In 2023, the city tax rate was 40.885 cents per $100 taxable property valuation. That does not include county, school, or special taxing districts.

On the flip side, Galveston homes are relatively affordable for living on an island. March 2024, they had a median price of $365,000. See current homes for sale in Galveston to see what’s in your budget.

Sales taxes in Galveston are 8.25%, above the Texas rate of 6.25%.

A Rounded Job Market

Galveston’s multi-faceted economy provides stability even though it’s a resort town. The port remains an integral part of the regional job market. It still handles container traffic and is a launching port for cruise ships. 

However, healthcare is the largest employing industry with UTMB-Galveston being the primary source. Following that is the finance industry. The American National Insurance Company (ANIC) has its headquarters in the city. It works nationwide and operates subsidiaries in Mexico.

Agribusiness is another cog in Galveston’s wheel. Shrimping and fishing the Gulf waters supply the people and restaurants across southern Texas with fresh catches of the day. 

And yes, tourism is part of the picture. People come to soak in the sun and surf of Galveston’s beaches. The island has its share of resorts, hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Education in Galveston

Galveston Independent School District (GSID) operates 12 schools in the Galveston City area. It’s one of eight school districts at work in greater Galveston County. If you live outside the city limits, you may attend a different school district.

The GSID has an early childhood center, a combined elementary and middle school, a magnet program, and a college and career prep high school. Its 2022-2023 testing results were near the state benchmarks in reading, math, and science. In 2021-2022, the Texas Education Agency rated it a “B.”

You don’t have to head the mainland for higher education. Galveston College is a public two-year school ranked as one of the state’s best community colleges. The island also has a medical school as part of the UTMB for healthcare students and future doctors. On Pelican Island, Texas A&M University runs a campus oriented towards marine studies. 

Prime Healthcare Access

The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) Galveston Campus is an extensive medical system on the island. It’s part of the larger University of Texas system. As a teaching college, it has numerous research facilities, clinics, and hospitals. Treatment options run the full gamut from primary care to advanced clinical trials. 

At the Galveston Campus, you’ll have options for local treatment in a host of specialty care areas. The physicians provide care in fields from cardiology to oncology, orthopedics to pediatrics. Surgical facilities support neurosurgery, colorectal procedures, plastics, and trauma care. 

Paired with the campus, community clinics service urgent needs, radiology, pediatrics, and general health care services. 

Getting Around Galveston

Why are transportation costs so low in Galveston? Besides the appeal of ditching the car, it’s easier to walk and bike around the seaside city, especially if you live closer to the historic district. In some neighborhoods, the locals ride golf carts to the grocery stores and work.

The Island Transit system runs daily trolley routes on the Seawall and through downtown. Rail service runs on the weekends. Citywide bus services run the full island. In short, you can get places without bringing a car and the hassle of hunting for parking.

Galveston Neighborhoods

One of the best parts of living in Galveston is exploring the historic districts and neighborhoods. The beautiful architecture tells a story of the city’s colorful and diverse past. Find Spanish influences, Gilded Age mansions, and touches of European flair.

Locals have developed distinct communities in the 32-mile-long city. The “West End” runs along the western end of the historic Seawall. Seawall is the ten-mile stretch right along the landmark dam built to push back on storm surges. 

Victorian-era buildings abound in the Strand National Historic District. It’s part of Galveston’s downtown, where a slightly higher elevation helped many budlings survive the 1900 storm. Many are now antique stores, art galleries, and museums. 

Central Island, or Midtown, has more historic properties. It feels like a bygone era, with its corner stores and homey restaurants. But it’s also very modern, with family-friendly attractions like the Schlitterbahn Waterpark. Among its sub-neighborhoods are Denver Court and Cedar Lawn.

East End is, as you’ll guess, the eastern side of the Seawall-protected island. Brightly colored historic homes and architecturally important buildings draw the eye. The East End’s healthcare campus, beaches, museums, and restaurants make it a well-visited part of town. Plus it’s where the historic Pleasure Pier juts out with its classic Boardwalk rides. Find the Silk Stocking District, Beachtown, Lost Bayou, and Fish Village among its neighborhoods.

Pelican Island links to Galveston through a causeway. The maritime academy, naval museum, and the Texas A&M Galveston Campus are on the island. 

Tropical Vibes and Weather

Hope you like it hot and humid, because that’s precisely what you’ll get in Galveston. Expect long summers to soak in the sunshine with heat indexes often soaring over 100F. Nighttime temps bring some relief, dropping into the 70Fs. 

On the flip side, warmer summers also mean warmer winters. That balmy climate is why Galveston is a popular place to visit during the winter months. Daytime highs usually hover in the 60F and 70F.

Expect all the ups and downs of tropical living. That’s summertime downpours and popping thunderstorms. And it’s hurricanes. Galveston is no stranger to these powerful storms sweeping in off the Gulf of Mexico. Experiencing one is not an “if” but a “when.” On average, it’s impacted by a tropical event every three years and has a direct impact every ten. Part of moving to Galveston is having plans for the next storm. Know your evacuation routes and have supplies at hand. 

Safety in Galveston

Statistics indicate a rate of 39 crimes per 1,000 residents and a 1 in 25 chance of experiencing violent crime. However, remember how crime rates are often measured: total reported crimes are divided by population. It doesn’t factor in people living in Galveston for the winter or on a weekend city escape.

This is a tourist city. Galveston’s daily population is much higher than its full-time resident population. Still, proactive measures, like staying alert, locking doors, and using security systems, can reduce crime risks.

Galveston Bucket List

Once settled into Galveston as your home, it’s time to get out and explore the city. Entertainment packs all resort towns, and the “Playground of the South” is no exception. Make plans to check these out as a Galveston resident:

Galveston’s Beaches

What’s island living without a bit of beach time? It’s why thousands of people vacation here every year, after all. With 32 miles of oceanfront, take your pick of oceanfront. Go to the packed sands like Seawolf Park or East Beach. Or, space out and find a more rustic vibe at Pocket Parks or Galveston Island State Park. As a Galveston resident, try them all and pick your favorite.

Festivals and Fun

The city loves a good festival, celebrating everything from Mardi Gras to Charles Dickens! Narrowing down the best event is a hard endeavor. But if you have to try any, go for the Galveston Island Food & Wine Festival, the A1A Sandcastle Competition, the July 4th Festivities, and the Lone Star Motorcycle Rally. Get a sense of how busy the event scene is in Galveston to pick your top festivals.

Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston

This award-winning waterpark will help you beat the heat on those 100F-index days. Plus, the whole family will love blasting down the water tubes, riding the lazy river, and bouncing in the wave pool. This park’s newest claim to fame is having the world’s tallest watercoaster.

Historic Architecture

Galveston has hundreds of historically relevant places to visit, but the 1892 Bishop’s Place in East End is definitely one to see. It is considered one of the most significant Victorian homes in the country. Pair that with a stop at the iconic 1895 Moody Mansion, a former home of one of the nation’s wealthiest people. While checking out historic buildings, catch a show at the Grand 1894 Opera House, the “official opera house of Texas.” A show is the best way to appreciate its grandeur.

Bike the Seawall

America’s longest continuous-running sidewalk is second to none in terms of views and access to Galveston’s top attractions. Expect some incredible sights from a leisurely ride along the Seawall.

Moody Gardens

You can’t miss the glass pyramid on the Galveston landscape. Inside is an actual rainforest, capturing what it’s like to enter the lush and humid environments across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Even cooler, the monkeys swing from the trees while colorful birds caw and chirp. Moody Gardens also has an aquarium with exotic sea animals, a golf course, interactive theaters, and a convention center. 

Catch of the Sea

How can you live on an island and not appreciate the sea’s bounty? Besides harbor tours, Galveston provides the best access to fresh-caught seafood. It’s at the restaurants, fish markets, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Or you can catch it yourself beach fishing, from the piers, or taking your boat out in the bays and sea.

Moving to Galveston, TX

This barely scratches the list of what life will be like for you in Galveston. Truly, it’s a dynamic and fun island town to call home. Explore more of the island with a local real estate agent who can guide you through its many neighborhoods to find the right home for you.

Interested in moving to Galveston? You’ll fall in love with island living, but there are some things to know first.