Galveston Island Area

Galveston – West End

This 15-mile stretch below the historic Galveston Seawall is a virtually continuous string of small subdivisions of large, modern beach homes – a beachside bedroom community of sorts. There are few condominiums and small pockets of restaurants and shopping among the homes. This is the closest homes get to the beach on Galveston Island, but also no significant dunes or barriers to protect the area from ocean surges. This has caused considerable debate over the area’s long-term future. Home prices range from around $200,000 to $2 million and above.

Galveston – Midtown (61^st Street West to 39^th Street)

Midtown is not known as a second-home market, with National Historic Neighborhood districts mixed with low-income housing. The area features local shops and some abandoned buildings. It largely consists of long-term rental neighborhoods for the local workforce.

Galveston – Seawall

The 112-year-old Galveston Seawall, at 10.4 miles long, is recognized as a National Civil Engineering Landmark and the longest continuous seawall in America. The 17-foot-tall Seawall has protected homes and businesses behind it from storm surges from several major hurricanes, including the devastation of Ike in 2008. Housing along the Seawall includes condos, condotels and townhome developments.

The Historic Pleasure Pier is the area’s newest major attraction, built after Hurricane Ike destroyed the hotel that previously occupied the pier. The Pier features midway games, rides, food stands and restaurants.

Galveston – Near West End (61^st St West to 8 Mile Road)

The Near West End is home to affordable executive homes in planned subdivisions that attract families, retirees and working couples, as well as condo/hotels and high-rise luxury condos, such as Diamond Beach and Seascape, beside the ocean. This is a growing, popular area of Galveston, and it includes Schlitterbahn, Moody Gardens and its public golf course, and the Lone Star Flight Museum as well as shopping and entertainment. Here you find the highest property values on the island.

Galveston – Channelview

The Channelview area overlooks Galveston Bay and has the closest access to I-45 and the Gulf Freeway. This area features bayfront homes with water access and backyard docks. New developments include the multi-use marina complex called Pelican’s Rest Marina, as well as a Marina Village boasting condos and a restaurant.

Galveston – Downtown/The Strand

The Historic Strand District compasses most of Galveston Island’s entertainment and nightlife, with clubs, shopping and restaurants. The area’s Victoria architecture has been restored, and now houses luxury condos with upscale amenities above shops and sidewalk cafes. The Strand hosts several major festivals each year, including ArtoberFest, Mardi Gras and Dickens on the Strand.

Galveston – East End

The East End is home to the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and quaint, leafy neighborhoods of Victorian cottages and mansions, historic churches, small bistros and bakeries. The UTMB campus also includes the Shriners Hospital for Children.