Galveston, Texas is known more as a tourist attraction than for its residences. However, this gives the city a charm of its own. So if you want a home where there’s always plenty to do and to see, consider renting an apartment in Galveston.
Galveston is the county seat of Galveston County, and is found on Galveston Island within the Houston metro area. The total population of the island city, as of the 2005 census estimate, was about 57,400.
Speaking of those tourist attractions in Galveston, they include Moody Gardens Botanical Park, Galveston Schlitterbahn Waterpark, the Lone Star Flight museum, the Ocean Star Offsore Drilling Rig and Museum, “The Strand (a neighborhood in downtown Galveston, comprised of all historic buildings), several historical mansions and museums, as well as several miles of beach.
At the Strand, mentioned above, throughout the year, there are many special events throughout the year, including an annual Mardi Gras celebration, the Texas Beach Fest, the Galveston Island Jazz and Blues Festival, the Lone Star Bike Rally, and at Christmas time, a special festival known as Dickens on the Strand (focusing on the books of Charles Dickens, particularly “A Christmas Carol”).
There are other distinctions in Galveston also. For instance, it has the oldest newspaper in the state, The Galveston County Daily News, which has been published continuously since 1842. It’s also been the location of UTMB - the University of Texas Medical Branch-since the 1890s. Even today, UTMB’s contribution to the area is immense, since it’s a major teaching hospital and employs some 15,000 people. It brings around $300 million into the Galveston economy.
One possible downside that you should consider: Hurricanes. The Associated Press, in fact, named Galveston as one of the country’s most vulnerable cities to hurricanes, in a 2007 survey. In fact, the city still shows some effects from a major hurricane that devastated Galveston back in 1900. In the early part of the 21st century , though, property values began rising after projects were finished to make Galveston more secure, including implementation of an enhanced 911 system that allows dispatchers to automatically see the address of the caller.
And by the way, hurricane issues are more a concern for house owners than apartment dwellers. Apartments in Galveston tend to be located in sturdy buildings, a good distance from the water. So if you plan on living in the area, an apartment might just be the safest way to go.
You’ll love the weather in Galveston. Temperatures in the summer months tend to stay in the 80s, or occasionally making it to the 90s, while winter weather, for the most part gets no colder than the 40s and 50s.
A lot of families, after the kids have left home, and even into their retirement years, move to Texas and make Galveston their home. This is reflected also in the median income, which is lower than the national average and the Texas average. The average household income was, according to the most recent estimate, about $28,900, with the median for a family at just over $35,000. The male average is just over $30,000, with a median for females at $26,000.
However, the apartments in Galveston tend to be appropriately priced, making them affordable for most who seek one. A apartment in Galveston is an affordable way to see one of the most beautiful areas of Texas.
