Considering a home in Galveston? Wake up to seabirds over the Seawall, bike past candy-colored Victorians on Postoffice Street, and wind down with a sunset shrimp boil on your own deck—that’s everyday living when you own a slice of Galveston Island. From gingerbread-trimmed single families that survived the 1900 Storm to sleek Gulf-front condos where the horizon is your wallpaper, the island stitches history and coastal cool into one irresistible package.
Our real-time HAR feed drops every new listing into your lap the moment it hits: restored Queen Annes in the East End, canal-front retreats in Pirates Beach, turnkey condos at Diamond Beach, or empty lots waiting for your stilted dream home. Scroll the high-res photos, scan price trends, set custom alerts, and find the Galveston address that’ll make every day feel like a vacation—no ferry ticket required.
Search Homes For Sale in Galveston
Listings are subject to the Fair Housing Act and HAR rules.
Your Galveston Real Estate Expert(s)
Meet April Aberle, Lead Real Estate Advisor with over 15 years of dedicated experience in the Galveston market. April holds the GRI, ABR®, and RSPS credentials, signifying a deep commitment to professional excellence. Specializing in historic properties, waterfront real estate, and resort homes, April provides invaluable guidance in navigating the island’s unique real estate landscape. From understanding flood insurance requirements for beachfront properties to negotiating the intricacies of purchasing a home in a historic district, their specialized expertise ensures clients make confident and informed decisions, securing not just a house, but a lifestyle.
Galveston Real Estate Market Insights
After years of tight inventory, the island has finally tilted in buyers’ favor—listings are sticking around long enough to compare porch views and haggle a bit on price.
What’s that mean for you? More choice, more leverage, and a real chance to snag concessions—whether it’s closing costs, repairs, or a little off the sticker. Sellers who price realistically still move their homes, but the days of bidding wars on every bungalow are on pause, making now a smart window to jump in.
Living in Galveston: Community & Lifestyle
Mornings kick off with salty Gulf breezes and often wrap with shrimp boils on the deck. Weekend plans write themselves – kayak East End Lagoon, tour the ornate Bishop’s Palace, ride the coaster on the Historic Pleasure Pier, or wander art galleries and seafood joints along the Strand. Victorian streetscapes, beach-town ease, and sunset strolls to the pier make it feel like vacation—without a checkout time.
The economy stays sturdy thanks to UTMB’s medical campus, steady cruise traffic at the Port, and a tourism scene that never goes quiet. That trio helps keep property values from seesawing, even when markets elsewhere swing.
Getting around is simple: Island Transit buses and Seawall trolleys zip you to downtown shops or campus, I-45 puts the mainland within reach, and Scholes International handles quick regional flights. Most folks find island living so self-contained they rarely need to leave.
Galveston Local Highlights & Attractions
- The Strand Historic District: Known as the “Wall Street of the South,” this district features stunning Victorian architecture, unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
- Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier: Offering waterfront fun for all ages with rides, games, and dining over the Gulf of Mexico.
- Moody Gardens: A premier educational and tourist destination featuring aquarium and rainforest pyramids, a discovery museum, and a 3D theater.
- East End Historic District: Home to one of the country’s best-preserved concentrations of 19th-century residential architecture, perfect for a scenic walk or bike ride.
- Stewart Beach: A family-friendly beach park with amenities like chair and umbrella rentals, concessions, and a playground.
- The Grand 1894 Opera House: A beautifully restored Victorian theater hosting a variety of live performances year-round.
- Galveston Island State Park: A perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for bird watching, kayaking, fishing, and hiking.
Galveston Area School Information
Galveston has a dedicated educational community within the Galveston Independent School District (GISD). The district serves students across the island and on the Bolivar Peninsula, offering a “freedom of choice” model that allows students to apply to any school with available space.
- Top-Rated Elementary Schools: Oppe Elementary School (A Rating, TXSchools.gov), Morgan Elementary Health, Medical Science and Engineering Magnet School (B+ Rating, Niche)
- Middle Schools: Austin Middle School stands out with a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger for its strong academic performance.
- High School: Ball High School holds a B rating and offers a comprehensive curriculum for students in grades 9-12.
For higher education, Galveston is home to the prestigious University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston College, and Texas A&M University at Galveston, providing excellent opportunities for students and contributing significantly to the local workforce.
Understanding Galveston Crime & Safety
Like many popular tourist destinations, Galveston’s crime statistics reflect its dynamic population.
- Violent Crime Rate: 6.5 per 1,000 residents
- Property Crime Rate: 5.7 per 1,000 residents
It’s important to view these numbers in context. Crime rates tend to be higher in concentrated tourist areas. Many residential neighborhoods, especially on the West End, report fewer incidents. The Galveston Police Department is actively engaged in the community through programs like the Citizens Police Academy and various community relations initiatives designed to foster trust and collaboration between residents and officers.
Galveston FAQ’s
Your bill blends city, county, and Galveston ISD taxes, so rates differ street to street. The city’s portion sits just under 0.43 % of assessed value, and the full stack typically lands in the low-to-mid twos. Before you fall in love with a house, ask your agent for the combined rate and confirm whether a homestead exemption or senior freeze could shave it down.
Plan on three layers: a standard homeowners policy, separate windstorm coverage through TWIA, and flood insurance backed by the NFIP. Premiums swing wildly by elevation and distance from the Gulf, so get quotes early—you’ll want the full picture before making an offer.
Absolutely. East End, Silk Stocking, and Lost Bayou are protected districts, and anything visible from the street—paint colors, porch railings, even some window replacements—needs sign-off from the Galveston Landmark Commission. The upside: you help preserve the island’s architectural soul, and properly restored homes here tend to hold value.
