GALVESTON COUNTY
County Offices
722 Moody Avenue
Galveston 409-762-8621
www.galvestoncountytx.gov
Chamber of Commerce
2228 Mechanic
Galveston 409-763-5326
www.galvestonchamber.com
Services
Residents of Galveston County have the best of all worlds: the highly developed urban and recreational amenities of Galveston and close proximity to Houston. In addition to the quality public and private schools throughout the county, Texas A&M University at Galveston (TAMUG) offers exceptional opportunities for higher education. U.S. News & World Report lists the TAMUG’s engineering programs among the top 50 in the nation, and Time Magazine ranks the university among the four excellent public colleges in Texas. Galveston College and the University of Texas Medical Branch expand the opportunities for higher education.
The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) anchors the state-of-the-art healthcare services for county residents through eight hospitals as well as an extensive network of campus and community-based clinics for primary and specialty care. UTMB’s clinical, research, and educational activities extend throughout eastern and coastal Texas. Facilities include specially designed children’s emergency room, transplant services, hyberbaric medicine, and aerospace medicine. Through telemedicine, UTMB brings cutting-edge advancements to remote areas. Visitors, residents, students, and commuters alike enjoy efficient transportation links, underlined by an international airport and good access to Houston via the Gulf Freeway or Interstate 45 South.
Lifestyle
Beautiful gulf beaches, premier historic attractions, cultural venues, wonderful shopping districts, boardwalk amusements, and charming small towns are all part of the magnetism of Galveston County. The City of Galveston anchors the region, boasting 32 miles of beachfront that greets the gentle waters of the Gulf of Mexico. In fact, Galveston Island joins the ranks of progressive resorts such as Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Daytona Beach in the success of its “beach nourishment” project. The program extended the available beachfront along a 3.8-mile stretch, opening new stretches of natural beauty to residents and vacationers.
Water sports of all types, boating, sailing, and fishing are common pastimes for residents of Galveston County. Golfers can take advantage of the municipal course or join the Galveston County Club, distinguished as the oldest private country club in Texas and a landmark of gracious tradition. Cultural attractions center around The Strand National Historic District, a unique attraction on Galveston Island that offers a beautifully restored theatre, restaurants, galleries, museums, nightlife, shops, entertainment, and special events. The crown jewel of festivals is Dickens on The Strand, an entire week filled with costumed vendors and performers who revel in a recreation of Victorian London. Other highlights include The Grand 1894 Opera House and outdoor musicals beneath the stars. The Strand extends to Post Office Street, which touts itself as the “art and entertainment district.”
Nestled on West Galveston Island is a chain of resort communities with enchanting names like Pirate’s Cove and Sea Isle that provide upscale rental properties and vacation homes. Sunbathe on quiet stretches of sand, gulf beaches or wade into the bay for fishing or crabbing. A wide range of developments offer attractive options for permanent or seasonal residents, from condominiums to beach bungalows, only minutes away from major healthcare facilities and urban conveniences.
Bayou Vista
City Offices
409-935-8348
http://bayouvista.us
Chamber of Commerce
409-763-5326
www.galvestonchamber.com
The intimacy of a small town and water-oriented recreational amenities attract residents to Bayou Vista, where swimming, fishing, canal cruising, and boating are popular pastimes. Local clubs and organizations, a community center with a public swimming pool, and seasonal celebrations frequently draw friends and neighbors together. Shopping is available locally at the Bayou Center, although expanded retail opportunities are scattered throughout Metropolitan Houston. Nearby Galveston and Kemah offer a medley of shopping, dining, entertainment, cultural attractions, and nightlife—all within minutes from home.
Clear Lake Shores
City Offices
281-334-2799
www.clearlakeshores-tx.gov
Chamber of Commerce
281-534-4389
www.northgalvestoncountychamber.com
Everything from modest bungalows to lovely executive homes are available in the Clear Lake Shores area, served by the Clear Creek Independent School District—distinguished as one of the state’s finest. Located along FM 2094 in Galveston County, this community is situated between the beach attractions of Kemah and League City. Quaint vintage homes mingle with newer construction on stilts in this community filled with colorful character and natural beauty. Sea breezes add to the enjoyment of outdoor recreation, from water sports to jogging, biking, and picnicking. This waterfront bedroom community also serves as a serene resort.
Dickinson
City Offices
281-337-2489
www.ci.dickinson.tx.us
Chamber of Commerce
281-534-4380
www.northgalvestoncountychamber.com
Supporting its own independent school district, Dickinson enjoys a convenient location near Interstate 45 about 40 miles southwest of Houston. Panoramic Galveston Bay and water-sport recreation are available within minutes to the east. Residents can take advantage of a small-town atmosphere that is unique in its charm, yet they have good access to major employment centers and abundant cosmopolitan amenities throughout Galveston County and Metropolitan Houston. Museums, historical societies, and libraries bring civic-minded neighbors together; while the Dickinson Economic Development Committee invites the community to join in future planning.
Friendswood
City Offices
281-996-3200
www.ci.friendswood.tx.us
Chamber of Commerce
281-482-3329
https://friendswoodchamber.com/
Newcomers to Friendswood will discover an attractive town with a pleasing selection of housing options that range from starter homes to million-dollar estates. Stretching from Galveston County into Harris County, the city is divided by Clear Creek, offering access to the Gulf of Mexico via Clear Lake and Galveston Bay. Friendswood claims a unique location mid-way between Houston and Galveston just three miles west of Interstate 45 and five miles west of Beltway 8. Residents are able to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle surrounded by natural beauty within easy access of Houston’s metropolitan amenities. This lovely town is a popular bedroom community for employees of the NASA Johnson Space Center, the University of Texas Medical Branch, and the University of Houston. Only 50 percent developed, Friendswood is well-positioned to continue developing residentially, commercially, and industrially.
Galveston
City Offices
409-797-3500
https://www.galvestontx.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
409-763-5326
www.galvestonchamber.com
The City of Galveston is located on the upper Texas coast of the Gulf of Mexico, occupying a 32-mile long island just two miles off the mainland. Galveston Island has survived days of prosperity and massive devastation to endear itself as one of Texas’ most beautiful resort destinations. Magnificent homes in historic neighborhoods tell the tale of yesterday’s wealth in this port city that was all but devastated with the great storm of 1900.
Today, a massive seawall 16 feet high and 17 feet wide continues to protect real estate and residents from wind and sea. The presence of the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston enriches the community with higher-education resources but also ensures state-of-the-art healthcare resources. Unique institutions of higher education include the Texas Maritime Academy and the Marine Biomedical Institute. The Strand National Historic District provides the community with a cultural, social, and entertainment center.
Hitchcock
City Offices
409-986-5591
www.cityofhitchcock.org
Chamber of Commerce
409-986-9224
www.hitchcockchamber.com
Located just 15 minutes from Galveston’s array of cultural, educational, and entertainment centers is the small town of Hitchcock. Those who appreciate small-town values and a friendly atmosphere will find this and more in Hitchcock. The local school district takes pride in a dedicated staff of professionals and the active role they play in promoting the academic and personal success of all students. Housing ranges from well-kept older homes shaded by mature greenery to newer housing in a variety of styles. Quiet, affordable, comfortable, and welcoming are all apt descriptors for this community just 20 minutes from the NASA Johnson Space Center.
Jamaica Beach
City Offices
409-737-1142
www.ci.jamaicabeach.tx.us
One of the only incorporated “beach resort” communities in the Greater Galveston area, Jamaica Beach enjoys channel access to West Bay and spectacular vistas of the Gulf of Mexico. Like many of the small waterfront villages that dot West Galveston Island, Jamaica Beach offers a pleasing selection of rentals as well as vacation and second homes or retirement havens. Water-sports prevail as the favorite outdoor activity, although cultural and entertainment centers in nearby Galveston provide a wealth of options for filling leisure hours. Nearby healthcare institutions, colleges, shopping, and dining add to the convenience and comfort of this tropical paradise.
Kemah
City Offices
281-334-1611
www.kemah-tx.gov
Located about 6 miles east of Interstate 45, Kemah is known as the “Gateway to the Bay.” Offering a scenic place to call home on Galveston Bay, the community features a premier marina complex and a medley of shopping, amusement, and dining opportunities. In fact, many consider Kemah to be home to the finest seafood restaurants on the entire gulf coast. The colorful Kemah Boardwalk and beach provide a playground for visitors to Texas as well as residents of metropolitan Houston. Kemah has thrived on its strategic location on the water, benefiting from gulf-related businesses and tourism.
La Marque
City Offices
409-938-9200
www.ci.la-marque.tx.us
Chamber of Commerce
409-935-1408
https://www.tclmchamber.com/
Benefiting from the urban amenities and quality services available in nearby Texas City, the smaller City of La Marque has received economic boosts over the past decade that include the opening of factory outlet stores and the Gulf Greyhound Park. Further expansion of business and entertainment sectors combine with close proximity to leading metropolitan employers like NASA Space Center to enhance the community’s appeal to new residents. Minutes from home is the College of the Mainland in Texas City along with advanced healthcare institutions. Affordable and attractive homes, water-sport recreational amenities, quality schools, and good shopping complement a small-town atmosphere.
League City
City Offices
281-554-1000
www.leaguecity.com
Chamber of Commerce
281-338-7339
www.leaguecitychamber.com
Straddling Galveston and Harris Counties near Interstate 45, League City has become one of the fastest growing communities in the bay area. Fueled by an impressive surge in economic development, the residential selection ranges from stately turn-of-the-century homes to elegant new mansions in the master-planned community of South Shore Harbour. Picturesque boating communities dot the Clear Lake south shoreline, providing waterfront living options. Recreational amenities are outstanding in this area, particularly boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports. Some upscale residential villages maintain upscale amenities such as golf courses, tennis courts, clubhouses, fitness centers, and playgrounds. Providing a high quality of life in an ideal location, League City is earning a deserved reputation as a wonderful place to live, work, and play.
Santa Fe City
City Offices
409-925-6412
www.ci.santa-fe.tx.us
Chamber of Commerce
409-925-8558
www.santafetexaschamber.com
The incorporated community known as Santa Fe is actually a consolidation of several rural villages that include Alta Loma, Arcadia, and Algoa. Located equidistant between Houston and Galveston, Santa Fe appeals to those who are seeking a retreat from the bustle of urban living and the open feeling of a country environment. School and community events play prominently in daily life, providing a close-knit spirit between neighbors that has all but disappeared in suburban America. Affordable housing, a good location, and room to grow will no doubt spur further growth and development in this welcoming area. Amenities in the Clear Lake area and the City of Galveston add to the quality of life.
Texas City
City Offices
409-948-3111
www.texas-city-tx.org
Chamber of Commerce
409-935-1408
https://www.tclmchamber.com/
Newcomers to Texas City will find a fine balance of commercial, industrial, and residential sectors. The concept of “having everything you need” is so highly developed that Money Magazine selected the Texas City/La Marque area as one of the nation’s top 50 places to live. The home selection is diverse and affordable, including a number of established subdivisions in the heart of the city as well as handsome new construction to the north and west of the downtown area. Moderate tax rates, good schools, wonderful regional recreational opportunities, abundant shopping, excellent healthcare institutions, entertainment centers, cultural attractions, and fine dining ensure a high quality of life.
Tiki Island
City Offices
409-935-1427
www.villageoftikiisland.org
Conveniently located along Interstate 45 south of the Galveston Causeway, the Village of Tiki Island is approximately 40 miles from Houston and 20 miles from the NASA Johnson Space Center and the Clear Lake area. Residents enjoy easy access to Galveston Bay, the Intercoastal Waterway, and the Gulf of Mexico by boat via canals and channels. Area youth receive a quality education in both the Hitchcock and LaMarque School Districts, while institutions of higher education are available in Galveston and throughout the Houston metropolitan region. Small-town friendliness prevails in this “island” village, where civic and social clubs enhance the close-knit community spirit.
