Galveston Texas, City Guide
Friday, April 25, 2025
Millions of visitors each year dream about living in this tropical setting called Galveston Island. You can be one of the fortunate Island residents who live the fantasy. Galveston Island is located on the coastline of Texas just 50 miles south of Houston. Explore the treasures it has to offer – 32 miles of beaches, relaxed atmosphere, abundant leisure activities, excellent medical facilities, first-rate restaurants, educational opportunities, numerous attractions, and a vibrant historic downtown that offers cruising, shopping, arts and entertainment. Imagine yourself as an Islander living in an elegant Victorian home in the charming historic district on the Island’s east end, or in a home overlooking the sparkling Gulf of Mexico on the…
“ ... Due to the phenomenal efforts of residents and outsiders who loved the Island, Galveston has prospered after tragedies that would have destroyed other settlements. People have made Galveston special and the residents today are making the city a unique spot on the Gulf Coast ... Galveston belongs to the state and the nation because the events that occurred here have affected more than just this Island – they have touched the world.” – Myra Hargrave McIlvain in “Texas Auto Trails: The Southwest,” 1982 This held true again as businesses and residents showed their resiliency and love for this Island while recovering from a devastating…
Galveston’s historic neighborhoods provide homeowners many unique opportunities. With hundreds of historic structures on the National Register of Historic Places, and thousands of historic houses, Galveston is one of the country’s most important concentrations of late 19th- and early 20th-century architecture. From stately mansions to quaint cottages to the conversions of downtown buildings to residential lofts, Galveston’s older neighborhoods offer a wide range of housing options to fit any budget. Galveston Historical Foundation, a non-profit organization, advocates for the preservation of the Island’s historic buildings and neighborhoods, as well as maritime history. This advocacy translates into a number of different programs that include management and interpretation of historic sites and maritime vessels to educational programs for adults and…
Galvestonians place a high regard on education as the means of improving their city and its residents. The city has a strong public school system and several private schools. Each year, high school graduates of Ball High School and O’Connell College Preparatory High School (a private Catholic school) are accepted by the top colleges and universities in the state. Some graduates continue their education on Galveston Island at one of three institutions of higher learning – Galveston College, The University of Texas Medical Branch and Texas A&M University at Galveston. Public schools Galveston has an advanced public-school environment that includes not just the many campuses of the island’s independent school district but also a…
Galveston College In 1967, Galveston College opened its doors after widespread community support had formed the Galveston Community College District. For more than 45 years, Galveston College has been flourishing as a source of high-quality, affordable instruction in college transfer, career education and adult continuing education. Galveston College’s campus, located just six blocks from the Galveston Seawall at 4015 Ave. Q, is an exceptional environment for learning. About 2,300 credit students enroll in each fall, spring and summer semester. Nearly 4,000 people take non-credit leisure learning or special interest classes annually. Galveston College has amenities such as a computer-based learning resource center, modern science labs, ceramics, art, music, microcomputer centers, fitness and gym facilities, and intramural/collegiate sports. Galveston College has worked diligently to build…
Galveston Island is recognized worldwide for its health care and medical research advances. Island residents have peace of mind knowing that the most advanced health care technologies and the best-trained medical professionals are easily accessible. The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB) is a major academic health center dedicated to improving the lives of others through health sciences education, clinical care and biomedical research. Opened in 1891, UTMB combines a rich history of service with a forward-thinking spirit to define the future of health care nationally and internationally. Its membership in the Texas Medical Center (TMC) formalizes the health care and biomedical research partnerships UTMB has forged with other TMC member institutions in the Galveston/Houston region. UTMB’s Health System provides comprehensive…
Galveston Island is a national model for resiliency and determination. Since September 13, 2008, this community has confronted a natural disaster (Hurricane Ike), a weakening of the regional and national markets, and the impacts of a national recession. True to Galveston’s form, the community stands steadfast in its path with a determination and sense of spirit to not only overcome these obstacles, but to utilize these events in favor of building a stronger and more resilient community. Galveston today is embarking on a community renaissance reminiscent of those efforts that led to the successful rebuilding of this coastal island community following the devastating impacts caused by the 1900 Storm. Galveston is a city where…
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