As Babies Boom, So Does Galveston - Texas Coastal Realty & Mortgage

Galveston, Texas - June 2006 - Texas Coastal Realty & Mortgage

Way down South lays a 32-mile stretch of island on the Texas Gulf Coast that has been patiently awaiting its latest national debut. For most of the last quarter century Galveston Island has been more of a local’s hideout than a coastal gem.

Just 45 minutes South of one of the richest cities in the nation, many in the surrounding area are beginning to realize what a residing and economic opportunity Galveston has to offer. As baby boomers are getting ready to retire, this once dormant town has been scurrying with new development in an effort to accommodate a much-awaited boom.

And it’s not only the Baby Boomers that are expected to migrate to Galveston. With real estate prices soaring in other parts of the country, the Texas Gulf Coast is catching the attention of many outsiders as well. According to the Texas A&M Real Estate Center, Galveston home prices have only raised an average of 5.5% since 1979, however the past couple of years have shown higher than average growth. This suggests that while appreciating, Galveston is not an overheating market that is doomed for a major downfall in values.

The city is much like a dog with essentially four groups rattling its cage: developers, the cruise ship industry, a flurry of new residents and an influx of tourism. Thanks to the cruise ship industry and the vision of many developers, Galveston is being revitalized from a tired dive into a vacation spotlight. In a January, 2006 LIFE Magazine article, Galveston ranked as the #2 “Perfect Island Getaway”. It’s easy to see that the foundation has already been laid to develop a coastal icon.

For residents and visitors alike, there are plenty of attractions. The most obvious may be the beaches. Pull up on the Seawall and walk 10 feet to the sand or, if that is too hard for you, drive your car onto the beaches of East Beach or one of the many public beaches on the west end of the Island. Moody Gardens may be a complete vacation in itself, and not far from there is the recently opened Schlitterbahn Waterpark which will offer year round access and more aquatic adventure than you can shake a snorkel at. From there you can head for your choice of great cuisine that the Island has to offer. Choose from fresh seafood at the water’s edge, “authentic” Tex-Mex, great Texas barbecue, or any assortment of your desire. After a great night of sleep, head down to the The Strand where shopping is plentiful or visit one of the many museums that Galveston has to offer.

It is no wonder that Galveston has begun such a massive turn-around in such a short time. With so much to see and plenty to do, the excitement on Galveston Island offers encouragement that the real estate market will continue to flourish for the coming years, leaving only one question to ponder. When will you take advantage of this perfect island getaway?

About Texas Coastal Realty & Mortgage

Trent Yeo is a Realtor and loan officer with Texas Coastal Realty & Mortgage, a Galveston area brokerage specializing in waterfront properties and communities in the Galveston and Clear Lake areas. His website (http://www.TexasCoastalRealty.com) offers easy searching of all Galveston homes for sale as well as the surrounding Galveston area. Contact Trent at 281-734-6021, or Trent@TexasCoastalRealty.com.###