What Are The Pros And Cons Of Living In Galveston, TX?
There are good points and negative points when it comes to living in Galveston, TX. All the topics have a 50/50 shot with the good and the bad, weighing each individual’s decision. It is a tough decision because it depends on the person’s preferences.
Galveston, TX has to offer the scenery and everything like any other city in its history and culture. The significant differences would be the beaches because the city is next to The Gulf of Mexico. Texas is full of great places, and Galveston may be what most people are looking for in a city.
The pros and cons of living in Galveston, TX, deal with lifestyle, cost of living, housing, jobs, and schools. It also covers the people, climate, things to do, and the food. We will begin with the pros for each topic and move on to the cons of the same topics afterward.
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A Little Information About Galveston, TX
Galveston, TX is the seat for Galveston County and is a port and coastal resort city. Thousands of people come to visit each year to enjoy the beaches and local attractions. Tourism, shipping, health care, and financial industries keep the economy thriving in the city.
Over 60 historical structures are maintained by the US Department of the Interior and the National Park Service. They are also listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Some buildings date back to the 19th century.
One thing to look out for in Galveston is it is located on an island. Due to weather events, the boundaries shift, and the island is labeled as unstable because of erosion. Many do not seem to worry because it has a population of 50,546 as of the 2020 Census Report.
The Pros on Living in Galveston, TX
These are the excellent key points of living in Galveston, TX. It can take a while before coming up with a final answer to living there or not. Hopefully, these perspectives will help you make the decision.
1. The Lifestyle in Galveston, TX
The beach’s lifestyle is pretty relaxed. Those who live in and around the shores take life at a slower pace and enjoy the scenery. The beaches are fun for the whole family, and where there is fun, there is no room for stress.
People enjoy the crashing waves, walking in the sand, and the beautiful sunrises and sunsets. It brings peacefulness to your soul when you experience life around the water. Those who come here only to visit find themselves upset when it is time to go back to their lives.
Tourism is a significant part of the lifestyle where you can meet new people every day. It is always great to make new friends and acquaintances. Stories get swapped from different cultures, and there is always something new to learn.
2. The Cost of Living in Galveston, TX
Galveston, TX, has an average of five percent lower on the cost of living than the nation. It is pretty good considering the size of the city and its population. The average income per individual is between $36 and $37K.
The essentials of groceries such as milk, bread, and eggs, do not go above $5 and hover between $2-$4. Overall, Galveston has a cost of living index of 91.7. The state of Texas has its rating at 93.9, so Galveston is lower than the entire state.
3. Housing and Rent in Galveston, TX1
When it comes to the national level, Galveston ranks 14 percent lower. The median home prices are a little over $201,000. The rest of the country averages around $250,000 to $350,000.
Median rent is the cheapest set, around $1,078. Two-bedroom apartments are about $1250, and one-bedroom apartments are around $900 per month. Studios range in the $750 area per month.
4. The Industrial Life in Galveston, TX
Jobs are plentiful and not hard to find in Galveston. Major oil field companies have their businesses in the Gulf of Mexico, and there are many jobs and careers. It is one of the most important ports in America, and there are the fishing and seafood, and shipping industry.
Tourism has many jobs with all the shopping, restaurants, water parks, and locations where people flock. There is about 31 percent of the population has a bachelor’s degree or more. They are what make up the workforce in the higher-paying jobs.
5. There Are Many Schools to Choose From
All schools are well-equipped with teachers able to handle the number of children there for the learning. There is a 15-1 ratio, which is fair and reasonable to both teachers and students. Per student, Galveston spends $12,887 in public schools, while the average expenditure in America is $12,383.
The University of Texas Medical Branch provides medical care and training for the next round of health care professionals. There is also Galveston College, which is a two-year college. It is meant for those who wish to get out in the workforce quickly while focusing on their major.
6. The People are Friendly
People who live around the beach tend to become friendly people. Tourists who encounter others all say the same thing about how nice and friendly everyone is. Statistic-wise polls taken with an average of 80 percent of the population are kind and good people.
7. The Weather is Great
The weather goes with the people, so everything seems to be great when visitors come around. They experience mild sunny days with average temperatures. Those who love the outdoors love the climate in Galveston, especially around the beaches.
8. There is So Much to Do in Galveston
When it comes to the thrills of finding something to do, you will not be disappointed. There are waterparks, beaches, stores, and plenty of sightseeing. Those who live in Galveston take the time to learn about their city and what is available.
The people who reside in Galveston and the tourist appreciate the low prices. It does not have to take a rich person to be a part of what the city offers them. Prices range from free to $40 per person in the entertainment realm.
9. Galveston Has the Best Seafood Restaurants
All the seafood is caught fresh right out of the Gulf of Mexico and sold to local restaurants and consumers. Those who love seafood love the entrées at their favorite places to eat. Galveston has a diverse culture which allows for the food to hold its own in preparations.
The Cons on Living in Galveston, TX
Everything is flipped around from the good side of life in Galveston. These are the mentioned topics bad points which some are horrendous while the rest are not so bad.
1. Life is Hectic Away from the Beach
When people have to go back to the rat race world, they tend to hurry. Life is great by the beach, but the sense of urgency plagues the city, especially during business hours. You may find friendly people, but everyone is ready to run you over to get where they are going.
2. State Wise, The Cost of Living is Higher
Texas is a vast state and has thousands of cities. Galveston is factored at 5.8 percent higher than the entire state when it comes to the cost of living. Due to the humidity from the Gulf, the utility bills in the summer months are outrageous.
3. The Property Taxes are Through the Roof
Housing is excellent in Galveston, but the property taxes and insurance rates are horrible. If one is good, the other will always knock you down. The property taxes are high due to the location, and insurance covers the damages from hurricanes.
4. No Bad Side to Jobs
Everyone has to work or should work to make an honest living. There is no shortage of jobs in Galveston. The only complaint is there may not be the jobs people are looking for in a career.
5. The Bad Side to the Schools
Across the nation, the schools are given a C or B average. When it comes to the state of Texas, Galveston ranks last. There are better places in Texas for better education.
6. Twenty Percent of the People are Gang Members
Every major city has bad streets that people should never go down at night. It is no different in Galveston, TX, especially down Fort Crockett Street and Church Street. Crime rates are higher in central parts of the city, where gangs have taken over.
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7. Hurricanes Equal Destruction
Through the centuries, there have been 56 hurricanes that have destroyed Galveston. The last one was Hurricane Edouard in 2008. Every city along the Gulf Coast is a target every year with the expectation of billions of dollars in damages.
8. The Bad Part of Events
Everyone complains when there is a live band, festivals, or any other event because of the traffic, crowds, and noise.
9. The Only Complaint on the Food
Those who love seafood only have one complaint. They say it stays frozen in the grocery stores and sits for days.
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