Located on the upper Texas coast of the Gulf of Mexico, the beautiful city of Galveston occupies virtually all of a 32-mile-long island approximately 2 miles off of mainland Texas coast, and about 50 miles away from Houston. It is an important port city, as well as a city of thriving industry, plenty of diversity, and much to see and do. Even better, Galveston has a growing and thriving LGBTQ community that is friendly, welcoming, and wonderful. If you’re thinking of making your next home in Galveston, you’ll find plenty about it to love!
A Look at Galveston’s History
Galveston was initially chartered in 1839. At the time of its founding, it served as an important port and gateway to the Southwest and helped to furnish shipping, goods, money, and transportation necessary to help the state of Texas grow. Galveston itself also continued to grow, eventually becoming known as the "Queen City of the Gulf." Due to its coastal location, Galveston always has been, and remains an important port city – but it has also grown to be a city full of plenty of other business opportunities, not to mention a city that offers much to see and do for residents and visitors alike. Truly, in so many ways, Galveston would make a wonderful place to call home.
A Few Fun Facts About Galveston
Read more fun facts about Galveston here.
Galveston’s LGBTQ Community
Galveston is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:
PFLAG Galveston is the area’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country. PFLAG is well-known for its mission of supporting LGBTQ people, friends, family, and allies across the country in a wide variety of ways. With 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members in the United States, PFLAG plays a critical role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community.
The LGBTQ Center of Bay County is an LGBTQ community center in Galveston dedicated to its mission of enhancing and sustaining the health and well-being of the area’s LGBTQ community through providing activities, programs, events, and other services that create community and offer essential resources.
What's the Weather Like in Galveston?
Those who live in Galveston can expect hot summers and fairly mild winters, with high temperatures in July typically reaching around 90ºF, while lows in January usually drop to around 46ºF. Spring and fall are typically mild and pleasant times to be outside. Galveston receives an average of 50 inches of rain each year, and no snow.
Can’t-Miss Events in Galveston
Pride Galveston is the area’s annual LGBTQ pride celebration, and it’s one event you don’t want to miss. Whether you enjoy parades, parties, family-friendly activities, or all of the above, you’ll be able to enjoy that at this fun, festive three-day celebration of all that the LGBTQ community adds to the Galveston area.
The Best Neighborhoods in Galveston
Unlike some larger cities that have one specific gay area of town, Galveston’s gay population is a bit more spread out. That’s not a bad thing though – it simply means that there are many wonderful neighborhoods to choose from!
For those who love unique architectural styles, Galveston has many excellent options to offer – many older Victorian-style homes in historic neighborhoods have been renovated and are still affordable. The city also has many preservation programs for low and moderate-income homeowners for renovating and rehabilitating homes.
There are ultimately a wide variety of homes and price ranges available in many walkable, wonderful, and friendly areas, so choosing the perfect home will largely be a matter of personal preference and budget. The median list price of homes currently for sale in Galveston is $392,000, and the median list price per square foot is $243.
Arts and Entertainment
The Grand Opera House has been offering excellent entertainment to Galveston residents for more than 100 years. It first opened its doors in 1894, and since that time, this beautiful historic building has hosted a wide variety of performing arts events each year, including concerts, plays, ballet, and more. Truly, there’s a performance here for everyone – don’t miss your chance to enjoy a show (or several) for yourself.
Island ETC is Galveston’s foremost professional theatre company. The group hosts several performances each year, in a wide variety of genres. Classes and other opportunities to get involved are also offered for those interested in learning more about acting, and it’s a great place to become connected with local theatre.
Parks and Recreation
Moody Gardens is a popular conservation and wildlife center that includes a golf course and hotel as well. This tourist destination seeks to educate and excite visitors about nature's beauty and wildlife and includes a pool, spa, aquarium, and more. It's a great place to spend a day (or a whole weekend!) having fun in Galveston.
The Strand is a popular, lively strip in the heart of historic Galveston. The Strip features pubs, restaurants, bars, boutique shops, and more, and it’s the perfect place to spend a day or an evening out on the town having fun.
Galveston Nightlife
Robert's Laffitte is Galveston's oldest gay bar and a local favorite. Whether you enjoy a fun, lively atmosphere, friendly crowds, strong drinks, or all of the above, you’ll find it here. It’s definitely a must-try spot on a night out in Galveston!
Rumors Bar and Grill is known for offering great drinks, beautiful views, fantastic drag shows, friendly crowds, and a wonderful time for all who stop by. It’s a great LGBTQ beachside bar that you’ll want to be sure to put on your list.
Contact a Galveston Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Galveston, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Galveston, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Galveston gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
