HomeGalveston
Rachel Windley | LPT Realty
Galveston
Beach life, island history. Know the real cost before you buy.
Galveston is a barrier island about an hour south of Houston, with 32 miles of Gulf coastline, historic Victorian homes, and one of the busiest cruise ports in the country. Buyers come for second homes, retirement, and vacation rentals. On the island, the real cost goes well beyond the price: windstorm and flood insurance, elevation, flood zones, and, for investors, short-term rental registration and a 15% hotel occupancy tax. I run those numbers before you write an offer.
Newest Galveston homes
See all
$1,900,000
00 00 105th
Galveston, TX 77554
Listing courtesy of Simply Galveston Real Estate.
Data last updated July 31, 2026 at 3:34 PM.
The data is believed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.
$1,596,000
7600 Gulf Street
Hitchcock, TX 77563
Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Houston Central.
Data last updated July 31, 2026 at 12:25 PM.
The data is believed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.
$700,000
13203 Walker Street
Santa Fe, TX 77510
Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Crossroads Realty.
Data last updated July 31, 2026 at 2:51 PM.
The data is believed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.
$399,999
0 Fm 517
League City, TX 77551
Listing courtesy of Prime Realty Group.
Data last updated July 30, 2026 at 12:22 PM.
The data is believed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.
$398,000
1224 Avenue L
Galveston, TX 77550
3 Beds · 1 Bath · 2,754 Sq Ft
Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Leading Edge.
Data last updated July 31, 2026 at 4:00 AM.
The data is believed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.
$399,000
913 Moody Avenue
Galveston, TX 77550
3 Beds · 3 Baths · 1,444 Sq Ft
Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Leading Edge.
Data last updated July 31, 2026 at 4:00 AM.
The data is believed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.
Known for
- The Strand Historic District and the East End's Victorian homes
- The Galveston Seawall and miles of Gulf beaches
- The Port of Galveston, a major cruise port
- The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)
Things to do
- Walk, bike, or surrey-ride along the Seawall
- Shop and dine on The Strand, and catch Mardi Gras each year
- Visit Moody Gardens and the Pleasure Pier
- Fish, boat, and watch birds on the bay and at Galveston Island State Park
By the numbers
53,695
Population (2020 U.S. Census)
$294,300
Median home value
$57,216
Median household income
15%
Hotel occupancy tax on short-term rentals
Beachfront, bayfront, and East End values vary widely, and insurance can change the true monthly cost more than the price. Ask me for the numbers on the exact home you're considering.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau 2020 Census and ACS 2019–2023; City of Galveston.
Short-term rentals
Thinking about a vacation rental? Inside City of Galveston limits, short-term rentals must be registered with the city and display a Galveston Vacation Rental (GVR) number on every listing. Owners also owe a 15% hotel occupancy tax: 9% city and 6% state. The Bolivar Peninsula falls under Galveston County, where rules are lighter. HOAs and deed restrictions can add limits too. I check this before you buy, not after.
School districts
The City of Galveston is served by Galveston ISD, including Ball High School. Homes elsewhere in Galveston County are served by other districts. Always confirm zoning by the exact address.
Home plan
Thinking about Galveston?
Whether it's a beach house, a second home, or a vacation rental, tell me what you're looking for. I'll show you what it really costs to own on the island.
Schedule a ConsultationRachel Windley | LPT Realty