Galveston County is On the Rise

Depending on your lifestyle, there are different parts of Galveston County that will appeal to you and your family. Galveston County is known for it's affordable beach front property and close proximity to Houston, which has a number of attractions, entertainment and dining options. With the cost of living in Galveston County being so low, it is now considered one of the best new places to live in Texas.

For vacationers or retirees who want either a primary residence or a secondary beach home, both homes for sale and rental in Galveston County are popular. You'll pay anywhere from around $220,000 for a smaller bungalow or older home, upwards of $400,000 for a modern family home. There is such a vast range of differently priced homes that home buyers in Galveston County can easily find a property that fits their budget. Some of the best places to live in Galveston County if you want easy access to the beautiful beaches are Clear Lake, Indian Beach and Kemah.

If you want an added sense of security, or simply need more privacy, Galveston County gated communities are a good choice. Whether you're a single professional or a growing family, gated communities bring style and comfort together with secure living. Galveston Bay and Sunset Cove feature gated communities with amenities like private lake access, pools, tennis courts and much more, and are considered the best places to live in Galveston County if you're looking for a master planned community.

With new developments, home buyers can choose everything from the type of flooring they want to the landscaping design in the yard, and with a price tag of just $222,000 to start for luxurious houses in beach side gated communities, it's no wonder that Galveston County is growing at an incredible rate.

Singles and couples often opt for condominiums or townhouses in Galveston County. These waterfront properties feature the fantastic water views and conveniences that home buyers will enjoy, but at a lower price. The Seawall Boulevard boasts many of the county's top new condo developments, and you can find condominiums or apartments in sleek, contemporary designs, or tropical cabana style themes.

For many younger couples or singles on a budget, a spacious condo along the Seawall Boulevard will set them back about $160,000. There aren't many places in the USA where property costs are so low. Many of the best places to live in Galveston County are also the most affordable.

The Clear Lake neighborhood features older homes or newer developments that cater mostly to families. Three and four bedroom homes are the most common, and Clear Lake is home to many professionals and aerospace engineers as Boeing and NASA are both located there.

Avid fishers and boaters also call Clear Lake home, as there are lots of opportunities for these sports at the nearby beach. There are almost 40 public schools in Clear Lake, and a number of parochial schools, a University of Houston branch, and an Aerospace Academy. Clear Lake has some of the best schools in Texas, and their high graduation rate, above average student scores on SAT's, and the integration of space programs from NASA into the classroom, many parents choose to education their children in this area.

For buyers who want to purchase undeveloped land to build on, the east side of Galveston Island has great potential for new developments. The west part of Galveston Island is already largely developed, so in the upcoming years the east side will become one of the best places to live in Galveston County.

If you don't want to purchase a home in Galveston County, consider renting a townhouse, duplex, condominium or family home instead. Long term home rentals aren't as common in Galveston County, due to the affordable cost of buying a home, but apartments and condominiums are popular for singles or couples.

Fair market rent for a Galveston County apartment is under $700, while a smaller modular home with two or three bedrooms a short distance from the beach starts at about $900 per month. It's more difficult to find duplexes and fourplexes, and stand alone homes are much more common to find.

Vacation rentals are popular among tourists, especially during the summer months. This makes areas like Waterfront Harbor and Galveston Bay some of the best places to live in Galveston County if they are looking for a return on their real estate investment. Many homeowners in beach front homes and condos rent their properties out for anywhere from $500 to well over a thousand per week to vacationers. They use this time to take a vacation of their own, and come back after the busy summer season has passed.