$261,572Average Value$298Average Price per Sq Ft89Homes For Sale
Beachside living close to retail
Central City's coastal homes offer backdoor views of the Gulf of Mexico. "It has a range of condo complexes popular for vacation rentals and full-time residents seeking amenities," says Martye Hill, Realtor with Exp Realty. She has lived on the island for 17 years, including time spent in a condo in the neighborhood. "Residents can walk across the street to the beach, and most condos have pools." In addition to beach access, residents are close to major retail corridors. "It's one of the first exits off Interstate 45 as you drive onto the island, and many people call 61st Street the gateway to the peaceful west end," says David Bowers, a real estate agent with Better Homes and Gardens and former Galveston City Council member. Located along the Galveston Seawall and 61st Street, the neighborhood has front seats to Galveston's most popular festivals.
Randall's is a solid grocery option to Central City residents.
Walmart is one of many shopping options available to Central City residents.
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Waterside condos with amenities
Central City's high-rise condos and apartment complexes are just steps from Galveston Beach. Most buildings offer tennis courts, swimming pools and fitness centers. Casa Del Mar is a popular choice. "Casa Del Mar was very well run and managed," highlighting the appeal of long-term residency due to no maintenance responsibilities and insurance coverage through HOA fees. Nearby, the Victorian Condo Association provides similar amenities, plus a hot tub. Condo prices range from $125,000 for a one-bedroom to over $349,000 for a three-bedroom. Sidewalks are scarce, mostly lining Seawall Boulevard, where streets are wide and often used for street parking. Moving east, mid-century and postmodern beach cottages with brick and stucco exteriors have open backyards and time-worn driveways. Prices range from $170,000 to over $350,000. “The key for many of the homes closer to the Seawall is looking at flood insurance,” Bowers says. “Post-Hurricane Ike, many houses were built higher than the flood plain and sit on stilts.” The area has a Crime Score Index of 5 out of 10, higher than the national average of 4 due to tourism.
Casa Del Mar is a pristine condo located within the Central City area.
Riding bikes or scooters along the seawall is a popular activity in Central City.
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Just minutes from Galveston’s shorelines
With Galveston's 32-mile shoreline less than a mile away, locals are just minutes from enjoying sunrise walks on the beach. "The beach is incredibly packed during the summer," Hill says. "The water is very warm in the summer and cools off by late October, but that doesn't stop anybody." Most days, residents can be seen parasailing, kiteboarding and jet skiing. Just off Babe's Beach, the 61st Street Fishing Pier is open 24 hours and features a bait and tackle shop. Popular catches include angelfish, channel catfish, blue crab and shrimp. "We're a major fishing tourist spot, and during shrimping seasons, the shrimp boats come quite close," Hill says. About 3 miles west, Schreiber Park is often called 'Rocket Ship Park' for its space-themed playground that includes a splash pad.
Galveston Beach is just a short walk from many Central City residents.
A family takes a stroll along the sandy beach in Central City.
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Eccentric restaurants like The Gypsy Joynt
Galveston's 61st Street Fishing Pier has a small cabana bar with bright blue coastal walls. Doc Holliday's Roadhouse has a western saloon atmosphere with bull skulls, cowboy hats, and life-size taxidermy buffalo and bears. Outside, patrons enjoy garlic butter steaks and stacked burgers on a large patio with palm tree-covered beach views. North on 61st Street, The Gypsy Joynt is a family-owned spot celebrated for its boho ambiance. The interior is an eccentric mix of mannequin heads, draped fabrics, string lights and tinsel chandeliers. Its whimsical menu features the Unicorn Dog, topped with fruity pebbles, mac and cheese and unicorn potato chips. The neighborhood is home to Kroger, Randall's and Walmart for groceries, and Target is 2 miles north. Galveston’s Own Farmers Market is just 3 miles north, offering a wide selection of island made crafts, homegrown veggies and fresh honey.
A Texas-themed restaurant located in Central City, Galveston.
Patrons enjoy the warm breeze at The Pelican Beach Bar and Grill in Central City, Galveston.
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Oppe Elementary offers a coastal studies program
The Galveston Independent School District uses a freedom-of-choice model, allowing families to choose schools based on available spots. Oppe Elementary School is home to The Campus of Coastal Studies and has an A-minus rating. Its coastal studies magnet program includes hands-on exploration of Gulf Coast ecosystems through field trips and enrichment projects. Morgan Elementary also has an A-minus and offers specialized health, medical science, and engineering courses. Austin Middle School has an A grade. Galveston's only high school is Ball High School, which has a B-minus rating. It provides various STEM-focused curriculum communities in biomedical engineering, media arts and business.
Austin Middle School, though a little further away from Central City is a great option.
Oppe Elementary is a great choice for young Central City students.
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Galveston’s beachy events go through the seasons
Central City is 3 miles from Moody Gardens, one of Texas' largest tourist attractions. "The Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens is fantastical," says Hill. "It takes about an hour to walk through, and they have kettle corn vendors and a surprisingly durable ice-skating rink," Hill notes that island life embraces celebrations, with parades and festivals for nearly every occasion. Her favorite is the Lone Star Rally in November, Texas' largest motorcycle event with live music and festivities. She also highlights Dickinson The Strand in December, a unique Galveston festival where everyone dresses in period costumes and enjoys a parade with food and vendors.
Residents and visitors can enjoy The Aquarium at Moody Gardens, located in Central City.
Galveston Beach is just a short walk from many Central City residents.
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50 miles from Houston
To travel from the island to Houston, locals drive north on 61st Street, which connects to Interstate 45. "I can be downtown in an hour; it's pretty quick," Hill says. However, she points out that the island has most people's needs. "If there's something we don't have, I just use Amazon." Houston and George Bush Intercontinental Airport are 50 miles away. The neighborhood is less than a mile from Hospitality Health ER.
Central City is a charming neighborhood with tons of character.
Galveston, TX signage leading to and from the island bridge.
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Written By
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Photography Contributed By
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On average, homes in Central City, Galveston sell after 78 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Central City, Galveston over the last 12 months is $130,000, down 20% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience the ultimate island getaway with this top-floor unit in Casa del Mar’s highly sought-after West building, boasting breathtaking Gulf of Mexico views from your private balcony. This beautifully updated 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo is tastefully decorated in calming coastal hues and is just steps from Babe’s Beach—one of Galveston’s most beloved shorelines. Ideally situated near all of the
Charming 1-Bedroom Condo with Stunning Ocean Views – Fully Renovated and Fully Furnished. This move-in ready, 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo offers breathtaking Gulf views right from Galveston’s famous Seawall. Recent updates include a new A/C (8/23), new flooring, refrigerator, microwave, lighting, quartz countertops, and a completely remodeled bathroom (1/25).Sold fully furnished, this turnkey condo
TOP FLOOR, fully furnished unit in Casa del Mar. Come and check out the Gulf of Mexico views from your private balcony overlooking 61st Street and the Fishing Pier! This complex is consistently voted BEST CONDO RENTAL ON THE ISLAND! Currently in Casa del Mar's Rental Pool and ready to go as an investment or for your personal use (30 day notice required for removal from pool). Sleeps six and
Island life is calling—and this bright, beachy condo is ready to answer! Fully furnished and tucked in an excellent central location on Galveston Island, this super clean and cheerful 1BR/1BA upstairs unit offers the perfect mix of comfort, convenience, and coastal charm. Enjoy morning coffee or sunset breezes on your private, shaded deck (with extra storage!), all inside a secure gated
Fully furnished 1/1 condo at The Victorian featuring Gulf of Mexico views from the private balcony. If you are looking for a rental that is move-in ready, come check this one out! Conveniently located to all of Galveston's restaurants and shopping.
Captain's Landing is the apartment you’ve been looking for in Galveston, TX. With comfortable one- and two-bedroom homes complete with available washers and dryers, air conditioning, and walk-in closets, you’re guaranteed to find a place to live with a lifestyle to love. What’s more, as a member of the community you’ll also have access to our fitness center and three, resort-style swimming pools.
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