The most popular shore in Galveston Island is the first thing people see when they head into Grand Beach, a neighborhood wrapped in views of rolling surf and protected wetlands. "When you come in off Interstate 45, and you turn onto Broadway, Broadway ends at Stewart Beach," says Realtor Susan Lutz, the team owner of Elite Coastal Realty Group with United Real Estate, who's lived in Grand Beach for 13 years. "It's a wider, deeper beach, and it's close to downtown Galveston." Next door to Grand Beach, the downtown area is full of niche boutiques, restaurants, entertainment, and historic attractions that locals can drive to by golf cart. Back at home, residents wake in homes with ocean views and balconies where it's easy to while away the afternoon. "You just get more for your money in Galveston than you would in Destin or the panhandle where townhouses could be twice the cost. Everyone from California to Florida is finding out about the value here," says Capt. Mike Parker, a Bay Area Realtor for over 20 years who works with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene. "You're close to the medical and energy corridor of Houston, you get prime fishing in the Gulf, and you can live on the water for less than a million." Many choose to live here part-time and rent their properties from May to September, the height of the tourist season.
Stewart Beach in Galveston, Texas is a family-friendly destination with pristine sandy shores.
A family takes a stroll on a sunny day at the beach at Grand Beach.
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Stewart Beach to East Beach
Grand Beach has several public beach access points for sun-soaked days on the sand. Stewart Beach and East Beach offer enough space for casual beachgoers and volleyball players. Some bring their foldout chairs to the shore to sit and watch the sunset. Just over 2 miles away on Boddeker Road, the East End Lagoon Nature Preserve features over 700 acres of wetlands and a half-mile trail leading around a lagoon popular with kayakers and anglers. "Pelican Island is not very far either, but you have to cross a bridge. A lot of people go fishing there," Lutz says. Pelican Island is home to Seawolf Park, Galveston Naval Museum and Texas A&M Galveston. "Or there's the more tranquil pocket beaches on the west end: West Beach, Pirates Beach, Indian beach and Pointe West." All these beaches are 10 to 35 miles south of Grand Beach.
Stewart Beach is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike
There is no shortage of beach access in Grand Beach, which comes in handy on sunny days.
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Gulf of Mexico waterfront properties
Rows of three-story pastel homes with balconies offer views across the Gulf of Mexico. Modest condos around 400 to 800 square feet start in the mid $200,000s to around $600,000 price range. Condos come with community luxuries, from resort-style pools to outdoor fireplaces, tennis and pickleball courts. Larger and more resplendent condos start in the $900,000s and go to over $4 million for a penthouse in Palisade Palms. Beachfront single-family homes are roughly the same price range and often come with in-ground pools, elevators and walls of windows with panoramic views. For those ready to build, lots ranging from $115,000 to around $400,000s are also available. However, one directly on the beach could cost upward of $800,000. Most beachfront homes have a grassy lawn between their front porch and the sand, creating a natural buffer that provides some welcome distance from the water during storms. Living on the beach in Galveston means hurricanes are a potential threat, but newer construction offers more peace of mind. "As years go on and hurricanes of the past, codes change so they are built better and stronger than homes of the past," Lutz says.
With their prime location & stunning views, Beach Homes in Galveston offer a slice of paradise.
Residents of East Beach Condos enjoy private balconies overlooking the ocean.
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Local shopping on Postoffice Street
Aside from just a few local stops, Grand Beach is almost entirely residential. East Beach Cantina and Rentals, people rents umbrellas and foldout chairs for the day and sells Pina Coladas, hot dogs and other treats to take to the beach. Porch Cafe is an upscale restaurant that serves filet mignons and seven-course meals. The adjacent downtown area has even more options, with plenty to choose from. Gorditas Mexico is one of the first stops on Seawall Boulevard, with tacos, loaded enchiladas and outdoor seating with bay views. This street and the historic downtown are filled with restaurants and shops. But there's another, lesser-known gem. "Tourists go to the Seawall and The Strand, and locals go to Postoffice Street," Lutz says. Rudy & Paco Restaurant and Bar serves South American-inspired cuisine and Little Daddy's Gumbo Bar is there for a taste of New Orleans. Postoffice Street also has a range of cute boutiques, like The Naked Mermaid, selling nautical-themed gifts. Anne Lanne Gallery is an exhibit space and place to purchase local art. Arlan's Market and Kroger are on Seawall Boulevard for convenient grocery stops.
Little Daddy's Gumbo Bar, near Grand Beach, is a local favorite restaurant in the area.
Residents can shop for mens and womens clothing at The Naked Mermaid, near Grand Beach.
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Mardi Gras celebrations
East Beach is a hot spot for concerts and events. It's also filled to the brim every summer as more than 60 teams compete in the AIA Sandcastle Competition. Sculptors strive to win the Golden Bucket in categories from Best Science Fiction to Best Team Signage. Lutz says Postoffice Street is the site of local events, too. "The second Tuesday of the month, they have an art walk on Postoffice street. All the stores are open, and it attracts people to come." Locals also hit the The Strand for Mardi Gras celebrations. Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier on Seawall Boulevard promises a fun time playing tourist for a day enjoying the amusement park rides.
The Pleasure Pier is open daily, providing rides and entertainment to residents of Grand Beach.
Children hop on a ride at the Historic Pleasure Pier, located a short drive from Grand Beach.
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Brand-new Ball High School
Public schools are within the Galveston Independent School District. Parents may apply to send their children to Oppe, Parker and Burnet elementary schools. Oppe, earning an A-minus on Niche, is a magnet school offering a coastal studies program. The C-rated Burnet runs a hands-on-learning lab where they introduce in-demand fields to students, like engineering. Parker Elementary teaches students early on how to grow through their challenges and gets a B rating from Niche. Students may filter into Austin Middle, earning an A from Niche, and Ball High from there. Ball High, which maintains a B-ranking, is undergoing a $200 million campus rebuild that will bring a natatorium. The construction is happening in stages so students can continue their studies uninterrupted.
Austin Middle School provides a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students.
Ball High School has a strong athletic program, with successful teams in various sports.
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University of Texas Medical Branch hospitals nearby
"You can be in Houston's city center in about an hour, where you have everything from the Texans to the Astros to the Rockets and all the sophistication of the ballet," Parker says. The City of Galveston Island Transit Systems offers public bus lines downtown but not in Grand Beach. Most rely on their cars to get around if they aren't traveling by foot or golf cart. For domestic and international flights, William P. Hobby Airport is 40 miles away. There's a medical corridor just as residents enter the downtown area with several specialized University of Texas Medical Branch hospitals, a general hospital and an emergency room. Houses of worship near Grand Beach include Galveston Bible Church on 19th Street and Islamic Center of Galveston on Broadway Avenue.
The UTMB Hospital is very close to Grand Beach, providing medical care when needed.
Galveston Bible Church is located in the heart of the East End of Galveston, near Grand Beach.
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This charming coastal cottage blends style and function with wood-look plank tiles, an open-concept layout, and custom cabinetry. Quartz counters in white and ocean blue add a touch of elegance to the kitchen, which features Viking appliances and soft-close cabinets and drawers. A serving nook adds extra storage—perfect for entertaining. High ceilings and plantation shutters enhance the home’s
Enjoy upscale coastal living in this beautiful 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom condo on the 23rd floor of the coveted Palisade Palms. The open living, kitchen, and dining area have stunning beach views from the south facing windows and fill the space with natural light. The chef’s kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and ample storage. Step out onto two spacious balconies to
Marylouise Caravella
Caravella Coastal a division of The Real Estate Brokerage Co. LLC
Welcome to your oasis in the sky! This exquisite high-rise condominium is designed for the discerning tenant seeking sophistication and tranquility. Revel in panoramic views of the pristine private beach access, soothing waves, and the blissful serenity of waterfront living. Energy-efficient appliances, brand-new carpet, fresh paint, new furniture and an array of upscale amenities including a
Experience the tranquil beachside ambiance of Beachtown here in Galveston. This luxurious vacation rental boasts 4 ENSUITE Bedrooms. Home comes fully furnished with linens, dishes, and towels- everything you need, just bring your toothbrush. Perfect for traveling medical staff or temporary positions. A mere 5-minute stroll immerses you in sun-kissed shores, inviting relaxation. Within, an
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,034
Median Age
65
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
7.5%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
50.7%
Significantly above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$65,428
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$105,318
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.4%
College Graduates
42.1%
Advanced Degrees
23.4%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
56.5%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
48''
Average Winter Low Temperature
49°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
45/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
3/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
