Where is Galveston Island located?
Galveston is a barrier island on the Texas Gulf Coast in the United States, about 50 miles (80.5 km) southeast of the metroplex of the most populated city in the US, Houston. The entire island, with the exception of Jamaica Beach, is within the city limits of the City of Galveston in Galveston County.
The island is about 27 miles long and no more than 3 miles wide at its widest point. The island is oriented northeast-southwest, with the Gulf of Mexico on the east and south, West Bay on the west, and Galveston Bay on the north. The island's main access point from the mainland is Interstate Highway 45 which crosses the Galveston Causeway that crosses West Bay on the northeast side of the island.
The far north end of the island is separated from the Bolivar Peninsula by Galveston Harbor, the entrance to Galveston Bay and the Houston Ship Channel. Ferry service is available between Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula. The southern end of the island is separated from the mainland by San Luis Pass. The San Luis Pass-Vacek Toll Bridge connects the San Luis Pass Road on Galveston Island with the Bluewater Highway that leads south into the town of Surfside Beach.
Do you recommend living on or off the island?
That answer is different for every person. Do you want to live in a historic resort town where there is always something to do and every home has a story and is unique? Do you want to live in a small tight-knit community with traditional homes and neighbors? Do you want to live closer to a metroplex and all that it has to offer? Or do you want to be secluded on acreage and raise goats? Each person's needs are different and Galveston County has it all. We encourage you to research the areas from South Houston to Galveston, they are all very different. Another determining factor of island life, or not, is where your primary clinic location will be. Two of our clinics and our hospital services are located on Galveston Island and the third clinic is located in Dickinson.
With Houston only 60 minutes* away from Galveston Island the rich culture and activities of Houston are close enough to enjoy or far enough away to escape big city life.
*depends on point of origin, destination and traffic. 60 minutes is average transportation time from campus to downtown Houston.
What are my housing options?
The main cities along the I-45 corridor, between South Houston and Galveston are all within acceptable driving distance to any of our clinics and to the main campus on Galveston Island. In order of distance to campus (closest to farthest: Galveston Island, Bayou Vista, Hitchcock, La Marque, Texas City, Dickinson, League City, Webster, and Friendswood). We advise that you research each community and their Chamber of Commerce data related to population, average income, crime, housing and school rankings.
*Average Rent - 2Bdrm 1800sqft
On Island: $1750
Off Island: $1400
*Average Home Price - 3Bdr 2500sqft
On Island: $439,000
Off Island: $335,000
*based on recent median listing prices