Many newcomers are surprised to learn that Galveston, an island on the Texas Gulf Coast, is just a little more than a one-hour drive from Houston. Galveston is home to many residents who work in or on the fringes of Houston. In addition, many Houstonians own weekend and vacation property in nearby Galveston or on Galveston Bay. Galveston is a growing housing market and residential sales are up more than 50 percent in the last two years. Housing options in Galveston range from stately Victorian-era mansions along Broadway Boulevard to beach-front villas and bungalows. Several high-rise condominiums dot the Gulf Coast shoreline as well as apartment complexes. Subdivisions of single-family dwellings offer more traditional homes within the city while resort water-front properties often are built on stilts. Along the coast, the hottest segment of the market is upper-end homes priced at $200,000 or more.

New developments along the canal and bay that feature recently constructed resort homes are an attractive option for newcomers to the area. Pirates' Cove is a new development nestled around the Galveston Country Club that offers views of the bay and the golf course from each home. Laffite's Cove is a new community in the canal area that is being developed by The Woodlands Corp.