Galveston's historic neighborhoods provide homeowners many unique opportunities. With hundreds of historic structures on the National Register of Historic Places, and thousands of historic houses, Galveston is one of the country's most important concentrations of late 19th- and early 20th-century architecture. From stately mansions to quaint cottages to the conversions of downtown buildings to residential lofts, Galveston's older neighborhoods offer a wide range of housing options to fit any budget.

Galveston Historical Foundation's preservation programs are actively involved in preserving the city's historic buildings, especially stabilizing older neighborhoods and fostering appreciation for Galveston's architectural heritage. A variety of innovative programs are available through the preservation programs, including Paint Partnership for low- and moderate-income owners, and a salvage warehouse for the resale of historic materials.

For those home buyers more attracted to water than Victorian architecture, choose from a modern home on Offatt's Bayou in town, or a high-raised house overlooking the beach or the bay on the island's west end past the end of the seawall.

From new single-family residences on the beach to condos in restored historic buildings, many new projects are on the horizon for housing on Galveston Island.

The island also offers more traditional housing - ranch-style homes built from the 1950s to 1980s - in neighborhoods throughout much of the island.

Galveston Island realtors have reported record-setting sales for the past few years. Through December of 2004, 768 residential homes were sold on Galveston Island through MLS. The average sale price for a home was $179,982 and the median price was $142,000 (condominium average was $102,579). A three-bedroom, two-bath home with a garage and 1,600-1,800 square feet of living space sells for an average price of $149,528 if located from east Galveston to the west end of the seawall, and $252,097 if located west of the end of the seawall.

Renters also will find a variety of housing styles from which to choose. Because rental property is in high demand, plan on allowing at least a month to find the place just right for you. Houses are available for rent, as well as a large number of attractive loft apartments that have been added to the second and third stories of Victorian buildings downtown. Many apartment complexes, both large and small, round out the island's rental market.

The median cost of a 900-square-foot apartment is about $750 per month.

Island real estate agents or an apartment locator service will be glad to assist you in finding a home, apartment or condominium that fits your needs, budget and lifestyle.

Throughout the island, neighborhoods are tight-knit and friendly. For example, neighborhood groups are active in litter cleanup and crime watch programs. Successful neighborhood watch programs bring neighbors together and help them protect themselves against potential problems such as thefts and burglaries. Crime, a concern of everyone in the U.S. today, is no different in Galveston than any other community its size, police say. The Galveston Police Department, which has an authorized strength of 170 officers, has an active crime prevention department providing free home safety inspections and personal safety guidelines. The Galveston community has worked together to address the trend of youth crime with intensive programs that offer innovative support and mentoring through the Island youth programs.