Galveston, Texas Real Estate Agent - Margie Kaplan

Margie Kaplan specializes in luxury homes, high rise condos, and other Galveston, Texas real estate. She has been a Texas Realtor since 1983 and a licensed Broker since 1986. She was the designated Broker of RE/MAX Memorial in Houston and then transferred to RE/MAX Professional Group and in 2006 had her grand opening of MK Luxury Homes and Condos, Inc. in Houston and Dallas.

She holds many designations including CRS, CLHMS, CNHS, CFS, ePRO. Most of her Galveston real estate business is by referral and repeat clients. She has one of the most talked about and previewed web sites regarding luxury homes and high rise condos for sale or lease in Galveston and from her website you can view hundreds of VIRTUAL TOURS from the privacy of your own home.

Galveston Facts, History, and Local Events

Galveston, Texas, is a city on Galveston Island, which is situated a couple of miles off the shore of the Gulf of Mexico, in Galveston County. Just about fifty miles from downtown Houston, the city is at the very southern end of the I-45. One of a string of barrier islands which dot the coastal area of Texas, Galveston has an area of 208 square miles, and sits in the Metropolitan Area formed by Houston–Galveston–Baytown. The community is the second-largest city in the county, by population, and is the county seat. Galveston is a treasure house of miles of beaches, a laid back atmosphere, multiple and varied leisure activities, top notch restaurants, and many attractions. Its vibrant and historic downtown area offers a range of dining, shopping, arts, and entertainment opportunities.

Galveston Texas Area Map Galveston has a charming and undeniable appeal for residents and visitors. It has charm, and all the amenities of a great city. There is a rich historical heritage, scenic natural beauty, numerous cultural events and some stunning and distinctive architecture, not to mention its relaxed island ambiance. All in all, Galveston is a great place to either live in or visit. The community has become one of the topmost popular vacation destinations in the state of Texas, and attracts visitors from around the globe who are looking for rest and relaxation. There is much for the pleasure seeker in the town of Galveston. From tropical resorts on clean white beaches, to dramatic and rich history, to spectacular special events year round, there is always something going on here.

With all the amenities of a much larger city, and the small town and tight knit friendliness if a charming suburb, the town is also a diverse community. Its involved citizens’ groups work together in order to make it a better place for all. Numerous non-profit organizations as well as community groups create a superb atmosphere of volunteering and service. The economy of the island is multifaceted, with a varied economic base and an expanding job market in the tourism sector. Other strong sectors are the medical field, as well as marine-related industries, education, insurance, banking, and so on. The laid back island life is enhanced by a total absence of heavy traffic and travelling delays. Even the biggest of the major thoroughfares on the island are never seriously congested and it takes no more than fifteen minutes to go anywhere in the city.

The beach is one of the major attractions of Galveston, and the winter months are a good time for beachcombing. Warm weathers even in peak winter make it the best time to enjoy various outdoor activities including boating, fishing, and bird watching. But the beach is not the only thing the community has to offer. There are excellent and well appointed restaurants that offer a multitude of cuisines, there are numerous shops offering a range of retail experiences, there are museums that refresh and recapture history, and year round special events, which attract millions of visitors a year to the island. Most museums are in downtown Galveston, a historic area that has recently seen a dramatic reawakening. The city has invested millions to revive The Strand as well as the surrounding downtown areas to the thriving economic center they once were.

The area where Galveston sits today was originally home to the Native American Karankawa Indians. There was probably a shipwreck here in 1528, and the area was named by José de Eviaqv, in 1785, in honor of the viceroy of Mexico – Bernardo de Gálvez. Galveston was designated as a port of entry by Mexico in 1825. After the Texas revolution, a group of investors acquired more than 4,000 acres and platted a town. It was granted incorporation in 1839. Today, it is a tourist destination, and a choice place to live.