Yes, I do think that the Texas coast is a great place to retire. I also think that property values will rebound (I just hope that they don't rebound too much before I get there).

Since storms are a given, the biggest downside is the possible cost of living escalation that takes place when communities gentrify.

— By Mark on Nov. 9 at 12:02 PM

Galveston is a great place to retire. In addition to UTMB, we're only 50 miles from the largest medical center in the world.

It's why I suggested a long time ago that the East End Flats be developed for affordable housing for retirees. Del Webb kind of developments, like they have in Georgetown and other Austin area cities.

— By R. Hill on Nov. 9 at 12:12 PM

Definitely!

— By Soli DeoGloria on Nov. 9 at 1:15 PM

Absolutely! Galveston is a wonderful place to retire. We've got a great climate, proximity to the 3rd largest city in the nation, decent restaurants and amenities, medical facilities, arts and entertainment venues, cultural diversity, and we are finally becoming more green. The schools are getting better and our crime is going down. I just moved here (at age 41) and am planning to stay for the remainder of my life.

Now, we just need curbside recycling and compost pick-up and a Whole Foods Market and I'll be in heaven! :-)

— By Holly Fortenberry on Nov. 9 at 1:17 PM

Darn right Galveston is a retirement community waiting to happen. I am 29 and decided in my teens that Galveston is where I will spend my golden years. I would be there already, but with kids, the school district keeps me away. Once they are gone, I am there for the duration!! Looking at the retirement houses right now.

— By michael johnson on Nov. 9 at 7:44 PM

We have already bought the home we will retire to in Galveston. After considering many locations, Galveston was an easy choice.....close to Houston (cultural outtings, med center, etc.), UTMB, reasonable real estate on the gulf, full calendar of events, no state income tax, etc.

Downside, the poor city planning i.e. Magnolia Homes.

— By Ana Draa on Nov. 9 at 9:03 PM

It's a fine place to retire if one has the physical health and mental stamina and resources to evacuate periodically, and the resources and financial health to deal with the consequences if you suffer heavy losses or lose everything due to a natural disaster.

I love Galveston and choose to live here, but if if you can't evacuate yourself or else can't deal with the stress and possible bad outcome of hurricane season, this is not the place for you.

— By L' Ouest on Nov. 10 at 9:24 AM

To Michael Johnson, who is staying away from the island until his family is grown, Galveston has some wonderful charter schools. KIPP Academy is now housed in the former Rosenberg Elementary, and there are others, as well. Don't wait, come now.

— By Susan Syler on Nov. 10 at 11:07 AM

Great place to retire EXCEPT for the city council and mayor. If we can get rid of the current folks in power and put new blood in that isn't tainted with BOI baloney, this town would be wonderful. LeBlanc and Lyda are killing us. Plus they covered up news on Ike so folks and the world wouldn't see how bad it REALLY was and then the jerks (Lyda nd Steve and Yarborough) wouldn't let folks back in to save what was left, so the looter contractors from out of state stole what usuable belongings we had left that survived. Oh, and TWIA is gouging us and failing to properly pay claims.

— By Democrats Rwastinmoney on Nov. 10 at 12:41 PM

That is the plan if this city and the GHA can get their act together!

— By 69 Chevy on Nov. 10 at 2:36 PM

I agree with Susan. The schools are getting better. KIPP charter school is one of the best in the nation with a waiting list and we are fortunate to have them in Galveston.

With regard to City Council...I agree we need to get rid of Lyda Ann and others; but, I want to keep Elizabeth Beeton as long as possible!

— By Holly Fortenberry on Nov. 10 at 2:45 PM

Not for me. I had planned on retiring in Galveston and even remodeled a smaller home for my retirement. On my rv retirement trip, Rita headed in and messed it up. Enough was enough. We moved to West Texas and Ike completely destroyed the retirement home on Channelview Drive. The rebuilding of the projects destroyed any second thoughts of returning as they were right behind me for 9 yrs and I could tell you some eye opening stories that the liberals would not want to hear.

— By Lyndon Young on Nov. 10 at 4:58 PM

I came home to Galveston to retire and am so glad I did. The beach is a natural wonder to me and I just love walking/cycling/fishing on the beach and it keeps me active and gives me exercise, and all the while I'm doing these activities I'm thrilled to be out there. What better gift for one's golden years than to discover the things you loved to do as a teen are still there to love as a senior! Another thing, I've always had to struggle to exercise, and usually did not win the struggle, but when you add this wonderful scenic background it becomes a pure delight instead of a chore, I mean I am literally in heaven. If I have to evacuate occasionally so be it, but at least I live somewhere that I love and that enhances my life so wonderfully!

— By sandytoes on Nov. 11 at 3:22 AM

I think the jury is still out on the question. Galveston has potential to be a good retirement area. The city needs to beef up code enforcement so that even modest housing is kept up. Second is the need for strong crime control done firmly but with respect for the citizenry. Third they need to control taxes and lastly not overdo public housing on the island.

— By Robert Smith on Nov. 11 at 5:06 AM

Well, I don't live in Galveston, but I'm still on vacation in Texas City after 14 years. My family still wonders when I'm coming home! Why? I have everything that a person could possible want here. I'm close enough to Houston, Galveston, and I can pronounce the name of the town I live in. I miss the dike, but it was becoming an eyesore with out-of-towners trashing it every weekend. So when they rebuild it, I hope that they do charge for using it. Maybe people will appreciate it a little bit better. I love Galveston County! Everyday is a vacation day here!

— By Melena Brown on Nov. 11 at 5:44 AM

If we only had white sand beaches and crystal clear water. But, if that were the case, there wouldn't be a property on the island that was under $500,000

— By Rick Lines on Nov. 11 at 11:45 PM

I've lived on the Island twice, a total of 17 years. Our intentions were to retire here, but the city government, along with the situation with GHA gives me second thoughts. I don't want my taxes going to support 10+% of the population in public housing and other freebies.

Galveston will continue to grow through the years as long as the way it's run is kept a secret.

— By Don Ray on Nov. 12 at 3:40 PM

I bought my modest little house in Galveston with the intention of retiring here. I didn't even mind commuting to my job in Houston but I realized during the Rita evacuation that I might need a safer place to be. That along with the Katrina evacuees that kidnapped my dog and trashed up the neighborhood made me start to question Galveston as a final destination.

Then came Ike. The storm was bad but the aftermath still gives me a sick feeling. Not being able to get home and not knowing if my house was even standing was so frustrating. I know that we voted for the city leaders but how could we know how badly they would react to the situation.

Now the public housing issue.. I really don't get it..Why are we recruiting people with no jobs (and with no intention to look for work) to come back? It all has totally turned me off to looking at the Island as a place to retire..

I do want to seem negative and not ranting. I'm sure it is a perfect place for some. I was born here and have always loved Galveston. I will continue to live here and support Galveston for a while but plan to spend my "golden years" elsewhere.

— By Michael Sabanovich on Nov. 13 at 5:40 AM