Clear Lake/Galveston
Running southeast toward Galveston, I-45 South, also known as the Gulf Freeway, was the first freeway in the city. Gulfgate Mall at the intersection of I-45 and Loop I-610 was the city’s first modern shopping mall. Parts of southern Houston are still among the fastest growing in the entire region, and newcomers can find a variety of lifestyle options.
As a community that is home to the NASA Space Center, as well as to the third largest boating center in the United States, Clear Lake has much to offer.
The city of Houston annexed Clear Lake City in 1976, but eight other surrounding communities also comprise the area known as Clear Lake. The population of the original Clear Lake City and the eight other townships totals approximately 156,000.
Originally a fishing and agricultural community, the area’s primary industry today is aerospace focused around the Johnson Space Center. Aerospace-related companies employ about 27 percent of the area’s population. Boating, recreation and tourism industries employ an additional 25 percent.
For those who would enjoy living in a community built on dreams pointed to the heavens as well as downward to the sea, Clear Lake is certainly worth exploring.
Located to the west across the Gulf Freeway from Clear Lake is the rural community of Friendswood, founded in 1895 by members of the Society of Friends (the Quakers).
These days, the 28,000 residents enjoy a heavily-wooded suburban/semi-rural atmosphere. Some homes sit on several acres, others on smaller subdivision lots. Creek-front properties are available, and one subdivision offers a private airplane landing strip as an amenity. Prices range from the mid-$70s to a half million or more in subdivisions such as neighboring Green Tee.
Many newcomers are surprised to learn that Galveston, an island on the Texas Gulf Coast, is only a one-hour drive from Houston.
Galveston is home to many commuters who work in Houston. In addition, many Houstonians maintain property in Galveston for their weekend getaways.
A diversity of options, from stately Victorian mansions to beach-front villas, bungalows, or high-rises, add to the city’s charm.
