Wondering about Bolivar Penninsula.. (Houston, Galveston: house, construction, school district)

[saved]

Hi all,

I have some family who are interested in some property on the Bolivar Penninsula, and I am helping them with some research on the area. I would love to have some first hand advice from people who either have lived there, or have visited. Things such as the weather, the people, the property taxes, cost of living, and transportation concerns or praises. Any information would help us, and would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[Vicman]

Okay -

On the Western end is the community of Port Bolivar.

Gilchrist and High Island are in the northeastern end of the peninsula.

For people who wish to live there full time and have kids:
* Port Bolivar is in Galveston ISD and is zoned to Crenshaw Elementary and Middle School (K-8) and Ball High School
* Gilchrist and High Island are zoned to High Island ISD's schools

Route 87, the main artery in the Peninsula, connects to SH 124 after High Island. People wishing to travel between the Peninsula and Galveston must take a ferry. There are plans to build a bridge between the Peninsula and Galveston, but nothing is final yet.

[saved]

Thanks for the reply Vicman! Do you or have you lived there? Do you know anything about the new developments on Crystal Beach? Are the beaches nice? Is the humidity really that bad out there, and what are the frequencies of hurricanes, tornadoes, or flooding in the area? Sorry, lots of questions. Thanks!

[Vicman]

Originally Posted by saved

Thanks for the reply Vicman! Do you or have you lived there? Do you know anything about the new developments on Crystal Beach? Are the beaches nice? Is the humidity really that bad out there, and what are the frequencies of hurricanes, tornadoes, or flooding in the area? Sorry, lots of questions. Thanks!

I live in Central Houston... and, I have not been to the Bolivar Peninsula

You may use http://www.har.com/cs_singlefamily.htm to find properties - Select "High Island ISD" as the school district to get only properties in eastern Bolivar Peninsula - Selecting "Galveston ISD" would reveal Galveston Island AND Western Bolivar Peninsula properties.

You may also use the zip code 77553 for West Bolivar.

For East Bolivar:
* 77551
* 77617
* 77623
* 77650

[txgrl]

There isn't alot in the way of shopping or convenience right now for those that live in that area. There is, however, alot of development going on so things might change which would be nice. There has been talk of a bridge but people have been talking about this for years. It's likely something that may never happen, or if it does it could take many years before it's even a possibility. Right now the fastest way from Bolivar to Galveston is via the ferry. The lines can be very long and as far as I know they haven't put into effect any kind of priority boarding pass for peninsula residents yet. You can check out http://www.crystalbeach.com/ for info on Crystal Beach and the surrounding areas.

[momof2dfw]

They will get that bridge built just as soon as they finish the one from Key West to Cuba.

Yes there is a lot of development going on in Galveston and Bolivar. Bolivar and Crystal Beach are both kind of tranquil. Not the hubbub that you see in most coastal cities at all. Very lowkey. Alas that is all changing. The area is VERY well known for bird watchers and they are fearing that all of the new developments to come are going to disrupt the birds that migrate there. I just wish the lighthouse could get refurbished and open to the public. Right not it is in private hands. Bummer.

The ferry. Yes, VERY long lines and it can take over an hour even during non rush hours. If you do get in line for the ferry whatever you do DO NOT CUT IN LINE OR GET OUT OF YOUR CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DO NOT ASK OTHER DRIVERS TO LET YOU IN FRONT OF THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Unless you want a ticket to the policemans ball these are HUGE no-no's and they are there and you will get a ticket. The ferries load and unload pretty quick and they jam the cars and trucks on them.

[texarabrose]

I lived on Crystal Beach for six months after Rita came through.We came for the construction work.The locals were nice and very helpful.We really enjoyed the beach.You can drive on Crystal beach,we really enjoyed that experience.You can't drive on the beaches in Galveston.You have to park and then walk up to the water.Rollover pass has fabulous fishing.My son and husband caught alot of flounder while we were there.The ferry lines are long in the summer,but everything slows down in the winter.The winters are mild and it is fun to hunt for shells on uncrowded winter beaches in your shorts and no coat.

[cmcgoat]

We are staying in a beach house in Crystal Beach next week. How do the beaches compare to the Galveston beaches?

[kim4man]

I think that the beaches are nicer than that of Galveston bay. They are cleaner and far less people. My kids love to go and hunt shells and you find a whole lot more in the Crystal beach area than that of Galveston. So much hussle and bustle of Galveston Island(very fun also) just more relaxing on Crystal beach. Have a great time!