Peter Van Borssum, REALTOR® - Galveston, Texas

Restoration efforts coupled with Galveston's beautiful natural assets have made the Island a leading Gulf Coast destination. Fishermen, birders, kayakers, surfers, sailors and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds flock to the island and surrounding areas for the beaches and waterways, and to enjoy the beautiful sub-tropical environment. Today the Port of Galveston hosts one of the nation's top-five cruise markets. The island also has many family attractions, including a Schlitterbahn Water Park and Moody Gardens. Popular annual celebrations are Mardi Gras, FeatherFest and the Lone Star Bike Rally.

Although Galveston is best known for beaches and historical neighborhoods, many industries besides tourism contribute to the local economy -- maritime and offshore industries, commercial fishing, and medical research to name a few. American National Insurance Company, one of the largest life insurance companies in the U.S., has its corporate home in Galveston. Two of the state's largest universities have campuses in Galveston -- University of Texas Medical Branch (founded here in 1891) and Texas A & M at Galveston (TAMUG).