Kemah and Seabrook Real Estate Area Information and Homes for Sale in Galveston and Harris County, TX.

Kemah and Seabrook

Kemah gets its name from the Karankawa Indian word for “wind in the face,” or “facing the wind.” The gentle gulf breeze washes over residents and visitors as they explore the various entertainment and recreation options in the city. Fewer than 15 years ago, Kemah was a sleepy seaside community where fishing was the primary activity. The opening of the Kemah Boardwalk, however, reinvigorated Kemah with a new sense of energy. The Boardwalk is an entertainment complex featuring restaurants, shops, a full-service hotel, a Ferris wheel and a marina.

Kemah now relies on tourism as a main sector of the local economy. The city’s largest employing industry is tourism services, collectively arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodations and food service. Retail trade and construction are strong also. Seabrook is mainly supported by retail trade; educational, health and social services; and professional services.

Seabrook doesn’t have a bustling entertainment complex and is more known as a seaside hideaway. It has several Bed and Breakfasts for those looking to take a deep breath and enjoy nature as well as Wednesday night boat races on the lake and in the bay. Bird-watching is quite popular and several parks in the city are designated locations along the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. There is also much to explore in the antique and specialty shops of Old Seabrook. Jewelry and gifts found here are often distinctive and hand-made.

In general, the landscape of the Houston Greater Bay Area is lush and fertile, due to the climate and the presence of so much water nearby. The Armand Bayou Nature Center, on the north side of Clear Lake, preserves this landscape of wetlands, bottomland hardwood forests and tall grass prairies. The center encompasses 2,500 acres, and is open to the public six days a week.

Additionally, technology and aerospace, by way of The Johnson Space Center, plays a strong role in the area as well. In fact, El Lago (in Seabrook) is referred to as the original astronaut neighborhood. The space center is located on the north side of the lake and just up the road from Seabrook. It is here that U.S. astronauts are trained and U.S. manned space flights are observed. The Official Visitors Center offers activities and information for space-enthusiasts of all ages.

Shopping malls are only 15-20 minutes away as well as great access to all major roadways and airports. Hobby Airport is approximately a 20-30 minute drive and Houston Intercontinental is about a 45-55 minute drive. If conveniences, shopping and schools are important yet you desire a bedroom-type community, you may want to make Kemah or Seabrook your new hometown.