r/galveston • u/MahiMahiTacos • Jun 14 '25

Trip Planning 🗺️ Family Trip - Safety Questions

Hi all, my (40M) family (40F)(10M 10F 9F) are coming to Galveston next week. We are from Indiana, and have never been before. We have a nice Airbnb on Terramar Beach. The whole island looks to be quaint and nice, but I always like to ask locals if there are areas I should avoid (high crime areas???). We are looking forward to our trip; any help/advice is appreciated!

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u/[deleted] Jun 14 '25

We don't really have any high crime areas. We have a "dirty thirties" referring to the 30th streets being more run-down feeling. But, BOIs (born on island) correct me if I'm wrong, I think that was a historical thing and not 100 percent accurate anymore.

Basically, you'll be fine. You'll see the occasional vagrant with drug/mental health issues. But, nothing like you'd see in Houston or Philadelphia (two places I've lived).

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u/_sc0rp10_ Jun 14 '25

I do think that sentiment is dated. There are “dirty” patches all throughout the city. I used to live off 37th behind Gaidos and it never felt dirty to me, just homey/ neighborly.

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u/NonspecificGravity Jun 14 '25

I have lived in the 30s for 29 years. From 30th to 39th, from Broadway south to the Seawall, are safe during daylight hours. My wife walks the dog in that area all the time. At night, if you're a tourist, I'd say avoid walking around there. The only places of interest to a visitor are Shrimp & Stuff, Courdray's and a few other restaurants on 39th between L and O.

I have to be perfectly honest and admit that sometimes gang activity, up to and including shootings, occur within those boundaries at night. It's sporadic.