Lake Madeline - Galveston, TX

When the Seawall became extended during the 1950s to this portion of Galveston Island, the Lake Madeline neighborhood began. Colony Park came as a government project during the same time. Over time, all the neighborhoods grew together to form what encompasses the Lake Madeline Park area.

In the neighborhood itself few restaurants exist except near the beach where businesses cluster along Seawall Blvd. Bryants Jungle Cafe has sandwiches galore for quick bites on activity filled nights. A mixed menu of island favorites, Hispanic dishes, and a few creations of their own makes it a unique local establishment.

Nightlife centers around the beach or the arts-and-entertainment district. Near the beach, popular local hangouts such as the Spot Tiki Bar with its 50 varieties of beers let you have it any way you want it. When in need of something more upscale, try the Spot with its Shrimp Kisses and Frickles, otherwise known as fried pickles. The Brickhouse has domestic beer at 22 ounces at $4.60.

In the arts-and-entertainment district, Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe has a list of local artists that sing the night away while you sip on your favorite drink. Better yet, Galveston's active art and entertainment venues provide events most nights of the week some place on the island. Island ETC provides innovative plays and skits that enlighten and thrill. The Galveston Arts Center organizes an art walk every six to eight weeks.

Most residents use their car to travel to the many attractions in Galveston. Most parking remains free except during events, when temporary fees are set up to help with clean up afterward.

A few bus stops exist in Lake Madeline, but the nearest cluster of bus stops to the neighborhood center around route 342, which runs north from Interstate 45 to the Seawall Blvd. The bus routes also run off island to Texas City. Daily trains also run from Houston to Gavelston. Bike riding and walking is popular throughout the area with the wide sidewalks along the Seawall and numerous bike rentals. If in need of a taxi, multiple companies provide service to the area; Uber services the area as well.

Along Beluche Drive stands Schreiber Park, a neighborhood favorite. It has baseball fields with bullpen dugouts, and even a press box and a playground.

The beach serves the residents outdoor-activity and water needs from fishing to scuba diving to just playing in the water.

No museums exist within the residential neighborhood but Moody Gardens pyramid, a major theme park, is located nearby. An Aquarium Pyramid with a 1.5 million-gallon tank teeming with penguins, sharks and stingrays delights everyone. A MG 3D Theater allows visitors to interact with the wild life in a safe way. A Colonel Paddlewheel boat gives families an up-close-and-personal view of the water.

On average, expect to pay $664 for a one-bedroom apartment while gas prices average at 5.5 percent less than the national average.

Health care ranges 15 to 20 percent cheaper than the national average, and utilities such as electricity and phone rank significantly lower in cost. A pizza costs $7.90 in Lake Madeline, several dollars cheaper than the national average.

Most of the major shopping areas exist outside of the neighborhood. Just outside of 69th Street, a Wal-Mart welcomes customers daily for all-around grocery shopping. Minutes away, the Historic Strand beckons with its one-of-kind boutique shops.

Groceries and housing rank significantly below the national average, making it a good place for young families or retirees to settle. A farmer's market on PostOffice Street sells local produce on Sundays.

Old Galveston Trading Company on Postoffice Street features local craftsman and artists wares. For beach supplies, go to the Seawall where Bargain Beachwear has a mammoth array of towels, sportswear and supplies to include your whole family. Strictly Hardcore Surf Specialties deals surfboards, lessons, and assorted accessories to that end. The Emporium at Eibands has antiques and collectibles to furnish the home from over 30 artists and artisans.