Ken Teague

My only criticism is that the series inaccurately hypes Galveston and fails to communicate the extreme risks of investing in real estate here, and of living here. I am a coastal ecologist with over 40 years of experience. I am also a native Texan (5th generation native). I went to college in Galveston and lived there for 4 years. Galveston is a barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico. Barrier islands are naturally very dynamic, and are susceptible to very serious marine and atmospheric forces. The Gulf, and the Texas coast in particular, is subject to a very high frequency and intensity of hurricanes and other tropical cyclones. Galveston is a low lying barrier island. Max elevation is only a few feet above sea level. An area near the seawall is higher- it was filled after the 1900 storm. Storm surge can exceed 15 feet above sea level. Galveston Island is subsiding due to nearby historic groundwater withdrawal, and the island is sediment-starved, resulting in a very high erosion rate. I’m The city of Galveston is charming and historic, and if not for the risks, would certainly be worth restoring. However, I would never invest in real estate on Galveston Island.