Imagine purchasing a parcel of land when subscribing to a newspaper! During the 1920’s, the Clear Lake area was a popular vacation area for those wanting to leave the hustle and bustle of the City of Houston. Promoters purchased land and subdivided it into 20 by 100 foot tracts for a development they named “Clear Lake Shores”. Unfortunately, this plan did not come to fruition when the Great Depression hit. But in the 1930’s, the (now defunct) Houston Post reportedly advertised the lots for a price of $69.50 with a 6-month newspaper subscription. Many “subscribers” did take the offer and began building summer homes on the island. After water was established on the island, permanent residences were built. By 1936, the community of Clear Lake Shores was reflected on Galveston County highway maps. The city was incorporated in 1962 and has continued to grow.

Located on Farm Road 2094 (Marina Bay Drive), Clear Lake Shores is about 22 miles northwest of Galveston in Galveston County, on the southeastern side of Clear Lake at the entrance of Jarboe Bayou, and about a mile west of Galveston Bay. This island community has maintained its eclectic blend of homes and embraces the maritime lifestyle. Homes range in size from under 1,000 square feet to over 6,000 square feet. Besides being a bird sanctuary, Clear Lake Shores is also home to three marinas and regarded as “The Yachting Capital of Texas”. There are more boat slips located in the city limits than there are residents on dry land.

The residents (about 1,400) enjoy: a front-row view of the annual holiday boat lane parade; fireworks over the lake; community dinners; driving golf carts to get from place to place around the island; and, buying fresh produce at the weekend Farmers Market. The city has a police department, city council, and civic club. Residents and visitors frequent the variety of restaurants in Clear Lake Shores as well as the stores and shops in the area.

If you are looking to relocate to an area with a small town feel, located in the Clear Creek Independent School District and you love sailing, fishing, or just being close to the water, Clear Lake Shores is beckoning you. You cannot, however, take advantage of buying land with a newspaper subscription!

View All Homes in Clear Lake Shores for Sale

The post City Spotlight: Clear Lake Shores – The Island in the Bay Area appeared first on Brockway Realty, LLC Blog.