Living in Galveston: Is It Worth It?

A conversation between Jessica Safavimehr and Stormie King

Living on Galveston Island is a unique experience for the 50,000 residents who call it home. For this piece, I sat down with Stormie King, co-owner of Island Vibe Magazine, a BOI (born on the island), and myself, an IBC (Islander by Choice), to talk about what makes the island so special.

Jessica: Stormie, tell me a bit about being a BOI in Galveston.

Stormie: I love it here. Even when I left the island, something about Galveston kept calling me back. As an adult, I appreciate it so much more. The island has such a rich history, and I’m proud to be part of that.

Jessica: How was it growing up here versus being an adult?

Stormie: It’s very different. I remember places that are no longer here, or have changed. Now, with my daughter, I get to relive those memories. She gets to grow up in the same community I did, and that means a lot to me.

Galveston inspires me. There’s so much hidden local talent, and that’s why I am passionate about showcasing it. I want visitors to see the beauty of the island beyond the beaches.

Jessica: I’m from Lubbock, Texas—a place with endless cotton fields and nothing else. I always knew I needed to leave after high school, and I did. I lived in Dallas, moved to New York, then came back to Galveston. We felt a strong connection to the island after several trips, and it became our escape. Now, it’s home.

It’s fascinating how many people share a similar story—finding themselves drawn to Galveston after big life changes.

Stormie: Galveston is definitely laid-back, and we embrace that lifestyle. People here are relaxed, living on “Island Time.”

Jessica: As a BOI, what misconceptions do you hear about Galveston, and how do you address them?

Stormie: A lot of people think it’s dirty or that it’s just about the port. But the island is so much more. It’s a place full of diverse cultures, art, food, and history. I encourage people to explore beyond the beaches, take in the murals, and discover the community.

Jessica: What are some hidden gems on the island?

Stormie: The coffee shops and donut spots are treasures. I love discovering local businesses that many don’t know about. One underappreciated event is the Galveston International Festival, which celebrates the island’s diverse cultures. It’s a great way to experience the community.

Jessica: The art scene here is massive, especially in The Strand and Postoffice District. It’s a vibrant creative hub that encourages me to be more inspired.

Stormie: Absolutely. The art scene here helps the uninspired find their creativity. I love attending ArtWalk and seeing how people connect with their art. It’s a wonderful experience.

Jessica: Let’s talk about Island Vibe Magazine. How did it get started?

Stormie: I met my business partner at my last job, and we instantly clicked. She wanted to start a magazine, and we dove in. We’re both designers, so we handle everything ourselves. Our mission is to showcase local talent and businesses while also informing tourists about what the island has to offer.

Jessica: What’s been your favorite business featured so far?

Stormie: It’s hard to choose, but one that stands out is Yesenia, a local nail technician. I discovered her on Facebook, and her work is amazing. Artists come in many forms, from makeup to nails, and beyond. Yesenia is incredibly talented.

Jessica: I totally agree. I’ve worked in editorial and had been freelancing when we moved here. By a twist of fate, I connected with Culture Clash Magazine, which covers arts, entertainment, and local issues. It’s been a perfect fit. I feel lucky to work with a small, tight-knit team, which has been a refreshing change from corporate life.

Stormie: How has moving from New York to Galveston changed your approach to creating magazines?

Jessica: It’s been liberating. I’ve worked for big companies before, and now, I prefer working in a smaller, more creative environment. I feel much less stress here. When I have a tough day, I can just go to the beach or engage with the local creative community, which helps reset my mind.

Jessica: So, why Galveston?

Stormie: Galveston is home for me. I want to raise my daughter here and continue creating memories. It’s a great place to raise a family, and I love the community vibe.

Jessica: Do you have advice for people thinking of moving to Galveston?

Stormie: Be open-minded. There’s so much opportunity here. It’s a place where anything can happen, and relationships are key. Get to know the community, understand their stories, and connect with local businesses.

Jessica: My favorite feature we’ve worked on so is the Community issue. We featured local industries and businesses and got to share the stories of why people started them. I also worked with Ball High School on an essay contest about living in Galveston. Hearing from the students was inspiring—it gave me a new perspective on life here.

Stormie: That’s amazing. It’s so important to highlight the voices of the community, especially the next generation.

Jessica: Absolutely. After just a year here, I couldn’t be happier. Galveston has truly become home for me.

Stormie: I’m so glad to hear that. I feel the same way about the island. It’s a place where creativity thrives, and everyone has a story to tell.