Living Galveston...it's a lifestyle!

Originally from Houston, Texas, I moved to New York City at a young age to pursue an acting career. The city was a great adventure and opened my eyes to the many cultures, lifestyles & vices available to an individual. At first I worked as a Ford Model and soon found myself in the exciting world of acting, landing several lead roles in both television and movies. When I was not working I spent much of my time traveling. I lived in Seville, Spain for six months and traveled throughout Europe and into Africa on numerous trips. I also enjoyed a six month adventure driving and camping throughout America where I discovered the shocking beauty of Americas West Coast. I settled in California, where I picked up surfing and started to experiment with paint. After two years in Los Angeles, unable to find consistent work as an actor, I decided it was time for a change.  In January of 2001, I moved back to New York City and focused my attention on art. I found work as a bartender and spent all my free time painting and studying art. 

Yearning to be close to water with the ability to continue surfing and looking for a cheaper place to paint, I moved to Galveston Texas in 2003. I decided that Galveston would be a good fit for both activities. In 2004, I bought a historic house (built in 1856) that sits in the center of Galveston’s East End Historic District to use as a studio. During renovations, the house collapsed. The construction company responsible for the collapse was not adequately insured and filed for bankruptcy. Always dreaming of building my own home and wary of local contractors, I bought a nail gun, pulled the permits and re-built the house myself. To pay for this, I started working as a realtor, buying and selling Waterfront and Historic properties on Galveston Island. In 2014, I acquired my second property in which I affectionately dubbed the “Corner Store.” Originally built-in 1868, the building boasted a rich and fascinating history, albeit in need of substantial restoration. Over the course of four years, I diligently renovated this space, envisioning it as my office and art gallery. 

It was over these years of growing, changing and moving forward that I envisioned the idea of Living Galveston. I am utterly ecstatic that it has come to fruition, and I can share it with you.

I’m Shane McDermott, I am a local Galveston artist as well as real estate expert with over two decades of experience specializing in historic and waterfront properties on Galveston Island.

As a longtime resident and father of two young boys, I am personally invested in our Galveston community and its future. Whether you are selling your current home, buying a new property, looking to rent, in need of property maintenance/construction/management, or simply seeking insights into today’s local market or the events and arts scene, please reach out. 

I am committed to providing a personalized Living Galveston service and leveraging my local knowledge to help you achieve your Island life goals.

Galveston Island is fortunate to have a diverse economic base anchored by maritime, healthcare, education, tourism, and has positioned itself as a vital component to the economic engine of the Texas Gulf Coast. Galveston recently surpassed 7 million annual visitors, 5,000 hotel rooms, and is currently home to the 4th largest cruise port in the United States.

The City of Galveston has prioritized redevelopment of historic properties, and made a tremendous investment in the community with investment in infrastructure projects, and the revitalization of the Strand District. The redevelopment of various properties has proven the success of our development incentives, and continue the redevelopment of Historic Downtown Galveston.