La Marque, TX is often referred to by its Civil War-era nickname "Buttermilk Station," which was given for the reason that soldiers would stop in the area to purchase buttermilk on their trips between Houston and Galveston.
Located in Galveston County, La Marque is less than an hour south of Houston. With a current population of 14,509, the city saw its largest growth in the 1950s, mostly due to necessary infrastructure being built at that time. The town used to be known as Lamarque, and even today it's known by other names like Buttermilk Station and Highlands (after nearby Highland Creek). It is currently known as the hometown of Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison. La Marque's growth has often been tied to nearby Texas City, and even today the two communities serve as bedroom communities for Galveston. Many residents choose to live here if they work at one of the nearby oil processing plants or the Galveston Island Medical Center, which is a major employer.
Moving to La Marque
In recent years, rising housing costs have forced many Galveston residents to relocate to neighboring communities with lower prices such as La Marque. Whether you are looking for a home for rent in La Marque, or would rather stick with rental apartments, you should have no problem finding housing here. Give yourself about a month or so to find the right spot, and make sure you have documentation to back up your claim that you can pay your rent from month to month. This will included verifying your employment as well as showing your rental history. You should also be prepared for a background check to be performed and probably (but not as likely) a credit report as well.
La Marque Neighborhoods
North La Marque: Located just off of I-45 (Gulf Freeway), North La Marque is an ideal spot for people commuting into Houston. The rental properties here are mostly rental houses, while you can also find some townhouses for rent as well.
South La Marque: This triangle-shaped neighborhood hugs the freeway, making it perfect for anyone wanting to travel on the weekends. Hop on the freeway north to the NASA complex, or south to Galveston Island. Stay closer to home and enjoy a jog through Jaycee Park, or eat some grub at Texas Pit Stop BBQ. More stores and restaurants are located on the southern end of this area.
The Highlands: While La Marque is sometimes called "Highlands," nowadays that name refers to this portion of town. With wonderful single-family homes available, you'll feel the urge to take things slower, whether you're passing the Highlands Elementary School, or the Highland's Baptist Church.
Rosewood: Plain and simple, Rosewood is a beautiful neighborhood. If you ever get tired of sitting in your beautiful home, you can always walk over to the beautiful Carbide Park nearby for some fresh air.
Delany Cove: They aren't kidding when they call Delany Cove a master-planned community. It's like everything is in its proper place here, even the signs in the yard! Looking to be where you've always belonged?
East La Marque: Rental apartments should be easier to find here since the area is a mixture of renters and homeowners. You're a little further away from the interstate, but the most you'll have to drive to get on the interstate is a mile or two.
Living in La Marque
Living near the Gulf Coast of Texas certainly has its advantages. Just over the Gulf Freeway bridge is Galveston Island with its sandy beaches, water park and plethora of restaurants and shops. Stroll the streets of Old Galveston and eat fresh-caught Gulf shrimp. But living here does have it's drawbacks, most notably the weather. It gets hot and muggy, there's no question about it. Be prepared for storm surges moving in from the Gulf, some of them even turn into hurricanes. Overall, though, temperatures stay within the 50-90 degree range year-round and winters never feel truly cold.