In 1817, French pirate Jean Lafitte came to Galveston. Even two centuries after his departure from the island, many East End landmarks still bear his name, and his treasure is rumored to be buried somewhere on the bayside shore. While a few visitors may dream of digging up gold, most residents of the Pirates Cove and Jamaica Beach neighborhoods consider the views of West Bay, thousands of acres of beach and park space and colorful wildlife to be treasure enough. These twin neighborhoods on the island’s west side are just a short walk or golf cart away from a fresh seafood dinner, an afternoon at the beach, or an evening watching the sunset on a beach house balcony.
The preserve, located in Jamaica Beach is named after Jean Lafitte, a French pirate.
Lafitte's Cove Nature Preserve is located within the Jamaica Beach neighborhood.
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Birding, hiking and fishing at Galveston Island State Park
Galveston Island State Park divides Jamaica Beach and Pirates Cove and is the largest green space in the area. The state park spans 2,000 acres filled with hiking trails, campgrounds and fishing and swimming spots. Visitors may also want to stop by the nature center to learn more about the island’s history and native flora and fauna. “We have a lot of different types of birds that fly through throughout the year, so it’s very popular for birds,” says Shani Atkinson, Realtor with Galveston Island Real Estate. “A lot of people kayak, and everyone talks about the sunsets over the bay. So even if you’re not fishing, there’s lots to do and take in.” The east side of the state park has multiple points of interest, from the golf course of Galveston Country Club on Stewart Road to Lafitte’s Cove Nature Preserve on Eckert Drive. While the preserve is named after the fearsome pirate of Galveston’s past, today it is mainly known for its diverse bird populations.
Galveston Island State Park offers visitors to Jamaica Beach a look at both the Beach and Bay.
Galveston Island State Park, located in Jamaica Beach is a popular fishing destination.
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Waterman’s serves water views and fresh seafood
Locals don’t have to go far to sample fresh seafood. In Jamaica Beach, Way West Grill on Termini-San Luis Pass Road focuses on Tex-Mex entrees and “Texas style” poutine, while the Shrimp N Stuff Food Truck just down the block offers fast-service fried fish and seafood. On the Pirates Cove side, Waterman’s Restaurant and Marina on Stewart Road serves lobster bisque, ribeye steaks and “you catch it, we cook it” fish specials, all with views of Lake Como and Galveston Bay.There are no large shopping centers on the west side of Galveston, so markets and convenience stores like Sea Isle Supermarket or Seven Seas Grocery, both on Termini-San Luis Pass Road, provide basic groceries. There are also very few houses of worship on the west end of the island. The closest church is Church of the Living God Galveston on 7 Mile Road, 18 miles from Pointe West.
Jamaica Beach's Waterman's Restaurant offers guests a seaside view.
Jamaica Beach's Waterman's Restaurant offers diners the option of having their catch cooked.
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A rainbow of homes dots the shore of West Bay
Most of the property in Jamaica Beach and Pirates Cove is candy-colored seaside cottages and bungalows, which are often elevated to protect against flooding or summer storms. “Most of the homes, pretty much all of them, are built up, 8 to 15 feet tall, because there is potential for flooding and hurricanes,” Susan Cahill, Agent with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. Homes further away from the beach typically have wide yards with no fencing between neighbors, while in waterfront communities, iron fences, inground pools and large gardens bursting with colorful flowers are common. A 2 or 3-bedroom cottage may cost between $300,000 to $800,000, depending on its proximity to the water, while seaside mansions with multiple balconies and wide patios can sell for between $950,000 to $1.5 million. Jamaica Beach and Pirates Cove have a CAP Index Crime Score of 1, the lowest possible score.
A row of beach homes sit amongst the sandy dunes of Pirates Cove, just west of Galveston.
Beach homes with ample sized lots sit just off of the surf in Jamaica Beach.
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West End extends past the Galveston Seawall
Jamaica Beach and Pirate Cove are 15 miles from downtown Galveston on the other side of the island. Termini-San Luis Pass Road runs across the west end of Galveston, eventually connecting to Seawall Boulevard on the East Side. Interstate 45 connects East End Galveston to the mainland. Jamaica Beach and Pirates Cove are 11 miles from Scholes International Airport, the only major airport on the island.
The Jamaica Beach water tower overlooks the neighborhood and ocean.
The Seawall is located outside of the Jamaica Beach and offers residents a nice biking path.
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Lessons in literature and science at Burnet Elementary
One of the closest Galveston Independent School District schools is Burnet Elementary STREAM Magnet School, which earns a C grade on Niche and specializes in a curriculum focusing on literature, physics and biology. Weiss Middle School also has a C grade, and Ball High School earns a B grade from Niche. Jamaica Beach is 16 miles from the University of Texas Medical Branch campus, which hosts the island’s many acclaimed hospitals.
Ball High School has a student body of approximately 2,000 students.
Burnet Elementary is located in Galveston, TX, a short drive from the Jamaica Beach area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Are you familiar with the Jamaica Beach-Pirates Cove neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Jamaica Beach-Pirates Cove
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Jamaica Beach-Pirates Cove Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Jamaica Beach-Pirates Cove, Jamaica Beach sell after 102 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Jamaica Beach-Pirates Cove, Jamaica Beach over the last 12 months is $644,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Open House December 13th 11:00AM at Nan Properties Heights Office (725 Yale St). Welcome to the Isabella Penterra floorplan at Tiara on the Beach - a new way to experience life on the water's edge. Isabella is located on the 3rd floor and features 11' ceilings, a stunning fireplace, and all Gaggenau appliances. Contemporary and sophisticated, Tiara on the Beach will be an architectural gem
Anastasia GaidoNan & Company Properties - Corporate Office (Heights)
Open House December 13th 11:00AM at Nan Properties Heights Office (725 Yale St). Welcome to the Phillip Penthouse at Tiara on the Beach- This floorplan is located on the 10th floor and is 1 of 7 available penthouses, which redefine the art of gracious living with a private elevator vestibule, lofty 11’ ceilings, a stunning fireplace, and all Gaggenau appliances. Contemporary and sophisticated,
Anastasia GaidoNan & Company Properties - Corporate Office (Heights)
Open House December 13th 11:00AM-3:00PM at Nan Properties Heights Office (725 Yale St). Now under construction! Welcome to the Diana floorplan at Tiara on the Beach- This floorplan is located on the 6th floor and redefines the art of gracious living with a private elevator vestibule, lofty 10’ ceilings, and all Thermador appliances. Contemporary and sophisticated, Tiara on the Beach will be an
Anastasia GaidoNan & Company Properties - Corporate Office (Heights)
Charming 3/2 beach bungalow on a large, fully fenced & gated lot offering privacy & space for outdoor fun! Upgrades include fresh paint, new windows, Hardy siding, Trex decking, new fence/gate, remodeled lower level, & upgraded outdoor shower. Open floor plan feels bright & airy, with a kitchen featuring gorgeous cabinetry, granite countertops, & stainless appliances. Spacious bedrooms, one with
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Marylouise Caravella
Caravella Coastal a division of The Real Estate Brokerage Co. LLC
Beautiful home on the Laffite's Cove Nature Society Preserve offering a large fenced back yard as well as a large front yard with huge curb appeal. A formal entry leads to an enclosed ground floor entry and well as to the main living areas. Tile flooring throughout the main living areas and wood look flooring in all the bdrms and 2nd floor living room. Built-ins offered in all bedrooms and the
Marylouise Caravella
Caravella Coastal a division of The Real Estate Brokerage Co. LLC
Experience coastal living in this well appointed/well maintained, fully furnished (minus personal exclusions) home in Jamaica Beach. Features: Newly built in 2020, this single level home has 3 bedrooms/3 full baths, fully fenced on oversized lot. Come relax on the porch and have your morning coffee or relax downstairs with your favorite movie or football game. Open concept kitchen/living/dining
Renter must have 700+ credit score. No housing vouchers accepted.This is a must-see renovated, beachside charming dome house. This 3 bedroom 2 bathroom has an expansive wrap-around deck to enjoy the views and coastal breeze. Features include open kitchen with breakfast nook and new appliances and furniture. There is a 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom on the first floor. Second floor has 2 spacious
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