Sweeping bayside views in a lively coastal community
The sound of gulls, the smell of cooking barbecue and the sight of jewel-colored beach houses – this is daily life on Bolivar Peninsula’s Crystal Beach. While Galveston has become one of Texas’s favorite tourist attractions, the neighboring Bolivar Peninsula remains true to its rural roots. Large portions of the peninsula are occupied by ranch land and bird sanctuaries. “We have 27 miles of paradise,” says Holly Cravy, a Crystal Beach resident and Realtor with Vive Realty. “People love the freedom to be, to enjoy the beach without a lot of commotion. It’s a come-as-you-are kind of place.” The peninsula was severely damaged during Hurricane Ike in 2008 but has since rebuilt and become attractive for its beautiful scenery and growing real estate options. Crystal Beach is one of Bolivar’s most popular neighborhoods for its 4-mile-long beach and view of the Gulf of Mexico. The neighborhood hosts signature annual events, from community cook-offs to sailboat races.
Residents can enjoy Bolivar Beach, located on the southern end of Crystal Beach.
A row of beach homes sit along the sand dunes in Crystal Beach, Texas.
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Crystal Beach covers four miles along the Gulf
The area’s namesake beach provides a sweeping view of the Gulf of Mexico and is one of the most beloved beaches in the area. Crystal Beach runs about 4 miles across the peninsula shoreline and can be accessed from multiple points. Hundreds of college students come to the beach every year during spring break season, which lasts for most of March. Gregory Park on Highway 87 is the perfect place for a game of basketball or a bike ride and often hosts summer concerts and yearly festivals. For residents who want to take their boats out on the bay, the area around Crystal Beach has multiple marinas and boat launches, including Bolivar Yacht Basin on Boyt Road and Bolivar Marina on Stingaree Drive.
Kayaking is a popular pastime in the Crystal Beach area.
A child throws a net in the surf for shrimp and baitfish in Crystal Beach.
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Elevated bungalows along the shores of Crystal Beach
While there are about 1,000 permanent residents on the peninsula, most of Crystal Beach’s homes are second residences or vacation properties. Because the area can be vulnerable to flooding during storm season, bungalow-style beach homes are typically elevated. These bungalows come in every color, from lime green and flamingo pink to aqua blue and amethyst purple. Properties may have extra features like big porches, hot tubs and private boat docks. A beach home 1,500 square feet or under ranges from $150,000 to $400,000, while a 1,500 to 2,000 square feet home can be $450,000 to $850,000. Luxury beach homes with lots of custom features can reach between $850,000 to $2 million. Defined yards and sidewalks are rare in Crystal Beach, and nearly everyone is a short walk or golf cart ride to the water. “Most homes are within 1,000 feet from the beach,” says Beth Boles-Terminella, Realtor for One10 Realty. The CAP Index Crime Score in Crystal Beach is a desirable 1 out of 10, well below the national average score of 4.
A large three story beach home, located on an ample sized lot in Crystal Beach, Texas.
A row of beach homes sit along a quiet road in Crystal Beach, Texas.
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Gregory Park hosts crab cookoffs and sailboat racing
Crystal Beach is Bolivar Peninsula’s event destination. Gregory Park bursts with purple, green and gold for Mardi Gras and is filled with the buttery smell of cooking shellfish during the annual Texas Crab Festival in May. Multiple fishing tournaments and barbecue cook-offs are held throughout the year, including the Ladies Casting for Conservation Fishing Tournament in July and the Port Bolivar BBQ Cook-Off in October. At the end of summer, the water of Crystal Beach fills with dozens of colorful boat sails for the Bolivar Rig Run Sailboat Race.
Gregory Park is a neighborhood staple for the Crystal Beach community.
Fisherman cast a line at one of the many bank fishing spots in Crystal Beach.
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Fresh seafood and sunset-soaked views at Stingaree Restaurant
Close to Stingaree Cove, there is no shortage of fresh seafood. At Stingaree Restaurant and Marina on Stingaree Drive, locals can dock their boats, pull up a chair for live music and watch the sunset over the bay, all while enjoying a plate of crab or calamari. Monster Shrimp Road on Canal West serves fresh catches from an unassuming beach house. At JB’s Seafood farther up the road, locals can buy fresh fish and shrimp to take home and cook themselves.
One of the largest cornerstone stores in Bolivar is The Big Store on Highway 87. The store proudly proclaims that shoppers can find anything they need under one roof. It has a supermarket, hardware store, deli, bank and gift shop all in one place. Our Lady by the Sea Catholic Church is located directly across from The Big Store and is one of six churches in Galveston’s Holy Family Parish.
Stingaree Restaurant is open daily and serves fresh Gulf shrimp in Crystal Beach.
Residents of Crystal Beach can stop by The Big Store for everyday necessities.
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The beach is the classroom at Crenshaw School
Crystal Beach families are zoned to Galveston Schools. Crenshaw School of Environmental Studies is on the Bolivar Peninsula and covers kindergarten through eighth grade. Crenshaw earns a B-minus score on Niche and focuses on a nature-first curriculum. Students go to the beach to collect shells, work in a community garden and have class at the school’s outdoor classroom and boardwalk. The district’s main high school, Ball High School, earns a B on Niche. To reach Ball, students can take the bus, which travels on the ferry to Galveston Island. When Crystal Beach residents get off the ferry to Galveston, they are about a mile from the University of Texas Medical Branch, an acclaimed medical school.
Ball High School is a 5A class school serving grades 9-12 in the greater Galveston area.
The Crenshaw School serves grades K-8.
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Take the ferry to Galveston or Interstate 10 to Houston
Texas State Highway 87 is the only major highway on the peninsula, covering the entire length of Bolivar. Bolivar Side Ferry Terminal is at the end of Highway 87 on the far west end of the peninsula. At least one ferry always runs between this terminal and the Galveston Ferry Terminal. The ferry service is free to ride, available 365 days a year, and several boats are typically in operation during weekends or peak summer hours. In total, the drive to the terminal and the ferry ride to Galveston covers 17 miles, and a one-way ferry ride lasts less than 20 minutes. To reach Houston, about 97 miles away, Bolivar residents usually drive into Chambers County and then connect to I-10.
A man takes in the sights on the ferry from Galveston to Crystal Beach.
Most homes in Crystal Beach have ample sized lots.
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??? 979 James Road – Your Perfect Beach Getaway!This fully furnished beach house offers stunning ocean views from the wraparound balcony and bright living room. Comes with a large golf cart, cargo lift, and tons of updates including new A/C, roof, flooring, paint, and a tankless water heater.Inside, enjoy 2 spacious bedrooms, 2 full baths, and an open-concept living, kitchen, and
If you are looking for a one of a kind high end home- this is the one for you! The 2 bedroom, 2 bath home in the Sandpiper Beach subdivision that has a cart and walking path only to enter the beach. This magnificent home has very upscale additions. As you walk in the first thing you do is look up at the high vaulted Beam wood finished ceilings with specialty lighting. The Kitchen comes
Fantastic opportunity to own a lot just steps from the beach. This lot is contiguous to another vacant lot for sale with the potential to own 2 contiguous lots. Only 3 blocks from beach with rare drive-on access. Ready to Build and STR allowed. Ideal for investors or beach lovers looking to build their dream home. Enjoy the coastal lifestyle with this prime location. Don't miss out on this unique
Escape to this inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom beach retreat, just a 5-minute walk from the beach and conveniently located near the Galveston Ferry. Perfect for families, this home features a king-size bed, a queen-size bed, and a bunk bed, offering comfort and convenience for all beach lovers and vacationers.Enjoy a fully equipped kitchen and dine outdoors at the patio tables. Guests have
Welcome to your perfect vacation escape! This newly remodeled beach house offers the best of both worlds—modern comforts and coastal vibes—just a mile from the sparkling shoreline.With two spacious bedrooms and a versatile bonus room that can serve as a third sleeping space or game room, this home comfortably sleeps up to 10 guests. Ideal for families or groups, the open-concept living
This centrally located 2-bedroom, 2-bath home comfortably sleeps up to 10 guests, making it perfect for families or groups. With an open living area, fully equipped kitchen, and Wi-Fi, you'll have everything you need for a relaxing stay. Both bedrooms feature comfortable beds, and the property is just a short distance from the beach, dining, and shopping. Whether you’re here for a beach getaway
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
2,288
Median Age
59
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
13.4%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
37.2%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$67,854
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$74,055
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.3%
College Graduates
23.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.8%
% Population in Labor Force
44%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
51''
Average Winter Low Temperature
49°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
25/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
