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Jamaica Beach-Pirates Cove

Jamaica Beach-Pirates Cove

$794,025 Average Value
$351 Average Price per Sq Ft
1 Home For Sale

Some of Galveston’s best waterfront treasures

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.
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.
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 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.
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 guests a seaside view.
Jamaica Beach's Waterman's Restaurant offers diners the option of having their catch cooked.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Burnet Elementary is located in Galveston, TX, a short drive from the Jamaica Beach area.
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Delaney Murray
Written By
Delaney Murray
Brandon Fox
Photography Contributed By
Brandon Fox
Hunter Severtson
Video By
Hunter Severtson

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Kelsey Ardoin, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Jamaica Beach-Pirates Cove Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$625,000
Median Sale Price
$599,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$725,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$599,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
4%
Last 12 months Home Sales
35
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
88%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$351

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,237
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Median Year Built
1987
Months of Supply
0.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,749
Below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,428
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,987
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,578
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,969

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Aug 9
    11am - 1pm

    16544 John Silver Rd, Jamaica Beach, TX 77554

    $999,500

    • 4 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 2,175 Sq Ft
    • 16544 John Silver Rd
    • New 16 days ago

    Step into the beachside lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of in this beautifully remodeled Jamaica Beach home. A spacious elevated porch welcomes you into a bright, stylish interior where soaring vaulted ceilings, crown molding, designer paint, and wood-style flooring create a warm, sophisticated ambiance. Natural light pours through large windows. The gourmet kitchen features stainless steel

    Agent Photo
    Shani Atkinson
    Galveston Island Real Estate
    (409) 204-6175
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  • Sunday, Aug 3
    11am - 2pm

    16519 Blackbeard Rd, Jamaica Beach, TX 77554

    $475,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 1,549 Sq Ft
    • 16519 Blackbeard Rd
    • New 2 days ago

    Updated Jamaica Beach property on an oversized lot with stunning Gulf views. Bella Blue features refreshing sea breezes on the expansive stenciled deck accessible from the kitchen and living areas. Just steps from the popular Beach, and a short golf cart ride to local amenities, including a city pool and boat launch. This 2-3 bedroom home includes two full bathrooms on the main floor and a

    Susan Lutz United Real Estate

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  • Sunday, Aug 3
    11:30am - 2pm

    16614 Bahama Way, Jamaica Beach, TX 77554

    $470,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 906 Sq Ft
    • 16614 Bahama Way
    • New 9 days ago

    A smart investment as a vacation home, or to enjoy "Island Time" ALL the time! Experience West End sunsets right on "The Pregnant Canal" w/quick water access to West Bay. Boat slip designed for sailboats OR fishing vessels. Indoor/outdoor entertaining from TWO breezy covered patios: waterfront sunsets or quiet mornings as sun slowly filters over the canal. Recent outdoor bar w/glistening quartz

    Kevin Bell Keller Williams Memorial

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Kelsey Ardoin, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
2,689
Median Age
62
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
10.1%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
41.8%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$102,557
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$134,376

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.9%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
52.9%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
15.4%
% Population in Labor Force
64.8%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
48''
Average Winter Low Temperature
49°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

29 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

4 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Jamaica Beach-Pirates Cove