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.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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David Houston,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Schreiber Park
Jamaica Beach City Park
Beach Pocket Park
Fishing
Beach
Beach Pocket Park 2
Jamaica Beach-Pirates Cove Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Jamaica Beach-Pirates Cove, Jamaica Beach sell after 100 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Jamaica Beach-Pirates Cove, Jamaica Beach over the last 12 months is $647,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located on the second row from the beach, this charming Jamaica Beach home offers stunning Gulf views from the living, dining, and kitchen areas, as well as from the primary bedroom. Relax and unwind on the spacious deck, or venture up the spiral staircase to the crow’s nest for a unique perspective of the coastline. The home also boasts ample storage space beneath the house, as well as plenty of
Full turnkey, highly successful Jamaica Beach short-term rental - Lazy Daze is the perfect name for this fantastic beachside paradise! This awesome location is only a one-minute stroll to the beach, and the wide panoramic vistas are unparalleled from the multi-deck viewing areas! What you see is what you get, as everything in the home conveys - no exclusions! The main home offers comfortable,
Welcome to this stunning beachside home, offering the perfect blend of comfort and convenience for both full-time residents and vacationers. Located in a sought-after Pirates Beach, with easy beach access, this home is designed for relaxation and coastal living. After a day at the beach, rinse off in the outdoor shower, keeping the sand outside where it belongs. The spacious den, with its soaring
Embrace the essence of COASTAL LIVING in this STUNNING BAYFRONT RETREAT, located in highly sought-after Jamaica Beach - minutes from the Ocean! Built in 2020, this 1,394 SQFT JEWEL exudes modern sophistication & effortless charm. Thoughtfully designed, boasting 20’ vaulted ceilings, NEUMA storm doors/windows throughout, w shiplap-accented bathrooms. This EXQUISITE kitchen is an entertainer’s
Welcome to your bay retreat! Relax and enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the bay. Expansive porch with cooling breezes to enjoy your morning coffee & take in the beautiful canal opening to Lake Como. High ceilings, rich hardwood floors and an open floor plan make this home live larger than its sf. Stone fireplace for cozy winters. Recent improvements include all flooring, Aztec synthetic decking,
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
Property Id: 2099278Your Perfect Beach Escape Awaits!Proximity: Just steps from beach entrance 15BDecks: Private decks with stunning viewsOutdoor Features: Refreshing outdoor showerCoffee & essentials provided Short walk to beach entrance 15B3 comfy bedrooms — sleeps 81 King bed | 2 Queen beds | 2 Twin bedsHigh-speed Wi-Fi for work or playSafety
Enjoy this luxurious new construction home located in Jamaica Beach just steps away from the ocean. This retreat features 5 bedrooms & 5 full bathrooms. Walk into open concept living & dining overlooking the exquisite, spacious kitchen featuring a large island & ample storage. Enjoy durable vinyl plank flooring throughout the home & quartz countertops adorn both the kitchen & bathrooms. Each
Brittany PayneXaxis Commercial Real Estate Advisors
Great location off Lake Como offering stunning water views from multiple decks on each level. This home combines elegant design and a smart floorplan, all with top-quality materials like quartz countertops, vinyl plank flooring, and custom tile work. Inside, you'll find an open kitchen, dining and living area with lots of windows providing natural light and taking advantage of the views. You can
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
David Houston,
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.
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.
