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.
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
Amy Larner,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Fort Travis Park
R.A. Apffel Beach Park
Lindale Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Bike Trails
Seawolf Park
Fishing
Picnic Area
Trails
Stewart Beach
Darragh Park
Picnic Area
Botanical Gardens
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Crystal Beach
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Crystal Beach, Galveston sell after 122 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Crystal Beach, Galveston over the last 12 months is $488,357, down 12% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Lovingly maintained 3/2 on the beach side of Hwy 87, just a 1-minute golf cart drive to direct beach access! This beautiful home comes mostly furnished with gorgeous fixtures & finishes! The open kit/DR/LR concept makes entertaining a breeze with plenty of seating at the dining table + island seating! The large living area has a wall of windows for awesome natural light + built in entertainment
**Location, Location, Location!** This stunning home offers breathtaking views of both the beach and the ocean. You can walk to the beach in just minutes or even take a drive right onto the sand—perfect for golf carts! Enjoy year-round vacation living in this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home. The property comes fully furnished and ready for you to move in. Featuring gorgeous
Let's do beach things! This well maintained 3/2, direct beach access home is a great find. Imagine yourself just minutes from the beach relaxing on the top deck with your morning coffee or maybe grilling downstairs in the spacious space under the home with your family and friends. This home has a cargo lift, partially fenced yard for the kiddo's or pets, RV hookups as well as a sand shower and a
This fully furnished beach house in the Villas at Rollover Bay is one of the few Villas with a full-sized garage AND an extended deck, giving an even better view of the Gulf. Take in the sunset views from this west-facing deck! This vacation-ready getaway is just a short walk from all the community amenities, including the pool, playground, fire pits, and lookout tower. Inside, this modern
Bayside at It's BEST....This Furnished Bayside Retreat with Boat Slip is SO affordable. Redone in 2009. Sleeps 10 (2 Bedrooms plus theLoft - 3rd BR). 2 Full Baths. Open Concept: Living Room, Breakfast and Kitchen (large island with sink) that overlooks the Large CoveredPatio and Water. Downstairs Concreted Area (under the Cabin) plus Outdoor Shower and Garage/Storage for all those Toys.
Located a short stroll from the beach, this spacious house is the perfect beach retreat. As your arrive, you are greeted by an oversized concrete driveway that leads to a tiki bar, built-in picnic table, sand shower, downstairs restroom, fenced backyard, and permanent beach view down S Stingaree from the oversized deck. Step inside to find an immaculately decorated, turnkey home that features
Escape to this charming beachside cottage, where sun-kissed mornings and ocean breezes await! Just steps from the shore, this cozy retreat blends coastal charm with modern comforts. Enjoy stunning sunsets from the deck, a fully equipped kitchen, and plush bedding for ultimate relaxation. Perfect for romantic getaways, family vacations, or a peaceful solo retreat, experience seaside serenity and
Stunning beach house for sale! This spacious 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of luxury and relaxation. Enjoy panoramic ocean views and the ultimate in privacy with a private pool and outdoor living space. The open-concept design features high-end finishes throughout, with large windows that fill the home with natural light. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying quiet
Maymont Homes is committed to clear and upfront pricing. In addition to the advertised rent, residents may have monthly fees, including a $10.95 utility management fee, a $25.00 wastewater fee for homes on septic systems, and an amenity fee for homes with smart home technology, valet trash, or other community amenities. This does not include utilities or optional fees, including but not limited
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Amy Larner,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
2,288
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.
