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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lisa Marie Sanders,
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
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
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 Jamaica Beach-Pirates Cove, Jamaica Beach sell after 91 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Jamaica Beach-Pirates Cove, Jamaica Beach over the last 12 months is $772,284, up 2% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautiful canal-front home in sought-after Laffite’s Cove located on the main channel. Beautiful open concept home and cool breezes! Spacious primary retreat w spa like bath with its own private deck. Jack & Jill bath easily could convert to two baths for each bedroom downstairs to be ensuite. Flex space upstairs-game room/pool room/bunk room. Plenty of room for relaxing in the shade or sun. Home
Beautiful lock and leave Laffites Cove home with premium aluminum roof and great curb appeal. Open plan with Chef’s kitchen open to the living/dining areas. Excellent floor plan that provides a private primary suite with wide open views of the lush green preserve and its ponds. Spacious covered balcony overlooking the nature preserve great for entertaining and bird watching and front porch with
UPDATED! Rare 4 BEDROOM, 2 FULL BATHS, 1 HALF BATH. Pirates Landing townhome. Turnkey, beautifully updated home ready to enjoy. 2 Decks, open Living/Kitchen/Dining area, washer/dryer in home. The kitchen is amazing with a huge island, stainless appliances, floating shelves and plenty of cabinets. All bedrooms up. Primary has Primary bath with soaker tub, double sinks and separate shower.
Welcome Home to your canal-front oasis in Jamaica Beach! This FULLY FURNISHED 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom beauty features a New Roof and new flooring in bedrooms (March 2025), remodeled kitchen with quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances. PLUS---Included on the property is a separate, additional guest suite with en-suite bathroom at ground level. Ideal for individuals with accessibility
Experience the ultimate waterfront lifestyle in this fully renovated 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom home on the main canal at the LOWEST WATERFRONT PRICE per square foot in Jamaica Beach, TX. Nestled in one of the most desirable real estate areas, this home offers breathtaking canal views, a spacious deck perfect for entertaining, and a brand-new boat lift with dock for easy access from the canal to the
Looking for lots of space to entertain family and friends? This canal front home located in prestigious Laffites Cove has it all – including great water views! The main living level has a fully equipped kitchen/dining combo with granite countertops, 4-burner gas stove, breakfast bar, walk-in pantry wine/beverage frig and undercounter lights. The living room boasts a fireplace and built-in
Marylouise Caravella
Caravella Coastal a division of The Real Estate Brokerage Co. LLC
Welcome to your beach retreat in Jamaica Beach! This charming 2 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom house is the perfect getaway for those seeking a coastal lifestyle. Enjoy the ocean breeze from your massive deck and take advantage of the extra storage space for all your beach gear. Situated on a large lot and raised on stilts, this home offers both privacy and proximity to the beach access. Don't miss out on
Welcome to 16520 Barbados Way! This stunning, remodeled single-story canal-front home offers luxurious features and thoughtful design. Inside, enjoy a residential elevator, shiplap accent wall, cozy fireplace, and an open floor plan with high ceilings and recessed LED lighting. The home boasts two primary bedroom en-suites—one waterside—with tile-surround showers, luxury vinyl plank flooring,
Ideal for UTMB MEDICAL SCHOOL, RESIDENTS/INTERNS OR FELLOWS CUSTOM BUILT LUXURY HOME has 2551 sq ft with a fenced in lot 17,441 sq ft. in Jamaica Beach. Four bedrooms/three full baths. Has a screened in porch, dual A/C units, whole house dehumidifier & whole house generator. Gourmet kitchen features Quartz countertops/herringbone tile backsplash, energy SS appliances, double ovens, quiet close
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lisa Marie Sanders,
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.
