Jamaica Beach is a city within a city.  It is located on the West End of Galveston Island immediately West of the Galveston Island State Park.  Jamaica Beach was incorporated in 1959 as such it operates as a separate city apart from Galveston. 
Jamaica Beach offers all the services of a major city including a police and fire department.  This feature attracts many West Enders as a location for full time living.  While a majority of the homes are still second or vaction homes there are more full time occupants in Jamaica Beach than any other location on the West End.

Jamaica Beach consists of Beach, Bay, Canal, Wetland, and Dry homes.  Thus, home values in Jamaica Beach range from just under $100,000 to close to a Million Dollars.