Jamaica, Queens, NY
About Jamaica, Queens
Jamaica is a commercial and residential neighborhood in the eastern part of Queens. There is a major commercial and retail section centered around Jamaica Avenue, plus residential streets outside of the retail district. It’s bounded by Hillside Avenue to the north, Tuskegee Airman Way to the south, Van Wyck Expressway to the West and 183rd Street to the east. It’s surrounded by Hollis to the east, Richmond Hill to the west, St. Albans and Rochdale Village to the south and Kew Gardens to the north.
Jamaica is a multicultural neighborhood of working- and middle-class families. Jamaica has the feeling of a suburban village that is in between Manhattan and Long Island. There are several government buildings in Jamaica like the Queens Civil Court and the Joseph P. Addabbo Federal Building. JFK international airport is also in Jamaica. Many residents of the neighborhood work at these facilities. Overall, it’s a quiet, self-contained neighborhood that offers affordable housing and job opportunities to middle class families and residents.
History of Jamaica, Queens
Jamaica was originally settled by the Dutch in 1656 as the Town of Jamaica. By the late 18th Century Jamaica was a major trading post for farmers peddling produce. In 1898, the borough of Queens became a part of the City of New York and Jamaica became the center of local government. The Jamaica Station of the Long Island Railroad was completed in 1913 followed shortly after by the New York City subway 1918. Many of the historic buildings in the area, like the Valencia Theatre and the Kurtz furniture store were erected during the 1920’s and 30’s, which further pushed the development of the neighborhood. Today, Jamaica is a bustling area that combines the commercial activity of a busy New York neighborhood with the quiet repose of a Long Island suburb.
Demographics of Jamaica, Queens
There are approximately 142,000 people living in Jamaica, Queens. It’s primarily a black neighborhood, however there are considerable Hispanic and Asian communities as well. Fifty-three percent of residents identify as black, 20% identify as Hispanic and 17% identify as Asian. Age ranges are evenly distributed across groups. Twenty-three percent of residents are under 18, 29% of residents are between 25 and 44 and 25% are over 55. It’s a middle-class neighborhood and the median household income is around $61,000 per year.
Transportation in Jamaica, Queens
There are many transportation options available to the residents of Jamaica. The E and F lines make stops at the Queens Boulevard Station and the E, J and Z trains make stops at Archer Avenue. The 165th Street Bus Terminal is a major hub for city buses and many major lines such as the Q1, Q2, Q3, Q6, Q8, Q9, Q76 and Q77 among others make stops in the neighborhood. The LIRR makes a stop at the Jamaica Station and provides access to Long Island as well as Manhattan. John F. Kennedy Airport is in Jamaica and gives residents national and international transportation options. There are also several major thoroughfares that pass-through Jamaica, such as Jamaica Avenue, the Van Wyck Expressway and the Grand Central Parkway.
Housing in Jamaica, Queens
Central Jamaica is largely a commercial area but there is a residential sprawl outside of the retail area. Detached single family homes are common. Most buildings are two to three story single- or two-family homes. Some brick rowhouses can be found here and there however large apartment complexes are rare. It’s a neighborhood for those who are looking for an affordable home with a yard and enough square footage to raise a family. You won’t find luxury condos or glass high-rises, but you will find modest estates on quiet tree lined blocks. Jamaica Estates is a slightly more upscale neighborhood north of greater Jamaica that features tutor and cape cod style mansions. It’s a gated community that caters to the upper middle class and affluent residents in the area.
Neighborhood Life in Jamaica
Jamaica is a rare neighborhood that features shopping, entertainment options and a relaxed pace of life. Jamaica Avenue is a major retail area with dozens of shops, restaurants and bars. Several educational facilities like York College and the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning are in Jamaica, which provides opportunities for residents of the area. Roy Wilkins Park is a 50-acre park in Jamaica that features various sports facilities, a playground and a pool. Plus, the Belmont Park Racetrack is in the neighborhood, giving residents another recreational option in the summer. For a secluded neighborhood, Jamaica has a lot going on in its own right, which makes it an attractive area for Queens residents.
Similar Neighborhoods to Jamaica, Queens
Real Estate Trends in Jamaica, Queens
The median home value in Jamaica is just under $500,000, which is reasonable for the space and nearby activities the area offers. It is secluded from Manhattan, which is what keeps property values low. Values have increased steadily by about 83% over the past 5 years. Jamaica has become a haven for working families looking for a serene community removed from the gentrification of other parts of New York. It’s distance from more central parts of the city make it a difficult neighborhood for commuters, but it’s a great place for residents looking to purchase their first home or relocate from a busier area.
The Truth About Jamaica, Queens
Is Jamaica, Queens Safe?
Yes, Jamaica is generally safe. The area is patrolled by the 103rd Precinct and 113th Precinct of the NYPD, who have reported significantly lower crime rates than in the 1990’s. Certain sections of the neighborhood are less than others. The commercial area around Jamaica Avenue and other retail strips sometimes attract petty crime. South Jamaica has a higher rate of crime but is often considered a separate district from Jamaica proper. There are several housing projects in the neighborhood that can get rough after dark. Residents should always be on alert when walking at night. However, much of the neighborhood has a quiet, suburban ambiance with a rate of crime much lower than most major American cities.
Are the Schools in Jamaica, Queens Good?
Yes, there are several highly rated schools in Jamaica. It’s a large district and it all depends on where you live within the neighborhood, but the public schools in the area are generally well regarded. PS 95 Eastwood, PS 50 Talfourd Lawn Elementary and PS Lyndon B Johnson are a few highly rated elementary schools in the neighborhood. York Early College academy IS 268 and IS 238 Susan B Anthony all offer middle school to students in Jamaica. York Early College Academy also offers high school as does the Queens High School for the Sciences at York College. However, students are free to apply to any other high school in the New York City school system.
Popular Eateries in Jamaica, Queens
Things to Do in Jamaica, Queens
Go shopping along Jamaica Ave, the commercial strip has several big box retailers like Old Navy and Game Stop as well as neighborhood watering holes like Wickedness Bar & Lounge
Spend the day at Roy Wilkins Recreation Center, there are a variety of sports facilities available to the public like handball court, a basketball court, a tennis court and an indoor pool
Go see a horse race at the Belmont Park Racetrack, the racetrack is just outside of Jamaica and is famous for hosting the Belmont Stakes, the third leg in the Triple Crown of horse racing
Check out King Rufus Manor, a historic landmark and museum that was the home of Rufus King, one of the signers of the Constitution.
See a performance or take a workshop at the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, the performing and visual arts center hosts shows and provides free community educational programs for residents
Is Jamaica, Queens Dog Friendly?
Generally speaking, Jamaica is a decent neighborhood for dogs. Many of the detached homes that are found in the neighborhood are great for pets. Roy Wilkins Park is a good place to walk your canine companion and the streets are quiet enough in most residential areas that exercise shouldn’t be a problem. Owners may be wise to avoid busier commercial areas like Jamaica Ave, but overall, it’s pet friendly.
Is Jamaica, Queens Good for Cycling?
It’s not the best, but not the worst. Most residents choose to drive, walk or take public transportation. Those who enjoy cycling may find Jamaica manageable in most areas. However denser traffic along major thoroughfares may prove challenging to some bikers and it will be difficult to get around in the neighborhood without encountering one of these major roads.
Things to Know Before Moving to Jamaica, Queens
It’s a long way to Manhattan on the subway. Taking the LIRR into Penn station may be quicker for those looking to commute.
Some of the cheapest rents and property values in the city can be found in Jamaica because it’s so far removed from Manhattan. So, it’s better for those who value price over luxury and proximity.