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Jamaica

Jamaica

$659,770 Average Value
$666 Average Price per Sq Ft
63 Homes For Sale

Jamaica blends accessibility to Manhattan jobs and nearby recreation

Jamaica is a vivid tapestry of a neighborhood located on the eastern side of the New York City borough of Queens. Downtown Jamaica, or Jamaica Center, hosts a dense concentration of government, commercial and retail buildings. To the south and east of downtown, residential communities feature single-family homes and low-rise apartment blocks. The name “Jamaica” dates from the colonial period, not called after the Caribbean island, as might be expected, but from a corruption of a Native American word for “beaver.” The area has a long history as a crossroads, stretching back to times when bands of local Lenape bartered with other tribes from as far away as the Ohio River Valley. Jamaica still serves as a major transportation hub: the Grand Central Parkway bisects the neighborhood, the Long Island Rail Road intersects with subway lines, and the JFK AirTrain connects to nearby John F. Kennedy Airport. Queens qualifies as one of the most diverse counties in the country, and Jamaica mirrors its home borough in that respect. You need only to witness the spirited weekend cricket matches in South Jamaica’s Baisley Pond Park to appreciate the variety of communities in the area. Ease of access to the employment and entertainment offerings of Manhattan allows Jamaica residents to enjoy the attractions of both urban and suburban environments.

Goddes in You Salon is a staple in Jamaica Hills.
Goddes in You Salon is a staple in Jamaica Hills.
Jamaica Queens is a very diverse city.
Jamaica Queens is a very diverse city.
Local kids mural in Jamaica.
Local kids mural in Jamaica.
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From apartments and condos to single- and multifamily homes

With approximately one hundred transactions per quarter, the real estate market in Jamaica, Queens, averages a median sales price of $500,000. One-bedroom homes are rare but average in price around $190,000, while homes of five bedrooms or more can approach $1 million. The average price per square foot registers at around $250. Stand-alone homes make up ninety percent of sales, with co-ops representing most of the rest, along with a tiny percentage of condominiums. The rental market is very tight, with the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment averaging $2,000.Jamaica fits into the grand mosaic of neighborhoods in the borough of Queens, surrounded most immediately by South Jamaica, Jamaica Estates and Jamaica Hills. Neighborhoods notably nearby are Kew Gardens, Hollis, Richmond Hills, Ozone Park and Little Guyana. For international getaways, JFK Airport is located a mile south. The borough of Brooklyn lies to the southeast, while the numerous attractions of Manhattan are less than ten miles away, easily accessible by several public transportation lines.

Jamaica Center is located in the heart of the Queens borough.
Jamaica Center is located in the heart of the Queens borough.
Most homes are two stories in Jamaica.
Most homes are two stories in Jamaica.
Residential housing is available in Jamaica.
Residential housing is available in Jamaica.
Jamaica Center is an exciting place to live.
Jamaica Center is an exciting place to live.
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Jamaica has an array of private and public schools

Over a dozen public high schools lie within the vicinity of Jamaica, including several co-located on Jamaica Campus and those on the nearby Springfield Gardens Educational Campus, as well as Thomas A. Edison Vocational and Technical High School, and the High School for Law Enforcement and Public Safety. Fourteen public elementary and middle schools also call the neighborhood home. Several private schools enroll students, such as the United Nations International School in Jamaica Estates and a number of religion-based institutions, from an array of Catholic schools to Al-Iman School, an Islamic prekindergarten through 12th-grade school.

JHS 217 is an above average public school located in Jamaica, NY
JHS 217 is an above average public school located in Jamaica, NY
Al-Iman School near Jamaica serves students who wish to attend private school options.
Al-Iman School near Jamaica serves students who wish to attend private school options.
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Gathering for Jamaica JAMS and seasonal festivals

King Manor Museum is a colonial heritage house that is worth a visit any time, and the facility holds events throughout the year. The most popular is King Manor's annual Fall Festival, where events range from a pumpkin patch for kiddies to a rum tasting for adults. A hallmark of the summer is always the two-day Jamaica JAMS (Jamaica Arts and Music Summer Festival), a massive street fair paired with nightly concerts under the stars. The Jamaica Jerk Festival in Roy Wilkins Park features Caribbean food, while the downtown strip of Jamaica Center hosts an annual Jamaica Jazz Festival.The far north-western corner of Jamaica, Queens touches upon the far south-western corner of Flushing Meadows Park, one of the largest public facilities in New York City, offering copious opportunities for relaxation and recreation. Within the boundaries of Jamacia itself are smaller neighborhood parks, including Captain Tilly Park, Roy Wilkins Park, St. Albans Park, and Detective Keith L. Williams Park. In South Jamaica, there is the hundred-acre Baisley Pond Park, which features three cricket fields among its many recreational offerings.

Bengali people from Jamaica area organize their joyful new year event at Jamaica Performing Art Center.
Bengali people from Jamaica area organize their joyful new year event at Jamaica Performing Art Center.
Trick-or-Streets is a top halloween event in Jamaica.
Trick-or-Streets is a top halloween event in Jamaica.
Bengali people from Jamaica area organize their joyful new year event at Jamaica Performing Art Center.
Bengali people from Jamaica area organize their joyful new year event at Jamaica Performing Art Center.
Bengali people from Jamaica area organize their joyful new year event at Jamaica Performing Art Center.
Bengali people from Jamaica area organize their joyful new year event at Jamaica Performing Art Center.
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Shopping at Jamaica Center or working at JFK Airport

The commercial and retail outlets of Jamaica Center present local employment opportunities, as do the hotels serving travelers from nearby JFK Airport. Government offices related to borough administration offer public sector jobs. Jamaica’s abundant public transportation facilities allow for access to an incredible array of employment opportunities beyond the neighborhood’s borders. Alternately, many residents must feel there’s no place like home, preferring the quiet residential blocks of Jamaica’s suburban southern and eastern areas to the hustle and bustle of downtown or Manhattan.

Hillside Electronics is a large cell phone accessory in Jamaica Hills.
Hillside Electronics is a large cell phone accessory in Jamaica Hills.
Several buses operate along the neighborhood’s perimeter reaching the Jamaica transit hub.
Several buses operate along the neighborhood’s perimeter reaching the Jamaica transit hub.
Key Food in Jamaica Center carries a wide assortment of food and household supplies.
Key Food in Jamaica Center carries a wide assortment of food and household supplies.
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Taking the Long Island Rail Road or the Van Wyck Expressway

Jamaica, Queens serves as a transportation hub for the entire vicinity. A pair of subway lines place Manhattan and the other boroughs of New York City within reach of commuters. The Long Island Rail Road offers an alternative method of connecting to Manhattan’s Penn Station and Grand Central Station. The JFK AirTrain links to the international airport. Major highways include the north-south Van Wyck Expressway on the neighborhood's western border, and the east-west Grand Central Parkway.

Jamaica Center is serviced by multiple subway lines.
Jamaica Center is serviced by multiple subway lines.
Residents can get around town and beyond on the many bus lines available in Jamaica Center.
Residents can get around town and beyond on the many bus lines available in Jamaica Center.
Jamaica Center is a bustling neighborhood in Queens.
Jamaica Center is a bustling neighborhood in Queens.
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Perez Folds
Photography Contributed By
Perez Folds
Matt Ferguson
Video By
Matt Ferguson

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

John F Kennedy International

9 min drive

Subway

Jamaica

Subway

Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer

Subway

Parsons Boulevard

Subway

Jamaica-179 Street

Subway

169 Street

Subway

Sutphin Boulevard-Archer Avenue-Jfk Airport

Train

Jamaica Station

Bus

Jamaica Av & 164 St

Bus

111 Av & 175 St

Bus

Sayres Av & 180 St

Bus

Jamaica Av & 183 St

Bus

Liberty Av & Union Hall St

Bus

Sutphin Bl & Lakewood Av

Bus

153 St & Jamaica Av

Reviews

Are you familiar with the Jamaica neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Jamaica US
Homicide 6 4
Sexual Assault 6 4
Assault with Weapon 5 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Jamaica Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$650,000
Median Sale Price
$650,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$699,999
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$677,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$319,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
144
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
12%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$666

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
1,372
Number of Homes for Sale
63
Median Year Built
1930
Months of Supply
5.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,472
Significantly below the national average
1,929
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,420
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
913
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
751
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
500
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
2,613

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Jan 10
    2 - 4pm

    15513 113th Ave, Jamaica, NY 11433

    $760,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 4 Baths
    • 1,280 Sq Ft
    • 15513 113th Ave
    • New 5 days ago

    1 Family, House in Mint Condition, Recently Renovated. New Hot Water Tank. Roof Recently done. New Windows. Washer & Dryer and Dishwasher in good condition. Property features basement with outside entrance and a private driveway that can accomodate 4 cars! Also have a storage shed in the backyard. House is conveniently located! Close to Transportation, Schools, Shopping, Places of Worship, JFK

    Anoop Dhanpat Century 21 Professional Realty

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  • Sunday, Jan 11
    2 - 3:30pm

    146-19 Lakewood Ave, Jamaica, NY 11435

    $999,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 1,710 Sq Ft
    • 146-19 Lakewood Ave

    Welcome to this versatile legal two-family home in the heart of Jamaica, Queens! Currently used as a spacious mother–daughter setup, this property offers incredible flexibility for multi-generational living or rental income potential. Featuring four bedrooms, two and half bathrooms, plus a finished basement and full walk-up attic, this home is designed with versatility in mind. With the ability

    Marsha Duke Coldwell Banker American Homes

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  • Thursday, Jan 8
    11am - 12pm

    177 E 93rd St Unit 3B, New York, NY 10128

    $525,000

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 750 Sq Ft
    • 177 E 93rd St
    • Unit 3B

    Welcome to 177 East 93rd Street, Apartment 3B! A bright and beautifully renovated one-bedroom in a classic 1920s co-op, tucked away on one of Carnegie Hill's charming tree-lined blocks. This home strikes the balance between pre-war character and modern comfort. With north and east exposures, the living space is extra large with space for a proper dining table for 6 and large couch. The

    Danielle Nazinitsky Decode Real Estate

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
95,913
Median Age
39
Population Density
77 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$61,142
Significantly below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$81,187

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
73.7%
Below the national average
89%
College Graduates
21.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6.4%
% Population in Labor Force
63.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
26°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
2''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

50 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

87 / 100

Rider's Paradise

Transit Score®

100 / 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Jamaica
Jessica Alejo
Cosmo Group Realty
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