New York / Queens County

Moving to Jamaica, NY

Thinking of making a move to Jamaica, NY? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Jamaica, NY

Considering a move to Jamaica, NY? This welcoming community of 216,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $725,000 and average rents near $2,150. Commute times average 41 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (55% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Jamaica's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Jamaica, NY

Jamaica has a population of 216,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 36 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 11% White, 56% Black, and 17% Asian residents, and over 58% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
216,000
Density
24,500 per sq mi
Median Age
35.8
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
58.4%

Ethnic Composition

White
10.8%
Black
55.6%
Asian
16.7%
Others
16.9%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Jamaica, NY?

The cost of living in Jamaica is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 165.4. Median home values are around $725,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,150. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$725,000
Gross Rent
$2,150
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$3,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$4,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$980
State Taxes
Low: 4.0%| High: 10.9%
Cost Of Living Index
165.4
Grocery
126.8
Housing
204.1
Utilities
121.5
Transportation
142.0
Health Care
118.7
Miscellaneous
120.4

Crime

Is Jamaica, NY a safe place to live?

Jamaica is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 520 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 46. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in New York.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
520
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,180
Crime Index
2,700
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 192
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 46

Weather

What is the weather like in Jamaica, NY year-round?

Jamaica experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 86°F and cold winters dipping to 28°F. The area receives about 45 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 55% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
28°F
Max
41°F

Summer

Min
69°F
Max
86°F

Spring

Min
46°F
Max
67°F

Fall

Min
50°F
Max
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches
44.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
55%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $72,000 and a low poverty rate of 17.8%. Over 79% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 23% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 41 minutes, and almost 46% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$49,500
Household Income
$72,000
Family Income
$78,500
Per Capita Income
$31,800
Income Male
$38,500
Income Female
$35,200
Poverty Rate
17.8%
Non English Speakers
61.2%
Rent
$2,150
Unemployment Rate
6.7%
Public Transport Usage
45.8%
Commute Time
41.2 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
79.4%
Bachelors or More
22.6%

Education

How are the schools in Jamaica, NY?

Jamaica offers quality education options, with public schools like J.H.S. 8 Richard S. Grossley and Campus Magnet High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including York College, CUNY and St. John's University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
J.H.S. 8 Richard S. Grossley
Street
108-35 167th St
Phone
718-558-6080
Students
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio
14.6
Name
Campus Magnet High School
Street
133-25 Guy R Brewer Blvd
Phone
718-276-0162
Students
1,550
Student Teacher Ratio
16.1

Private Schools

Name
St. John's Preparatory School
Street
21-21 45th Ave
Phone
718-721-7200
Students
1,500
Name
Christ the King High School
Street
68-02 Metropolitan Ave
Phone
718-366-7400
Students
1,300

Colleges

Name
York College, CUNY
City
Jamaica
State
NY
Distance
1 mile
Students
6,500
Name
St. John's University
City
Queens
State
NY
Distance
4 miles
Students
19,000

Healthcare

Jamaica residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and New York-Presbyterian Queens nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.1 per 1,000 people and 88.6% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Jamaica Hospital Medical Center
Address
8900 Van Wyck Expy, Jamaica, NY 11418
Phone
(718) 206-6000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
New York-Presbyterian Queens
Address
56-45 Main St, Flushing, NY 11355
Phone
(718) 670-2000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage
88.6%
Health Care Index
78.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Jamaica, NY?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $725,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 25%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.7%. Jamaica offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$725,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,150
Owner Occupied Rate
24.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Jamaica handle vehicle services through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Albany. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
New York
Department
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
6 Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12228
Phone
1-518-486-9786

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Jamaica, NY

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Jamaica, review the core fields on this page: population 216,000, median home value $725,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,150, commute time 41.2 minutes, and sunny days percentage 55%.

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