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 217,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $580,000 and average rents near $2,200. Commute times average 49 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (56% 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 217,000 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 6% White, 36% Black, and 18% Asian residents, and over 38% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
217,000
Density
20,000 per sq mi
Median Age
36.2
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
37.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
6.2%
Black
36.3%
Asian
17.9%
Others
39.6%

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 146.0. Median home values are around $580,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,200. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$580,000
Gross Rent
$2,200
Monthly Electricity Charges
$140
Auto Insurance
$2,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$900
State Taxes
Low: 4%| High: 10.9%
Cost Of Living Index
146.0
Grocery
142.5
Housing
170.2
Utilities
118.7
Transportation
140.1
Health Care
120.3
Miscellaneous
115.0

Crime

Is Jamaica, NY a safe place to live?

Jamaica is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 422 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 83. 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
422
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,210
Crime Index
1,632
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 237
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 83

Weather

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

Jamaica experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 84°F and cold winters dipping to 27°F. The area receives about 44 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 56% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
27°F
Max
39°F

Summer

Min
67°F
Max
84°F

Spring

Min
46°F
Max
64°F

Fall

Min
50°F
Max
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches
44 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
56%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $72,400 and a low poverty rate of 15.2%. Over 79% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 22% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 49 minutes, and almost 47% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$45,000
Household Income
$72,400
Family Income
$80,200
Per Capita Income
$29,600
Income Male
$40,100
Income Female
$36,400
Poverty Rate
15.2%
Non English Speakers
37.5%
Rent
$2,200
Unemployment Rate
5.8%
Public Transport Usage
46.8%
Commute Time
49.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
79.4%
Bachelors or More
22.1%

Education

How are the schools in Jamaica, NY?

Jamaica offers quality education options, with public schools like Hillcrest High School and PS 131 Abigail Adams known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including York College, City University of New York and St. John's University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Hillcrest High School
Street
160-05 Highland Ave
Phone
718-658-5407
Students
3,400
Student Teacher Ratio
19.4
Name
PS 131 Abigail Adams
Street
170-45 84th Ave
Phone
718-526-1900
Students
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio
15.2

Private Schools

Name
St. Nicholas of Tolentine School
Street
80-22 Parsons Blvd
Phone
718-380-1900
Students
420

Colleges

Name
York College, City University of New York
City
Jamaica
State
NY
Distance
0 miles
Students
7,000
Name
St. John's University
City
Queens
State
NY
Distance
2 miles
Students
20,000

Healthcare

Jamaica residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and Queens Hospital Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.6 per 1,000 people and 92.1% 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
Queens Hospital Center
Address
82-68 164th St, Jamaica, NY 11432
Phone
(718) 883-3000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage
92.1%
Health Care Index
78.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Jamaica, NY?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $580,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 38%. The market has seen a 6.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.9%. Jamaica offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$580,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,200
Owner Occupied Rate
37.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
6.2%
New Construction Rate
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate
0.6%

DMV Information

Residents of Jamaica handle vehicle services through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Jamaica. 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
168-35 Rockaway Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11434
Phone
1-718-966-6155

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 217,000, median home value $580,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,200, commute time 49.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 56%.

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