Jamaica, New York

Jamaica, New York
source
Name	Jamaica, New York
Settlement type	Neighborhood

Jamaica, New York is a neighborhood located in the New York City borough of Queens, bordered by Hillcrest, Briarwood, Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park, and South Jamaica. The area is home to John F. Kennedy International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, and is also served by the Long Island Rail Road and several New York City Subway lines, including the E train, J/Z train, and F train. Jamaica is also close to the Van Wyck Expressway and the Grand Central Parkway, making it a major transportation hub, with connections to LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport.

Geography

Jamaica is situated in the central part of Queens County, near the Jamaica Bay and the Van Wyck Expressway. The neighborhood is bounded by Union Turnpike to the north, Hillside Avenue to the south, Cross Island Parkway to the east, and Rockaway Boulevard to the west. Jamaica is also close to the Queens Botanical Garden, the Kingsland Homestead, and the Queens Museum of Art, which are all located in nearby Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The area is served by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation and is home to several parks, including Rufus King Park, Major Mark Park, and Baisley Pond Park, which offer recreational facilities and opportunities for outdoor activities, such as walking, jogging, and biking, similar to those found in Central Park and Prospect Park.

History

The history of Jamaica dates back to the 17th century, when it was a small farming community, with connections to the Dutch West India Company and the New Netherland colony. The area was originally settled by the Matinecock and was later colonized by the Dutch and the English, who established the Province of New York. During the American Revolution, Jamaica was a major supply hub for the Continental Army, with connections to George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and the Battle of Long Island. In the 19th century, the area underwent significant development, with the construction of the Long Island Rail Road and the establishment of the Jamaica, Queens post office, which served the communities of Hollis, St. Albans, and Springfield Gardens. The neighborhood was also home to several notable figures, including Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, and Langston Hughes, who were all connected to the Harlem Renaissance and the Civil Rights Movement.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Jamaica was approximately 130,000 people, with a diverse mix of ethnic and racial groups, including African Americans, Hispanic and Latino Americans, Asian Americans, and White Americans. The area is home to a large number of immigrants, with connections to countries such as Jamaica, Guyana, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. The neighborhood is also served by several community organizations, including the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, the Queens Community Board 12, and the New York City Housing Authority, which provide services and support to residents, similar to those found in Brooklyn and The Bronx.

Economy

The economy of Jamaica is driven by a mix of industries, including retail, healthcare, and transportation, with connections to John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and the Port of New York and New Jersey. The area is home to several major employers, including the New York City Department of Education, the New York City Police Department, and the New York City Fire Department, as well as several hospitals, including Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and Queens Hospital Center. The neighborhood is also served by several shopping centers, including the Jamaica Colosseum Mall and the Kingston Plaza Shopping Center, which offer a range of retail and dining options, similar to those found in Manhattan and Staten Island.

Transportation

Jamaica is a major transportation hub, with connections to several New York City Subway lines, including the E train, J/Z train, and F train, as well as the Long Island Rail Road and several bus routes, including the Q4 and Q5. The area is also served by several major highways, including the Van Wyck Expressway and the Grand Central Parkway, which provide connections to LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport. Additionally, the neighborhood is home to several taxi and car services, including Yellow Cab and Uber, which offer transportation options to residents and visitors, similar to those found in Los Angeles and Chicago.

Education

Jamaica is served by several public and private schools, including Thomas A. Edison High School, August Martin High School, and York College, which is part of the City University of New York system. The area is also home to several libraries, including the Jamaica Library and the Queens Library, which offer a range of educational and cultural resources to residents, similar to those found in Harvard University and New York Public Library. Additionally, the neighborhood is served by several community organizations, including the Jamaica Arts Council and the Queens Council on the Arts, which provide arts and cultural programming to residents, similar to those found in Brooklyn Academy of Music and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.