Jamaica, Queens

Jamaica, Queens
source
Name	Jamaica, Queens
Settlement type	Neighborhood

Jamaica, Queens is a neighborhood in the borough of Queens, New York City, located near John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Citi Field, home of the New York Mets. The area is also close to the Van Wyck Expressway, Grand Central Parkway, and Jamaica Bay. Jamaica, Queens is a major transportation hub, with the Long Island Rail Road and several New York City Subway lines, including the E train (New York City Subway), J train (New York City Subway), and Z train (New York City Subway), converging at the Jamaica station (LIRR). The neighborhood is also home to the York College, City University of New York and the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.

Geography

Jamaica, Queens is situated in the southeastern part of Queens County, New York, near the Nassau County, New York border. The neighborhood is bounded by the Van Wyck Expressway to the west, Hillside Avenue to the north, and the Cross Island Parkway to the east. Jamaica, Queens is also close to the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, a protected area managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Gateway National Recreation Area, which includes the Jamaica Bay Unit and the Canarsie Pier. The neighborhood's geography is also influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Rockaway Peninsula, which is home to the Rockaway Beach and the Jacob Riis Park. Other nearby neighborhoods include Richmond Hill, Queens, South Ozone Park, Queens, and South Jamaica, Queens, which are all part of the Queens Community Board 12.

History

The history of Jamaica, Queens dates back to the 17th century, when the area was settled by the British and became part of the Province of New York. The neighborhood was named after the Taino people, who were the indigenous inhabitants of the island of Jamaica in the Caribbean Sea. During the American Revolutionary War, the area was a major hub for the Continental Army, with the Battle of Long Island taking place nearby. In the 19th century, Jamaica, Queens became a major commercial center, with the establishment of the Long Island Rail Road and the Jamaica station (LIRR). The neighborhood was also home to the Jamaica Race Course, which hosted the Belmont Stakes from 1867 to 1890. Other notable events in the area include the 1904 World's Fair, which was held in nearby Flushing Meadows Corona Park, and the 1964 New York World's Fair, which was held in the same park.

Demographics

As of the 2010 United States Census, the demographics of Jamaica, Queens are diverse, with a population that includes people of African American, Hispanic and Latino American, Asian American, and White American descent. The neighborhood is also home to a large Caribbean American community, with many residents tracing their ancestry to Jamaica, Haiti, and other Caribbean islands. According to the United States Census Bureau, the median household income in Jamaica, Queens is around $40,000, with a significant portion of the population living below the poverty line. The neighborhood is also home to a number of community organizations, including the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce and the Queens Community Board 12. Other nearby neighborhoods with similar demographics include Rosedale, Queens, Laurelton, Queens, and Springfield Gardens, Queens.

Economy

The economy of Jamaica, Queens is driven by a mix of retail, commercial, and industrial activities. The neighborhood is home to the Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning, a non-profit organization that provides arts and cultural programming to the community. The area is also a major hub for the health care industry, with the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and the Queens Hospital Center located nearby. Other major employers in the area include the New York City Department of Education, the New York City Police Department, and the United States Postal Service. The neighborhood is also home to a number of small businesses, including restaurants, shops, and services, which cater to the diverse needs of the community. Nearby commercial centers include the Queens Center for Performing Arts and the Rego Park Center.

Transportation

Jamaica, Queens is a major transportation hub, with several New York City Subway lines and the Long Island Rail Road converging at the Jamaica station (LIRR). The neighborhood is also served by several MTA Regional Bus Operations routes, including the Q4 (New York City bus), Q5 (New York City bus), and Q84 (New York City bus). The area is also close to the Van Wyck Expressway, Grand Central Parkway, and Cross Island Parkway, making it easily accessible by car. Other nearby transportation hubs include the John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and the New York City Subway stations at Sutphin Boulevard – Archer Avenue – JFK Airport and Parsons Boulevard (IND Queens Boulevard Line). The neighborhood is also served by the Long Island Rail Road stations at Locust Manor and St. Albans (LIRR station).

Education

Jamaica, Queens is served by the New York City Department of Education, with several public schools located in the area, including the Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Education High School, August Martin High School, and York Early College Academy. The neighborhood is also home to the York College, City University of New York, a public college that offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Other nearby educational institutions include the Queens College, City University of New York, Queensborough Community College, and the St. John's University (New York City). The neighborhood is also served by the Queens Library, which has a branch located on Merrick Boulevard. Other nearby libraries include the Langston Hughes Community Library and Cultural Center and the South Jamaica Library.

Category:Neighborhoods in Queens, New York