Jamaica Estates - Jamaica, NY

When the Queensboro Bridge opened in 1903, wealthy city dwellers eyed the tracts of woods in Jamaica. They removed some of the maple and elm trees and built large Tudor-style homes. Today, those trees, some 200 years old, stand among the mansions and detached two-story homes that decorate the area. One mansion, the Bishop Molloy House, acts as a religious retreat for area residents. It holds lecture series and marital retreats also.

Another spiritual spot, Anshei-Shalom, stands as the only Afghan-Jewish synagogue in America.

The library can be a center of fun where no bars and clubs exist. The South Jamaica branch of the Queens library has a number of programs for children and adults. Children can receive homework help at many library branches. The adult education program helps residents gain citizenship, if needed.

Of all the pizza establishments in the area, only Gaby’s Pizza gets top honors from Rachael Ray. This family-owned restaurant has been around since 1954. In addition to its mouth-watering pizzas and Sicilians, Gaby’s serves up other Italian classics such as pasta fagioli and filete di pomodoro.

Crepe N Tearia serves crepes and tea. With tea samples from all over the world, expect to find some unique choices. College students frequent this shop because of its proximity to St. John’s University. This wonderfully aromatic café makes a perfect quiet study spot.

With no bars or nightclubs in the area, local merchants direct customers to Astoria for night time entertainment. Cavo stands out as a great place to celebrate. This beautiful nightclub lets customers experience Greece, starting from the Greek music that greets you at the door to the unique indoor water garden.

Bicycling and walking go hand-in-hand with life in suburbia. Although there are no designated bike lanes, bicyclists safely cruise down the busy streets in Jamaica Estates. Union Turnpike and Utopia Parkway see particular heavy foot and bike traffic. Nearby St. John's University explains the numbers of people who prefer to bike and walk rather than drive. The Metro Transit Authority bus lines runs up those busy roads and cars go over the Queensboro Bridge and further into Manhattan. The F train runs underground, but still goes into the city and it takes commuters 30 to 45 minutes to get to New York, depending on traffic. If driving doesn't suit, Uber takes residents directly into the city.

The Jamaica Estates Association takes pains to ensure that the neighborhood remains safe and secure, which makes walking safe day and night.

New York City maintains the Midland Park playground within Jamaica Estates. Patrons visit it to watch their children play or organize a game of baseball or basketball. Dogs may enjoy the park, but must be leashed.

Locals come out to tend the Williams Simmons Community Garden Club; most residents get involved.

Major Mark Park is a wheelchair-accessible memorial park to the memory of a slain World War II veteran.

Although there is no exercise-centric park, the Shape UP NYC and WALK NYC programs run out of Midland Park.

Additionally, the Queens Jewish Link announces that Clique Fitness will be opening. They will offer kosher fitness along with personal trainers and massage therapy.

The cost to live in Jamaica Estates is high, but the location and available amenities make a good move on many levels. Excellent schools as well as low crime make this the perfect place to raise a family. A one-bedroom apartment in the area starts at $1200. Getting to the city center via the Metro Transit Authority’s Q line costs $ 2. There are no bars in the area, but a 6-pack at local Foodtown costs $11. Gas prices 15 percent above the national average.

Though scattered, a variety of Judaic stores litter the Queens area. A handy weekly newspaper, the Queens Jewish Link, brings restaurants and vendors together for easy access. For example, the newspaper lets you know that Dynasty Wine & Spirits sells Manischevitz wine in different flavors, and the restaurant Soy Sauce caters events starting at $10 per person. The Queens Jewish Link can be read electronically or delivered straight to the doors.

Foodtown, Ideal Food Basket, and two C-Town locations serve the area, offering plenty of variety to satisfy all your grocery needs. Expect a pricier shopping experience at organic grocery and deli Fresh Meadows Natural. On Fridays and Saturdays from June to November, head to the nearby Jamaica neighborhood for the Jamaica Farmers Market, which also hosts the annual Harvest Festival in the fall.