Jamaica, Queens: What to do, see, eat and more in NYC’s next affordable frontier

• “A lot of people, especially young couples, are buying homes in Jamaica right now,” said Badrul Chodhury, an agent with Charles Rutenberg Real Estate who formerly owned Liberty Pizza on Liberty Avenue. He said he’s watched the neighborhood transform over the years.

  “The demand is high, especially near Hillside Avenue,” he said. “The area has cleaned up a lot and it’s been great for the community.”

  Crime rates in Jamaica are dropping – they fell 15% in the last 15 years, according to the local precinct’s CompStat report – and the area is well-situated. It is home to the Long Island Railroad’s massive Jamaica Station and is a stop on the AirTrain to JFK Airport.

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• The area’s diverse cultures are also a draw, locals said. Once predominantly African-American, today it is also home to Hispanic, Indian, Bangladeshi, and Sri Lankan residents, among others. Their influences are apparent at local markets and restaurants.

  “There is a really large Asian community in Jamaica,” explained Bangladeshi resident Afjal Hussain, 37. “You feel like you can walk down the street and see familiar faces and go to stores carrying products from back home.”

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• But Hussain – who is raising two children in Jamaica – admits there is room for improvement.

  “There are a lot of families with kids which is great but the schools need work,” he said.

  Jamaica’s infrastructure, cleanliness and other maintenance could also use attention, he griped.

  “Up until a few months ago, there weren’t even garbage cans on the street,” he said. “There are good and bad things about living in Jamaica, just like anywhere else.”

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• To rent

  180-09 Jamaica Ave. #2B Three beds, one bath; $1, 749 per month

  88-40 144th St. #B4 Two beds, one bath; $1,900 per month

  88-40 144th St. #B1 One bed, one bath; $1,500 per month

  To buy

  143-20 91st Ave. Eight beds, two baths; $675,000

  110-50 176th St. Three beds, two baths; $360,000

  168-10 89th Ave. #10A One bed, one bath; $120,000

  2015 Jamaica Market data as of sept. 29

  Median sales price: $451,500

  Number of units on market: 48

  Median rental price: $1,750

  Number of rentals on market: 53

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• — Spicy Lanka, 159-23 Hillside Ave.

  A Sri Lankan eatery serving traditional dishes including pittu and a selection of curries. 718-487-4499

  — CityRib , 89-04 Parsons Blvd. One of the newer additions to the Jamaica dining scene, this restaurant is known for large portions of flavorful BBQ. cityrib.com

  — El Rey Bar & Restaurant, 147-13 Hillside Ave.

  This bistro features Latin American fare including Mofongo with Shrimp and Arroz Con Pollo and a small back bar to watch sports. 718-206-0614

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• — Taste the Caribbean at Sybil’s Bakery, 159-24 Hillside Ave.

  A neighborhood staple, head here to sample Guyanese beef patties, cassava pone and fish fry. 718-297-2359

  — King Manor Museum/Rufus King Park, 89th Avenue between 150th and 153th streets.

  Once the home of Revolutionary War soldier and lawyer Rufus King, the park offers green space, playgrounds and free Wi-Fi. It is also home to the King Manor Museum, highlighting King?s work in the anti-slavery movement. nycgovparks.org

  — Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, 153-10 Jamaica Ave.

  Showcasing both visual and performing arts, this arts center plays host to a variety of cultural events. jcal.org

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• — Maloney’s, 87-67 Sutphin Blvd.

  A traditional, no-frills Irish pub where patrons can sip on boozy beverages and eat takeout from local eateries. 718-526-8800

  — O Lavrador Restaurant & Bar, 138-40 101 Ave.
  Guests come for the Portuguese and Spanish fare and stay for the daily Happy Hour specials. olavradorrestaurant.com

  — H2O Lounge, 153-33 Hillside Ave.

  Enjoy a hookah, fishbowl-sized cocktails, weekend dance parties and special events at this local nightclub. h2oloungeny.com

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• — Jamaica Farmers’ Market, 160th Street and Jamaica Avenue

  This weekly farmer’s market is held every Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Nov. 21. gjdc.org

  — Shops along Jamaica Avenue, between 159th and 168th streets

  Locals head to this main thoroughfare for the big-name retailers including Marshall’s, Payless, Raymour and Flanigan, Old Navy, Foot Locker and Nine West.

  — Corner Fish Market, 9102 Sutphin Blvd.

  Head here for crates filled with live crabs and a delicious selection of fresh fish. 718-523-6001

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• Among the first signs of revitalization was the opening of Moda, a luxury residence at 153-50 89th Ave., built in 2012. It is LEED-certified and has the popular CityRib restaurant on its ground floor.

  Another new development in the area is the Norman Towers mixed-use development complex, built in the summer of 2014 on 190th and 191th streets.

  Construction will soon begin in on the Crossing at Jamaica Station, a mixed-use development at the corner of Archer Avenue and Sutphin Boulevard right next to the train stop.

  Nearby, a Hilton Garden Inn, Marriott Courtyard and Fairfield Inn and Suites are planned, which locals said will bring employment opportunities for area residents.

  “There are so many unique and desirable changes happening in the community right now,” Jamaica-based real estate agent Badrul Chowdhury said. “The new construction is going to continue to make things better — the stores, hotels and restaurants will create jobs — and it’s all benefitting the community.”

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It’s time for Jamaica to have its moment in the spotlight.

Located just 15 minutes from midtown, the south Queens nabe is becoming a desirable option for those in need of convenience and affordability but are being priced out of nabes like Williamsburg, Astoria and Long Island City.