Let the numbers do the talking.
Jamaica, NY vs Yonkers, NY
Jamaica, NY vs Yonkers, NY: What the data shows
Jamaica, NY is in Jamaica, NY while Yonkers, NY is in Yonkers, NY — both in the same state. On home prices, Yonkers, NY is the more affordable option at $400,300 median — $380,800 less than Jamaica, NY's $781,100. WYLT rates Jamaica, NY as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Yonkers, NY as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Yonkers, NY has the stronger safety profile of the two. Jamaica, NY has High violent crime and High property crime. Yonkers, NY has Moderate violent crime and High property crime. On environmental risk, Jamaica, NY has Low flood risk and Yonkers, NY has Low flood risk.
Jamaica, NY is the more walkable neighborhood. Jamaica, NY scores 95/100 (exceptionally walkable) versus Yonkers, NY's 8/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Jamaica, NY has the higher school rating — Jamaica, NY rates 7.3/10 and Yonkers, NY rates 7.1/10.
| Category | Jamaica, NY | Yonkers, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Think twice |
| Median Price | $781K | $400K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $2K | $2K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $72K ✓ Higher income | $60K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 95/100 ✓ More walkable | 8/100 |
| Transit Score | 77/100 ✓ Better transit | 4/100 |
| Bike Score | N/A | N/A |
| Commute | 24 min ✓ Shorter commute | 30 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | F | F ✓ Safer |
| Violent Crime | High | Moderate ✓ Lower risk |
| Property Crime | High | High |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.3/10 ✓ Better schools | 7.1/10 |
| Best for | Budget rentersJFK commutersPeople who value walkability | commutersfamiliesbudget‑conscious New Yorkers |
Bottom line
Both neighborhoods have their drawbacks, but if you prioritize affordability and walkability, Jamaica might be a better fit for you. If you're willing to trade off some convenience for a safer and more direct commute to Manhattan, Yonkers could be worth considering, but you'll need to weigh its other drawbacks. For the average person, Yonkers likely offers a more balanced and stable living experience.
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