Is Jamaica Estates-Holliswood safe?
Queens, New York · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Jamaica Estates-Holliswood as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Jamaica Estates-Holliswood
“Go. Jamaica Estates and Holliswood form one of the safest and most affluent suburban-style enclaves in Queens, characterized by quiet, tree-lined streets and minimal violent crime. Visitors should exercise standard awareness along the busier commercial edge of Hillside Avenue, but the residential interior is very peaceful.”
About the area
Jamaica Estates-Holliswood is an upscale residential district in Eastern Queens known for its winding, wooded roads and expansive Tudor, Colonial, and Mediterranean-style single-family homes. Bordering Cunningham Park, it offers a distinctly suburban ambiance while remaining within New York City limits.
- Affluent Suburbia
- Tree-Lined / Historic
- Quiet & Peaceful
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Jamaica Estates-Holliswood
Walk score: 52/100 · Bike score: 46/100
Citi Bike docks are sparse in the interior, but cyclists enjoy easy connection to the multi-use Vanderbilt Motor Parkway trail and Cunningham Park's extensive bike network.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent and property crime rates compared to citywide averages, aided by active civic associations and private patrols
- High homeownership rate and strong household income levels exceeding $110,000
- Spacious, well-maintained estates directly adjacent to extensive greenery at Cunningham Park
Cons
- Commercial perimeter along Hillside Avenue experiences higher rates of petty theft and panhandling than the interior
- Many winding interior residential roads lack standard sidewalks and street lighting
- Minimal commercial amenities within the interior, requiring a car or walk to boundary avenues for services
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent throughout the residential interior of Jamaica Estates and Holliswood, though panhandling and unhoused individuals can be seen intermittently near the subway entrances along Hillside Avenue.
What Jamaica Estates-Holliswood is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and serene with neighborhood joggers, dog walkers, and light commuter vehicle traffic heading toward Union Turnpike.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and quiet throughout the residential lanes, with families and students frequenting nearby school grounds and Cunningham Park.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Very low foot traffic in the residential core, maintaining a quiet and safe suburban neighborhood environment.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet and secluded; while safety risks remain low, poorly lit streets and minimal pedestrian activity make personal vehicles the preferred travel mode.
Transit, parking and getting around
MTA Subway service is anchored at the southern boundary by the Jamaica-179th St station (F train), roughly 10-20 minutes on foot depending on your location, complemented by local MTA bus routes Q1, Q2, Q3, Q46, and Q76 along the perimeter corridors.
Street parking is straightforward, widely available, and free on almost all residential side streets, while metered spots are concentrated along Union Turnpike and Hillside Avenue.
Things to do in Jamaica Estates-Holliswood
- Take an architectural walking or driving tour along Midland Parkway to view historic 1920s Tudor Revival mansions
- Access hiking and cycling routes along the historic Vanderbilt Motor Parkway trail starting at Cunningham Park
- Relax or attend community events in the landscaped green spaces along the Midland Parkway median
Local favorites
- Acquista Trattoria · Italian Restaurant · 4.5★ (470)Longstanding neighborhood staple serving classic Italian pasta, seafood, and wood-fired pizza near the northern border.
- Bake Ridge Bagels · Bagel Shop & Bakery · 4.4★ (380)Popular local morning spot known for fresh hand-rolled bagels, custom spreads, and breakfast sandwiches.
- Gennaro's Pizzeria & Restaurant · Pizza Restaurant · 4.3★ (510)Casual, family-friendly parlor dishing out New York-style slices and hearty Italian-American entrees.
Neighborhoods near Jamaica Estates-Holliswood
Common questions about Jamaica Estates-Holliswood
Is Jamaica Estates-Holliswood safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Jamaica Estates-Holliswood a good place to live?
On safety, Jamaica Estates-Holliswood scores 84/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Jamaica Estates-Holliswood?
Walk score 52/100 and bike score 46/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Jamaica Estates-Holliswood are safer?
Oakland Gardens-Hollis Hills (91), Fresh Meadows-Utopia (89) score higher nearby.
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