Moving to Jamaica, Vermont

by btobers · Published July 1, 2019 · Updated November 18, 2024

Jamaica, Vermont is a small, rural town with a population of 1,262 according to the last census. It is located in Windham County and is situated on the West River, which provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as canoeing and fishing. Its climate is typical of the New England area with cold winters and warm summers.

The history of Jamaica dates back to the mid-18th century when it was first settled by pioneers from Massachusetts. The town was named after its original settlers who were from Jamaica Plain in Massachusetts. Since then, Jamaica has grown and developed into a small but thriving community.

Politically, Jamaica is part of the state of Vermont and has been represented by both Democratic and Republican representatives over the years. It has an open town meeting form of government where residents can come together to discuss issues important to them.

The economy in Jamaica is largely based on agriculture with dairy farming being the main industry in town. There are also several small businesses located in town that provide goods and services to residents as well as visitors.

Education in Jamaica is provided by Windham Central Supervisory Union which consists of five schools including an elementary school, middle school, high school, alternative school, and an adult learning center. All five schools are accredited by New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC).

Jamaica’s many landmarks include The West River Trail which runs along the West River providing scenic views for hikers; The Old Stone House which was built in 1790; The Jamaica State Park which offers camping facilities; And Mount Snow Ski Area which offers snow sports activities during winter months. In addition to these natural attractions there are also several historical buildings located throughout town including churches, libraries and museums that tell stories about its past inhabitants.

Population: 946. Estimated population in July 2024: 926 (-2.1% change)
Males: 503 (53.2%), Females: 443 (46.8%)

Windham County

Demographics

Median resident age: 38.0 years
Median household income: $34,917
Median house value: $112,000

Population by Race

Races in Jamaica:

White Non-Hispanic (98.2%)
American Indian (1.1%)
Two or more races (1.0%)

Ancestries: English (23.6%), Irish (16.9%), German (10.1%), United States (8.0%), Italian (7.5%), French (6.9%).

Elevation: 732 feet

Population by Education

Neah Jamaica, Vermont is a small town located in the northeast corner of the state. It has a population of around 1,500 people and is known for its rural charm. The town is nestled in the Green Mountains, surrounded by rolling hills and lush forests. The cost of living in Neah Jamaica is relatively low compared to other towns in Vermont and the surrounding area. Groceries, gasoline, and other necessities are all priced reasonably and there are plenty of affordable housing options available. The average home price in Neah Jamaica is about $150,000, which is significantly lower than many other areas in Vermont. The town also offers a variety of recreational activities such as hiking trails and fishing spots. Residents can take advantage of the nearby lakes for swimming or boating during summer months or go skiing during winter months at one of the nearby ski resorts. Neah Jamaica also boasts a vibrant community with plenty of local shops and restaurants to explore. There are several festivals throughout the year including an annual county fair that brings people from all over to experience small-town life at its finest.

For population 25 years and over in Jamaica

High school or higher: 86.4%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 27.1%
Graduate or professional degree: 11.0%
Unemployed: 3.6%
Mean travel time to work: 22.2 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Jamaica town

Never married: 25.4%
Now married: 55.7%
Separated: 1.4%
Widowed: 6.7%
Divorced: 10.7%

3.2% Foreign born (2.6% Europe).

Population change in the 1990s: +190 (+25.1%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Jamaica:

GRACE COTTAGE HOSPITAL (about 9 miles; TOWNSHEND, VT)
BRATTLEBORO MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 21 miles; BRATTLEBORO, VT)
BRATTLEBORO RETREAT (about 21 miles; BRATTLEBORO, VT)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Jamaica:

RUTLAND STATE (about 31 miles; RUTLAND, VT; Abbreviation: RUT)
FLOYD BENNETT MEMORIAL (about 60 miles; GLENS FALLS, NY; Abbreviation: GFL)
WESTOVER ARB/METROPOLITAN (about 66 miles; SPRINGFIELD/CHICOPEE, MA; Abbreviation: CEF)

Other public-use airports nearest to Jamaica:

NORTH WINDHAM (about 10 miles; LONDONDERRY, VT; Abbreviation: 3N3)
MOUNT SNOW (about 14 miles; WEST DOVER, VT; Abbreviation: 4V8)
HARTNESS STATE (SPRINGFIELD) (about 25 miles; SPRINGFIELD, VT; Abbreviation: VSF)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Jamaica:

KEENE STATE COLLEGE (about 39 miles; KEENE, NH; Full-time enrollment: 4,049)
WILLIAMS COLLEGE (about 42 miles; WILLIAMSTOWN, MA; Full-time enrollment: 2,047)
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS-AMHERST (about 52 miles; AMHERST, MA; Full-time enrollment: 21,468)
SMITH COLLEGE (about 55 miles; NORTHAMPTON, MA; Full-time enrollment: 3,053)
DARTMOUTH COLLEGE (about 57 miles; HANOVER, NH; Full-time enrollment: 5,309)
MOUNT HOLYOKE COLLEGE (about 61 miles; SOUTH HADLEY, MA; Full-time enrollment: 2,029)
HOLYOKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 63 miles; HOLYOKE, MA; Full-time enrollment: 3,747)

Public primary/middle school in Jamaica:

JAMAICA VILLAGE SCHOOL (Students: 101; Location: 18 WORDEN ROAD; Grades: KG – 06)

Libraries

Library in Jamaica:

JAMAICA MEMORIAL (Operating income: $5,506; Location: P.O. BOX 266; 3,300 books)