About Jamaica Plain Massachusetts

 

Jamaica Plain is a neighborhood in Boston, Massachusetts known for its diverse population, vibrant arts scene, and abundance of green space. Located in the southwestern part of the city, Jamaica Plain is home to around 44,000 people and is a popular destination for both tourists and locals.

 

 

One of the defining features of Jamaica Plain is its abundance of parks and open spaces. The neighborhood is home to the Emerald Necklace, a string of parks and greenways that stretch throughout the city. The largest of these is the Arnold Arboretum, a 265-acre botanical garden that is popular with hikers, runners, and nature enthusiasts.

Jamaica Plain is also known for its diverse population and vibrant arts scene. The neighborhood is home to a large Latino community, as well as a growing number of young professionals and families. This diversity is reflected in the local businesses and restaurants, which offer a range of cuisines and cultural experiences. The neighborhood is also home to a number of galleries, performance spaces, and artist studios, making it a hub for the arts in Boston.

Despite its popularity, Jamaica Plain has managed to maintain a small town feel. The neighborhood is home to a number of small, independent businesses, and there is a strong sense of community among residents. Jamaica Plain is also well-connected to the rest of the city, with multiple public transportation options, including the MBTA Green Line and numerous bus routes.

Overall, Jamaica Plain is a lively and vibrant neighborhood that offers something for everyone. Its diverse population, abundance of green space, and thriving arts scene make it a popular destination for both residents and visitors to Boston.

 

History

Jamaica Plain is a neighborhood located in the southwestern part of Boston, Massachusetts. The area was originally settled in the 1630s and was known as Muddy River, due to the numerous swamps and marshes in the area. In the late 19th century, the neighborhood underwent significant changes as it was annexed to the city of Boston and underwent rapid development.

One of the defining features of Jamaica Plain is the Emerald Necklace, a string of parks and greenways that stretch throughout the city. The Emerald Necklace was the vision of landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed it in the late 1800s. The largest of these parks is the Arnold Arboretum, a 265-acre botanical garden that was founded in 1872 and is now operated by Harvard University.

In the early 20th century, Jamaica Plain became home to a large immigrant population, including Irish, Italian, and Jewish families. The neighborhood also became a hub for the arts, with a number of galleries, performance spaces, and artist studios opening in the area.

In the latter half of the 20th century, Jamaica Plain underwent gentrification, with many of the older, more affordable houses being renovated and converted into more expensive homes. The neighborhood has since become a popular destination for young professionals and families, and is known for its diverse population and vibrant arts scene.

Today, Jamaica Plain is a thriving neighborhood that is popular with both residents and visitors to Boston. It is home to a number of small, independent businesses, as well as a number of well-known landmarks, including the Arnold Arboretum, the Forest Hills Cemetery, and the Franklin Park Zoo. Overall, Jamaica Plain has a rich history and is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood that is an integral part of the city of Boston.

 

 

Things to do in Jamaica Plain MA

Jamaica Plain is a neighborhood located in the southwestern part of Boston, Massachusetts. It is known for its diverse population, vibrant arts scene, and abundance of green space. Here are a few things to do in Jamaica Plain:

1. Explore the Emerald Necklace: The Emerald Necklace is a string of parks and greenways that stretch throughout the city. The largest of these is the Arnold Arboretum, a 265-acre botanical garden that is popular with hikers, runners, and nature enthusiasts. Other parks in the Emerald Necklace include Franklin Park, the largest park in Boston, and the Jamaica Pond, a popular spot for picnics and recreational activities.
2. Visit the Franklin Park Zoo: Located in Franklin Park, the Franklin Park Zoo is home to over 220 species of animals, including lions, gorillas, and zebras. The zoo also has a number of interactive exhibits and educational programs for visitors.
3. Shop and dine on Centre Street: Centre Street is the main commercial thoroughfare in Jamaica Plain and is home to a number of independent businesses, including boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants. The neighborhood is known for its diverse array of cuisines, with options ranging from Italian to Latin American to vegan.
4. Check out the local arts scene: Jamaica Plain is home to a number of galleries, performance spaces, and artist studios, making it a hub for the arts in Boston. The Jamaica Plain Artists Network hosts regular exhibitions and events, and the Boston Center for the Arts hosts performances and workshops in a variety of media.
5. Visit the Forest Hills Cemetery: Established in 1848, the Forest Hills Cemetery is a beautiful and peaceful place to spend an afternoon. The cemetery is home to a number of notable figures, including poet E.E. Cummings and musician Joe Strummer, and is also a popular spot for birdwatching.

Jamaica Plain is a lively and vibrant neighborhood that offers something for everyone. Its diverse population, abundance of green space, and thriving arts scene make it a popular destination for both residents and visitors to Boston.

 

Transportation

The neighborhood is well-connected to the rest of the city, with a number of transportation options available.

MBTA: One of the main modes of transportation in Jamaica Plain is the MBTA, Boston's public transportation system. The neighborhood is served by the MBTA Green Line, with stops at Stony Brook, Green Street, and Forest Hills. The Green Line connects Jamaica Plain to downtown Boston and other neighborhoods in the city.

Bus: In addition to the Green Line, Jamaica Plain is also served by a number of bus routes. The MBTA bus routes 39, 41, and 42 serve the neighborhood, providing connections to other parts of the city.

Car: For those who prefer to drive, Jamaica Plain is located near several major highways, including the Massachusetts Turnpike and Route 9. The neighborhood is also served by several taxi and ride-sharing companies, such as Uber and Lyft.

Jamaica Plain is well-connected to the rest of the city, with a range of transportation options available to residents and visitors.

 

Education

The neighborhood is home to a number of schools, both public and private, serving students from pre-kindergarten through high school.

The Boston Public Schools district serves the students of Jamaica Plain. The neighborhood is home to a number of public schools, including the Curley K-8 School, the Rafael Hernandez K-8 School, and the English High School. These schools offer a range of academic programs and extracurricular activities for students.

In addition to public schools, Jamaica Plain is also home to several private schools. The Maimonides School is a co-educational Jewish day school serving students from nursery through grade 12. The Boston School is a private, independent school serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 8.

Higher education institutions in the area include the Boston College School of Social Work and the New England Institute of Art.

Jamaica Plain is served by a range of educational institutions, both public and private, offering a range of academic programs and opportunities for students.

 

Living in Jamaica Plain

Jamaica Plain is known for its diverse population, vibrant arts scene, and abundance of green space. Here are a few things to consider if you're thinking about living in Jamaica Plain:

1. Cost of living: The cost of living in Jamaica Plain is higher than the national average, as is typical for the Boston area. Housing prices in the neighborhood are above average, with the median home value being around $800,000. Rent prices are also above average, with the median rent being around $1,800 per month.
2. Diverse population: Jamaica Plain is known for its diverse population, with a mix of families, young professionals, and students. The neighborhood is home to a large Latino community, as well as a growing number of young families and professionals.
3. Thriving arts scene: Jamaica Plain is home to a number of galleries, performance spaces, and artist studios, making it a hub for the arts in Boston. The neighborhood is also home to the Boston Center for the Arts, which hosts performances and workshops in a variety of media.
4. Abundance of green space: One of the defining features of Jamaica Plain is the Emerald Necklace, a string of parks and greenways that stretch throughout the city. The largest of these is the Arnold Arboretum, a 265-acre botanical garden that is popular with hikers, runners, and nature enthusiasts.
5. Transportation: Jamaica Plain is well-connected to the rest of the city, with the MBTA Green Line and a number of bus routes serving the neighborhood. The neighborhood is also located near several major highways, making it easy to get around by car.

Jamaica Plain is a lively and vibrant neighborhood that offers a range of amenities and activities for residents. Its diverse population, thriving arts scene, and abundance of green space make it a popular destination for those looking to live in the Boston area.

 

 

 

Official Link: https://www.boston.gov/