Jamaica Plain's Rich, Diverse Character
Jamaica Plain is difficult to characterize in a few words because of its diversity, richness, and depth. Its diversity is reflected in the people who choose to live here – a myriad of backgrounds, lifestyles, and cultures. Truly the melting pot of Boston, Jamaica Plain is traditional and progressive. It's like no other neighborhood in the city.
The theme of diversity is also evident in the neighborhood's rich and varied real estate. JP is a treasure trove of
architectural styles. The housing stock in Jamaica Plain runs the gamut from condominiums and modest single family homes to suburban style colonials and ranches to Victorian "Painted Ladies" gems. As far back as the eighteenth century, Jamaica Plain served as a summer retreat for Boston's wealthy merchants. Just one of these eighteenth century summer estates, built for British Royal Navy officer, Joshua Loring, still stands. Now maintained by the Tuesday Club, the
Loring-Greenough house is open for public tours. In 1834, the Boston & Providence Railroad began service to Jamaica Plain and soon the community became an accessible and highly desirable suburb of Boston. Many of the houses built in the first half of the nineteenth century were in the
Greek Revival style which was fashionable at the time. These houses, with their columns and gables, were modeled on Greek temples. Later in the century, many classic Victorian "
Painted Ladies" sprung up, many of which still stand today.
Community
Community Spirit
The community's commitment to preserving the quality of life in Jamaica Plain is demonstrated by an unrivaled number of neighborhood associations, merchants' groups, arts collectives, active political organizations, and many, many more special interest groups. Jamaica Plain is home to the Footlight Club, America's oldest community theater, JP Open Studios one of the oldest open studio events in New England, and the Wake Up the Earth Festival a celebration of community collaboration founded in 1979.
Schools
As the birthplace of public education in America, the Boston's schools are known for their dedicated staff and engaged parent community. Jamaica Plain is served by several
public and private schools serving K-12 and Pre-K students. On Curley Pride Fridays! you may see students from the
Curley K-8 School wearing their black Curley School T-shirts or polo shirts.
A Rich and Vibrant Urban Oasis
Parks, Bike Trails and Jamaica Pond
Jamaica Plain is a vibrant urban oasis within minutes of downtown Boston. Residents take great pride in the fact that their urban village retains an abundance of open space, a feature that first drew the rich gentry to Jamaica Plain a century ago.
Jamaica Pond,
Franklin Park, the
Arnold Arboretum, and the historic
Forest Hills cemetery are just a few examples of accessible green space for all kinds of recreational activities or simple communing with nature. This access to
green space is all the more impressive given that Jamaica Plain is just minutes away from
Boston's Back Bay, downtown and world renowned Medical Area. Universities,
museums, and other rich cultural offerings.
A Diverse and Thriving Food Scene
As Zagat noted, the Jamaica Plain dining scene has exploded over the last few years drawing in many curious diners from other neighborhoods. Enjoy a glass of wine at a bustling neighborhood spot, savor a rave-worthy meal at
Ten Tables, or enjoy authentic Mexican street food at
Chilacates. The neighborhood's creative vibe is evident in several unique local restaurants including
Tres Gatos, a full-service restaurant, book, and music store.
Adding to the neighborhood's depth and variety, Jamaica Plain is served by a local outpost of Whole Foods, remarkable bakeries like Blue Frog and Fiore's Bakery. And, if you're interests include eclectic musical acts, beers and a rollicking vibe, an evening at the Midway Café is not to be missed. Whether you're shopping for organic produce or savoring a fine meal, the local food scene is varied and buzz-worthy.
Public Transportation
Jamaica Plain is served by major train, subway and bus lines. The Orange Line subway runs through Jamaica Plain, stopping at Jackson Square, Stony Brook, Green Street, and Forest Hills. The Needham Line of the commuter rail also stops at Forest Hills Station, which is also a major bus hub. Two major bicycle paths serve Jamaica Plain as well: the Pierre Lallement Bike Path, which runs from Forest Hills to Back Bay, and a series of paths that run through the Emerald Necklace Parks along Jamaicaway and Riverway. JP is nestled between routes 28 and 9, and by car it is mainly served by local roads. Route 9 leads east into Boston and west to Interstate 90.
Useful Information and Links:
Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston is located in Suffolk county.
Jamaica Plain's ZIP code is 02130.
Boston Public Schools