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About Jamaica Plain
The neighborhood of Jamaica Plain is many things to many different people. But without question it is a community that is rich in history, natural resources and culture. It is unique, open, diverse and unlike any other of the neighborhoods of Boston. But, ultimately, it’s the residents of Jamaica Plain that define the true character of the community. Neighbors representing a broad range of social, racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds working and living together and sharing the common goal of looking after each other’s health and welfare and that of their beloved neighborhood.
Jamaica Plain, commonly known as JP, is a historic neighborhood of 4.4 sq. miles in Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, United States. Founded by Boston Puritans seeking farm land to the south, it was originally part of the city of Roxbury. The community seceded from Roxbury as a part of the new town of West Roxbury in 1851, and became part of Boston when West Roxbury was annexed to Boston in 1874.[1] In the 19th century, Jamaica Plain became one of the first Streetcar Suburbs in America and home to a significant portion of Boston's Emerald Necklace of parks, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. According to an official city estimate, it had a population of 38,196 in October 2003.
Neighborhood History
Jamaica Plain’s history is a fascinating study in continual social transformation that reveals a pattern of progressive change leading to cultural enrichment for the benefit of the community. As such, the history of Jamaica Plain has contributed greatly to the storied past of Boston as a whole. Evidence of these transformative social shifts goes back to beginning, circa 1650’s, when Pilgrim settlers displaced the local Massachusett Indian tribe—from whom, incidentally, it is theorized that Jamaica Plain may have gotten its name. Specifically, from a man who was the regent-to-the-chief of the Massachusett tribe known as “Kuchamakin,” or “Big Feather.” Another example of remarkable change occurred around the time of the American Revolution, when many of the “Tory” estate owners fled the country, and were replaced by the rising elite of the new Boston. And later still, more change--as the area transitioned from an agricultural community to an industrial one, ultimately leading to Jamaica Plain’s annexation to the city of Boston. There are many other such examples of extraordinary change through JP’s history, with each of contributing its’ part in defining Jamaica Plain’s unique identity and character.
Jamaica Plain School Information
Jamaica Plain Park Information
The natural landscape surrounding Jamaica Plain helped inspire America’s first and perhaps most famous landscape architect—Frederick Law Olmstead (get Photo). Olmstead envisioned a “linear network of parks connected by walking paths winding along a gentle stream and numerous small ponds, which weaves its way through the neighborhoods of Boston.” That vision was realized in Boston’s famed Emerald Necklace, of which Jamaica Plain lays claim to some of its’ crown jewels—for example, The Arnold Arboretum and Jamaica Pond.
Jamaica Pond is what’s known as a kettle pond that was left over from retreating glaciers, which is currently being fed by natural springs. The pond has an area of 68-acres and runs to a depth of 60 feet, making it the largest body of fresh water in Boston. It is ringed by a 1.4 mile walking path and surrounded by 11-acres of forest and has become an extremely popular destination for Bostonians for walking, fishing, and sailing. As an interesting historical footnote, the Pond used to be the main fresh water source for much of Boston with water being delivered via conduits of hollowed out pine logs to area residents. During the winter months, ice was harvested from the pond and sold throughout the city prior to the invention of refrigeration.
The Arnold Arboretum, named after James Arnold of New Bedford, is a 265-acre oasis managed by Harvard University and stocked with all types of exotic trees and plant-life from around the world. The arboretum is a place where locals can walk, bike, relax and, on a certain Sunday in May, smell the lilacs.
Of course Jamaica Plain is home to many more active and passive recreational areas and open spaces, including the recently revitalized southwest corridor park--a 4 mile linear park that is a favorite of local walkers, runners and cyclists. Also, hidden around town are many other parks, playgrounds, playing fields--and even a public garden which is maintained by local residents. Historic Forest Hills cemetery is yet another open area where locals enjoy the scenic vistas, meandering paths and the locally renowned Lake Hibiscus. While still an active cemetery, the cemetery at Forest Hills is also known as the final resting place for many notable persons, including E.E. Cummings, Eugene O’Neil and Ann Sexton.
Jamaica Plain Transportation Information
Because Jamaica Plain is within Boston’s city limits, it benefits from having access to a world class public transportation system. One of the original “streetcar suburbs” it may be said that public transportation is part of Jamaica Plain’s DNA. Residents have access to two (2) subway lines—the green and orange lines with several stops throughout the neighborhood, multiple bus-lines going into and out of the city, and the commuter rail which you can take to Boston’s main transportation hub of South Station. So, whether it’s by bus, subway, streetcar, commuter rail, or any one of Boston’s special purpose transit systems, there is no place you can’t get to throughout the entire city and beyond--with ease and convenience.
Jamaica Plain Neighborhood News
- Vegetarian Friendly for Boston tripVegetarian Friendly for Boston trip
Chowhound's Latest Boston Area — Wed Jul 28 00:36:23 UTC 2010
I'd hit Oleana, Ten Tables (prefer JP location to Cambridge), Erbaluce, or Sportello - all terrific mid-range restaurants at which you're likely to have more than just a single pasta option. Highly recommend the four-course veg tasting at Oleana and th...
about: Cambridge Chickpea food truck Hospitality Recreation MIT Restaurant Vegetarianism Wine
at: Erbaluce Ten Tables Sportello - Asian Longhorned Beetles on the Orange LineAsian Longhorned Beetles on the Orange Line
Universal Hub — Wed Jul 28 09:40:41 UTC 2010
Jeepers, creepers The USDA wasted little time getting ads up on the Orange Line, which starts (or ends) right in the middle of Beetleville (anybody know about buses out of Forest Hills?). Meanwhile, the city, state and feds are holding an open house th...
about: Asian Longhorned Beetles Beetleville Forest Hills Jamaica Plain Jamaica Plain Boston Jamaica Plain's Curtis Hall Orange Line The T United States Department of Agriculture USDA
at: Curtis Hall - The Haven JP; Jamaica PlainThe Haven JP; Jamaica Plain
A Boston Food Diary — Wed Jul 28 07:54:00 UTC 2010
Some of my favorite memories come from the time that I spent living in London, England during my senior year of college. The extreme sense of pride that I had in myself for leaving everything, and everyone, that I knew and traveling to a far away plac...
about: College England London - Social media organization profile: The Community RoundtableSocial media organization profile: The Community Roundtable
Examiner Boston Edition — Wed Jul 28 09:04:03 UTC 2010
The Community Roundtable is a peer network for community managers and social media practitioners. The Jamaica Plain based organization is most often a virtual table where social media and community practitioners gather to meet, discuss...
about: Business Community Roundtable Internet Marketing Jamaica Plain Boston Marketing and Advertising media practitioners peer network Social Issues Social media - Thu Aug 5th: rick berlin at THE LORING GREENOUGH HOUSE Jamaica PlainThu Aug 5th: rick berlin at THE LORING GREENOUGH HOUSE Jamaica Plain
Boston concerts — Wed Jul 28 06:27:04 UTC 2010
rick berlin Jamaica Plain : THE LORING GREENOUGH HOUSE 12 South St 02130 on 2010-08-05
about: Caribbean Jamaica Jamaica Plain Boston Politics rick berlin - Introducing, Orange Street DesignIntroducing, Orange Street Design
The Boston Home Team Blog — Wed Jul 28 06:20:20 UTC 2010
We believe a well-designed space should inspire, surprise, humor, delight, and comfort those who experience it. Every project brings its own story and depth, and that uniqueness is brought to the forefront of each design. Our goal is not to achieve a p...
about: architecture Art Boston Brooke Richard Business Community Creative Remodeling Design designer Education Environment Fashion home improvement Interior design Jamaica Plain Jamaica Plain Massachusetts JP Laura Watson modern modernist Orange Street Design Studio renovation retail stores Technology Internet Uncategorized - Keith G.'s Review of The Haven - Jamaica Plain (5/5) on YelpKeith G.'s Review of The Haven - Jamaica Plain (5/5) on Yelp
Recent Reviews Near Brighton, Ma — Wed Jul 28 05:05:35 UTC 2010
I went with a group and we tried pretty much everything on the menu, and everything was delicious. My favorites were the Smoked Salmon and Scotch Egg appetizers, the Barley Risotto entree, and the?
about: Egg Fish and Seafood Food Hospitality Recreation Salmon Scotch Egg Shopping Smoked Smoked Salmon - Danny F.'s Review of Stanleys Towing Service - Jamaica Plain (5/5) on YelpDanny F.'s Review of Stanleys Towing Service - Jamaica Plain (5/5) on Yelp
Recent Reviews Near Brighton, Ma — Wed Jul 28 01:45:27 UTC 2010
To the person below who said writing reviews never gets anything accomplished: http://www.yelp.com/biz/stanley-service-inc-jamaica-plain#query:stanley%20towing Companies that tow for the Police and?
about: Business http://wwwyelpcom/biz/stanley-service-inc-jamaica-plain#query Stanleys Towing Service - No connectionNo connection
OpinionNews & OpinionBostoNHerald.com — Wed Jul 28 01:29:09 UTC 2010
The shooting that occurred in Jamaica Plain had nothing to do with the Puerto Rican Festival that was being celebrated inside Franklin Park ("Puerto Rican parade marred...
about: Caribbean Franklin Park Hospitality Recreation news/opinion
at: Franklin Park - CorrectionCorrection
Local CoverageNews & OpinionBostoNHerald.com — Tue Jul 27 11:42:11 UTC 2010
A story in Monday's Herald incorrectly stated that a shooting in Jamaica Plain occurred at the Puerto Rican Festival Parade. The shooting took place about a mile away from Sunday's parade, police report. The Herald regrets the error.
about: Caribbean Jamaica Plain Boston Police rss/outsidein/regional The Herald War Conflict
Jamaica Plain's Real Estate Trends
Below are some of the Real Estate Trends available for this neighborhood. The data is shown represents the last 365 days. A fully customizable trend report is available for this neighborhood and many others.
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Median Price for Jamaica Plain |
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