Welcome to Jamaica Plain
Living in Jamaica Plain offers a distinct blend of urban charm and natural tranquility. It is an eclectic and hip neighborhood filled with art, music, and nature. The heart of Jamaica Plain is Centre Street, with its independently owned shops, eateries, and Boston’s “Latin Quarter.” The allure of this neighborhood is the abundance of green space provided by the Emerald Necklace Park system designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. It offers access to hundreds of acres of lush parks, scenic trails, and wildlife that provide an escape from the city bustle.
Jamaica Plain is conveniently located to Longwood Medical Center and Fenway Park. Easy access to public transportation and the neighborhood's cultural diversity make it an inclusive and welcoming place to call home.
What to Love
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Historic and colorful architecture
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Eclectic and locally owned stores and restaurants
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Abundance of green spaces and parks with wildlife
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Close proximity to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston’s Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School
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10-15 minute train ride via the Orange Line to downtown Boston
Local Lifestyle
Jamaica Plain offers a laid-back atmosphere where the community is creative, environmentally conscious, and academic. This diverse and welcoming neighborhood feels town-like despite being an urban city center.
Dining
Jamaica Plain has a great dining and shopping scene located around Centre Street.
TRES GATOS is known for its tapas-style menu inspired by Spanish and Mediterranean cuisines. It has a quaint but lively atmosphere which includes a hip bookstore and a fantastic vinyl selection in the back to keep you busy while you wait.
VEE VEE is known for its creative and contemporary American cuisine emphasizing sustainability and supporting local farmers. It has a friendly, intimate atmosphere, and the “hidden patio” is a must during the summer months.
BRASSICA KITCHEN AND CAFE buzzes with gourmet coffee during the day, brunch on the weekends, and shifts to a rustic and inviting dinner atmosphere at night. Carefully crafted cocktails and an eclectic menu are served that showcase a fusion of flavors and culinary techniques.
THE HAVEN is the only restaurant in Boston offering authentic Scottish cuisine. The new space has funky décor, and a huge patio and offers a wide variety of events including whisky tastings, comedy nights, live music, trivia, and more.
TEN TABLES has been a staple in JP for 20 years. It has a welcoming and comfortable environment known for its popular tasting menus, hand-crafted cocktails, and local craft beers.
Entertainment / Shopping
Shopping in Jamaica Plain offers a variety of specialty boutiques and shops. A few favorites to visit are STREETCAR WINE AND BEER a quaint store that focuses on small-batch vineyards and craft beers. BOING! TOY STORE, ON CENTRE GIFTS, and KITCHENWITCH was voted Boston Magazine’s “Best Of” for kitchen stores. SALMAGUNDI HATS boasts the largest and most diverse hat selection in New England, and PAPERCUTS is a charming independent bookstore.
Things to Do
One of the best things to do in Jamaica Plain is to explore the Emerald Necklace Park system which includes the ARNOLD ARBORETUM. This national historic landmark consists of 281 acres of landscaped grounds and is managed by Harvard University.
JAMAICA POND offers a 1.5-mile walking path, and the boathouse provides facilities for sailing and rowing. The pond is stocked annually with trout and salmon raised in state hatcheries every year. Visitors can fish by permit.
Enjoy a pint of ale at the SAM ADAMS BREWERY which also offers tours or walk over to TURTLE SWAMP BREWERY which is known for its selection of locally brewed craft beers.
The LORING GREENOUGH HOUSE is a well-preserved Georgian-style country mansion with lush gardens. This 18th-century home creates a perfect backdrop for weddings, educational tours, and community events such as THURSDAYS ON THE LAWN during the summer months.
PORCHFEST is a community event that occurs every year that celebrates local musical talent. Jamaica Plain is also known for their OPEN STUDIOS ART WALK where hundreds of local artists open their studios and set up booths to sell their unique creations.
Feeling creative? Take an art class at the ELIOT SCHOOL. It is one of the few early colonial-era schools that survives today. A wide variety of classes are offered in fine and applied arts. During the summer months, concerts are hosted on the lawn.
