Jamaica Plain

Referred to as "JP" by neighborhood residents, Jamaica Park has evolved from a classic streetcar suburb of Boston to form one Boston's most ethnically diverse neighborhoods. Like a resilient prizefighter that continues to defy a 10-count Jamaica Plain has undergone numerous revivals to remain one of the area's most important neighborhoods. The blend of disparate cultures shines through in the neighborhood businesses that include popular ethnic eateries. Jamaica Plain residents and visitors to the neighborhood enjoy jogging, walking, and cycling around Jamaica Pond that comprises an integral natural wonder of Boston's famed Emerald Necklace park system.

At the turn of the 21st century, Jamaica Plain became home to a rapidly growing number of professionals that received educations from nearby Ivy League institutions. Political activists organize causes in several structures that form the neighborhood's central business district. You can walk past a group of business executives leaving a small ethnic restaurant and turn a corner to find yourself immersed in a crowd of people rallying the residents around a popular cause. The influx of educated professionals transformed Jamaica Plain from a tired neighborhood replete with outdated triple decker homes to a neighborhood stocked with refurbished homes in areas such as Parkside and Summer Hill that have seen values skyrocket. Both private and public investments have turned larger residential buildings and commercial structures into modernly designed condominiums.

As the oldest community theater in the United States, Footlight Club showcases the talents of local and regional actors that dream of landing a gig on a premier Boston area stage. Jamaica Plain's unique layout includes several sub districts that possess unique identities. Some JP residents call the neighborhoods a big jigsaw puzzle, where every piece presents a different pattern. Jamaica Plain lays claim to be one of the greenest neighborhoods in metro Boston, with several open spaces devoted to parks and trails. The green line ends at Heath Street in Jamaica Plain, with bus service continuing the treks of passengers that live outside of the bustling neighborhood. Forest Hill Station, which represents the primary transportation hub for Jamaica Plain, sits within walking distance of the Arnold Arboretum.