Jamaica Plain — or just JP to residents — is a beautiful and historic suburb of Boston. Home to many notable people like poet Sylvia Plath, the neighborhood has so much to offer. What is Jamaica Plain known for? It has four of Boston’s famous Emerald Necklace of parks like Olmsted Park and Franklin Park which makes it one of the greenest neighborhoods in Boston. It was also one of America’s first streetcar suburbs that arose before automobiles. Living in Jamaica Plain gives you the perfect mix of urban and suburban life with plenty of parks, restaurants, and bars to explore.
Ready to see what awaits you while living in Jamaica Plain, MA, once called the Eden of America? This complete guide will help you decide if relocating to Jamaica Plain is the right move for you with info on fun things to do in Jamaica Plain, the cost of living, and more.
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Demographics & Population of Jamaica Plain
The population of Jamaica Plain is 37,500, although the community’s population is expected to rise as it becomes increasingly popular with families and young professionals. First founded by the Puritans in Boston who needed farmland south of the city, it was originally part of Roxbury until 1874 when it became part of Boston.
Curious about your neighbors while living in Jamaica Plain? The neighborhood is popular with young professionals, activists, artists, and young families with a strong art scene and LGBT community. It’s also rated as one of the best Boston suburbs to live and to raise a family with about 22% of households having kids.
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Jamaica Plain is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Boston. The neighborhood between Hyde and Jackson Squares is called the Latin Quarter thanks to the large share of Hispanic and Latino residents, Latin American-owned businesses, and local festivals. Egleston, Jackson, and Hyde Squares are all home to many Spanish-speaking people from the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. Overall, the ethnic composition of Jamaica Plain is 38% non-Hispanic white, 33% Hispanic, 20% non-Hispanic black, and 6% Asian. The median household income in Jamaica Plain is $77,000, exceeding Boston’s median household income of $72,000.
Jamaica Plain is very safe, too, with crime rates below the national average.
Cost of Living in Jamaica Plain, MA
What is the average cost of living in Jamaica Plain, MA? It’s an important question to consider before living in Jamaica Plain. It’s no surprise that Boston is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. As a suburb of Boston, the same is true for Jamaica Plain. Still, some areas of Boston are more expensive than others, so how does it compare?
High housing costs contribute a lot to the high cost of living in Boston. In the last two years, average rent has gone up 6% to $2,594 in Boston for a two-bedroom apartment. In Jamaica Plain, rent has gone up a whopping 9% during the same period: the average rent in Jamaica Plain for a two-bedroom apartment is $2,367.
Jamaica Plain isn’t the most expensive area of Boston, however! In areas like Beacon Hill, Fenway, and North End, average rent often tops $3,000.
If you’re planning to buy, check Jamaica Plain, MA homes for sale to see what you can afford with your budget.
Best Neighborhoods in Jamaica Plain, MA
Living in Jamaica Plain, you’ll quickly notice that JP is more than just a major suburb: it has a strong sense of community, culture, and art that’s hard to find today. Jamaica Plain neighborhoods are culturally rich, beautiful, and diverse yet bound together by common traits like colorful architecture and independent stores. Relocating to Jamaica Plain but not sure where you want to settle? Here are some of the best Jamaica Plain neighborhoods to explore.
Moss Hill is a highly sought-after neighborhood off Arborway. The neighborhood has mostly single-family homes with plenty of yard space for pets and kids. This quiet neighborhood is set back from the busy Centre Street and offers one of the most private settings you’ll find in the area.
Hyde Square, home to the Latin Quarter, is a bustling and exciting neighborhood of Jamaica Plain with tons of top-rated restaurants and green space and convenient T stops. Residents enjoy shared gardens, Stony Brook Playground, and Beecher Dog Park plus The Haven, the only Scottish restaurant in the city.
The historic Sumner Hill community is known for its picturesque and meandering streets, large Victorian homes, and central location with easy access to downtown Boston.
Economy & Top Employers in Jamaica Plain
When relocating to Jamaica Plain, it’s a good idea to think about where you will work and consider your commute. Social assistance and health care are the top industries in Boston, although education and transportation also play big roles. According to the Boston Redevelopment Authority, major employers vary significantly among Boston neighborhoods. In Jamaica Plain, nearly 56% of residents work in social assistance and health care with top employers like:
- Angell Animal Medical Center
- Sherrill House
- Brookside Community Health Center
- VA Boston Healthcare – Jamaica Plain
- Faulkner Hospital
Other major employers in Boston include Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston University, Boston Children’s Museum, and Fidelity Investments.
Taking public transit to work is also a breeze from Jamaica Plain with four stops on the Orange line, one stop on the Green line, and the Forest Hills Commuter Rail within the neighborhood. With its convenient location, Jamaica Plain residents enjoy a short commute to downtown Boston as well as Cambridge. Click here to see how to travel from Jamaica Plain to Cambridge which is 6 miles away.
Great Restaurants & Things to Do in Jamaica Plain, MA
Jamaica Plain is a bustling and fun suburb where something exciting is always happening. Looking for the best restaurants and fun things to do for couples in Jamaica Plain? Wondering how you’ll fill your weekends? Here are some of the community’s best attractions.
You’ll also find Jamaica Plain offers very convenient shopping including CVS, Whole Foods, City Feed and Supply, and Salmaitemdi so you don’t need to go far for the essentials!
Jamaica Pond
Jamaica Pond is a beautiful glacial kettle hole and the largest body of water in the Emerald Necklace. Enjoy rowing and sailing, walk the 1.5-mile path around the pond, or stop by in the summer and fall for fun events that are one of the best free things to do in Jamaica Plain.
Jamaica Pond, Boston, MA 02130
Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
The Arnold Arboretum is North America’s oldest public arboretum and one of the largest and most stunning jewels in Boston’s Emerald Necklace. Visit the grounds of the arboretum and sightsee for free every day of the year.
Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, 125 Arborway, Boston, MA 02130
El Oriental De Cuba
You’ll love Jamaica Plain’s best-known restaurant home to authentic Cuban sandwiches, Cuban coffee, and fresh fruit drinks. This award-winning restaurant is located in the Latin Quarter and it’s been Zagat rated and recognized for Best Cuban Food and Gourmet Greatness.
El Oriental De Cuba , 416 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 (617) 524-6464
The Haven
The Haven is Boston’s only Scottish restaurant and it serves up delicious Scottish food and drink with classics like hunter’s chicken, shepherd’s pie, and Scottish salmon. Make sure you visit for their Scotch events!
The Haven, 2 Perkins St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 (617) 524-2836
Jamaica Plain Climate
Jamaica Plain weather is pleasant most of the year, although you’ll need to adjust to very cold and windy winters if you’re relocating to Jamaica Plains from a warmer climate. You’ll enjoy mild summers without intense humidity or heat aside from heat waves that may occur in July and August.
Jamaica Plain gets about 48 inches of snow per year compared to the U.S. average and 47 inches of rain compared to the 38″ U.S. average. Overall, you can expect about 205 sunny days and 130 days with precipitation.
Jamaica Plain Schools & Colleges
Moving to Jamaica Plain with kids or planning to start a family? This Boston suburb is served by Boston Public Schools and home to The English High School, one of America’s first public high schools. Many students also attend nearby Catholic schools like Catholic Memorial High School in West Roxbury.
Thinking about higher education opportunities? Of course, living in Jamaica Plain means you’re right around the corner from Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Tufts University, Wellesley College, and Northeastern University.
Moving to Jamaica Plain Tips
- Choose from several sought-after and vibrant neighborhoods in Jamaica Plains
- Pursue higher education opportunities at many top-rated area colleges and universities
- Enjoy easy commutes to Cambridge, downtown Boston, and surrounding suburbs
- Become part of a close-knit, diverse, and vibrant community in Jamaica Plains
Dreaming of a community with independently owned shops, bright Victorian homes, and beautiful public parks? Living in Jamaica Plain may be right up your alley. If you’ve settled on living in Jamaica Plain, Boston, the experienced Jamaica Plain movers at Mass Bay Movers are here to help with affordable and customizable moving services. Call us today at 978-587-3775 to request your free moving quote!
