Jamaica Plain, Boston

Jamaica Plain was founded by Puritans looking for farmland out of the city yet it ironically became the center of beer production in the Boston area. Although most of the breweries closed during Prohibition and never reopened, Jamaica Plain was destined to become one of Boston’s most popular areas for students, artists and a significant Hispanic population. The neighborhood probably has more parks and greenspaces than any other in the city and can boast Jamaica Pond, the largest and deepest fresh water mass in Boston. As a part of the amazing Emerald Necklace park system, it’s no wonder the area was once called ‘the Eden of America’.

Jamaica Plain is one of Boston’s most diverse neighborhoods with a growing number of young ethnic families populated most of the area. There is a large gay and lesbian community that steadily increases year after year and due to the neighborhood’s diversity is a very dynamic place to live. Many of the local businesses scattered along Centre Street have a predominantly Spanish influence. Most of the shop owners are Cuban or from the Dominican Republic. Traffic is pretty heavy in the area and most locals prefer to walk to their destination. There are great walking and biking trails along Jamaica Pond and on weekends the entire stretch is quite busy. Jamaica Pond sits along the Jamaica Way and is a nice place to visit.