Mattapan, Boston

Mattapan is an Indian American name of old that means ‘a good place to be’, and since the 1870s, many Bostonians have chosen to call it home. It is largely a residential area consisting of single family homes and small apartment buildings.

Today, the area is one of the largest Haitian populations in Massachusetts, and they are joined by immigrants from other Caribbean countries. Mattapan Square is the commercial and cultural center of the neighborhood, and its restaurants and shops reflect the vibrant and colorful Caribbean culture its residents have brought with them. There is a large amount of urban renewal going on as is evident with the new 21,000 square foot neighborhood library being built.

Mattapan is a predominantly residential neighborhood in Boston. Here you will find a lot more single family homes as well as larger family homes than most other neighborhoods in Boston. I am most familiar with the commercial hub or heart of the neighborhood known as Mattapan Square. At the point where Blue Hill Avenue, Cummins Highway, and River Street all meet is where you will find some great shopping and delectable restaurants. From find BBQ to Chinese, it can all be found in Mattapan Square.

The historical component of Mattapan is interesting. According to a gentleman at a local coffee shop a couple of years ago, Mattapan was developed as part of Dorchester but annexed in the late 1800s. It was also created as railroads and streetcars arose the downtown area of Boston more accessible.