📍 Location & Geography
Jamaica Plain is a neighborhood located in the city of Boston, in the state of Massachusetts. It is part of Suffolk County and is identified by the ZIP code 02130. The neighborhood is situated to the southwest of downtown Boston and is bordered by Roslindale to the south, Roxbury to the north, Brookline and Mission Hill to the west, and the Boston neighborhoods of West Roxbury and Roslindale to the east.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts are approximately 42.3097° N latitude and 71.1208° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Jamaica Plain is part of the Greater Boston area, a region in the northeastern United States. It covers a land area of approximately 4.4 square miles. The neighborhood is characterized by a mix of urban and suburban features, with a variety of residential, commercial, and green spaces.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of Jamaica Plain was approximately 37,468. The neighborhood is known for its diverse community, with a mix of different races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. It has a significant Hispanic and Latino population, along with a mix of Caucasians, African Americans, and Asians.
🏛️ History
Jamaica Plain was originally a part of the city of Roxbury, but was annexed to Boston in 1874. The neighborhood has a rich history dating back to the 17th century, with its name believed to have been derived from “Jamaica rum,” a type of rum distilled in the West Indies and stored in the area. Jamaica Plain grew rapidly during the 19th century due to the introduction of streetcars, which made it a desirable residential suburb for Boston’s growing middle class. Today, it is known for its vibrant arts scene and historic architecture.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Jamaica Plain is home to several parks and green spaces, the most notable of which is the Arnold Arboretum, a 281-acre park managed by Harvard University and known for its diverse collection of plants. The neighborhood is also home to Jamaica Pond, the largest body of freshwater in Boston, and the Franklin Park, which is considered the “crown jewel” of the Emerald Necklace, a series of connected parks in Boston.
🏫 Education
Jamaica Plain is served by the Boston Public Schools district. It is home to several public, private, and charter schools, including the Boston Latin School, one of the oldest and most prestigious public schools in the country. The neighborhood is also in close proximity to several colleges and universities, including Northeastern University, Boston University, and Harvard Medical School.
🚧 Transportation
Jamaica Plain is well-connected by public transportation, with several bus routes and three stations (Green Street, Stony Brook, and Forest Hills) on the Orange Line of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) subway system serving the neighborhood. It is also easily accessible by car, with major roads like the Jamaicaway and the Arborway running through the area.
📜 Trivia & Events
Jamaica Plain is known for its annual events like the Wake Up the Earth Festival and the Jamaica Plain Music Festival, which celebrate the neighborhood’s diversity and vibrant arts scene. An interesting trivia about Jamaica Plain is that it was the birthplace of notable figures like former U.S. President John F. Kennedy’s maternal grandparents, and Sylvia Plath, a renowned poet and novelist.