📍 Location & Geography
West Roxbury is a neighborhood in the city of Boston, Massachusetts. It is located in the southwestern corner of the city, bordered by Roslindale to the north, the town of Dedham to the west and south, the town of Brookline to the east, and the city of Newton to the northwest. The neighborhood is characterized by suburban-style living with a city address. West Roxbury’s terrain is a mix of rolling hills and low-lying areas, with a significant amount of green space.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of West Roxbury, Massachusetts are approximately 42.2793° N latitude and 71.1495° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
West Roxbury is part of Suffolk County, in the state of Massachusetts. It is a neighborhood within the city of Boston. The area of West Roxbury is approximately 4.6 square miles.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 census, West Roxbury had a population of approximately 30,446 people. The neighborhood is known for its strong sense of community and high percentage of Irish Americans, with over 60% of the population claiming Irish descent. The median age in West Roxbury is around 42 years, and the demographic makeup is predominantly white, with a growing number of Hispanic, Asian, and African American residents.
🏛️ History
West Roxbury was originally part of the town of Roxbury, but seceded in 1851 to form its own municipality. It was annexed by Boston in 1874. The area was primarily used as farmland until the mid-19th century when it began to develop into a suburban residential area. West Roxbury has been home to several notable figures in history, including poet Sylvia Plath and former Boston Mayor Thomas Menino.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
West Roxbury is home to several parks and green spaces, including the 475-acre Millennium Park, which offers trails for walking and jogging, sports fields, and a canoe launch on the Charles River. The neighborhood also contains a portion of the Brook Farm Historic Site, which is a National Historic Landmark.
🏫 Education
West Roxbury is served by the Boston Public Schools system. The neighborhood has several elementary schools, two middle schools, and West Roxbury Academy, a high school. There are also several private and parochial schools in the area. The neighborhood is also home to the West Roxbury Branch of the Boston Public Library.
🚧 Transportation
West Roxbury is served by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) with several bus routes and a commuter rail line that runs through the neighborhood. The West Roxbury station is on the Needham Line of the MBTA’s commuter rail system. Major roads in the area include Centre Street and the VFW Parkway.
📜 Trivia & Events
Every year, West Roxbury hosts the Corrib Classic 5K race, which benefits local charities. The neighborhood is also home to the Roxbury Latin School, which was founded in 1645 and is the oldest school in continuous existence in North America. The neighborhood was also the setting for the television series “Boston Public”.