Jamaica Plain is a place of contrasts and variety. The neighborhood has a significant amount of green space for its modest 4.4 square mile area because it includes large part of the Emerald Necklace park network. This city hub is adorned with murals and street art and is lively day and night. The areas near the larger parks have a pastoral feel. What binds this neighborhood together is the strong sense of community. There are many community events that let people know they are not alone. The suburban feel, the luxury apartments, and the welcoming atmosphere make this an attractive neighborhood for renters.
Shopping
40 South Street Vintage
Vintage never goes out of style; if it’s good, it lasts. They rotate their stock often, so no matter how many times you visit, you can still find something new. Take a break from boring corporate shopping and recycle some hot fashion from the past.
Papercuts
This prominent bookshop has won “Best Of” from The Boston Globe, The Improper Bostonian, and Boston Magazine. Stop by and browse through their shelves. It is a different experience than the big box stores. This cozy independently owned shop has hosted book clubs and famous authors.
Boing! Toy Shop
The toys in this shop will entice you to stick around and play. Even the educational toys are fun. Who wouldn’t want a dark side of the moon ball or Uki Arctic Fox?
Susanna
This clothing store has practical, comfortable clothes for adults and children. Susanna’s has clothes for work and play in a variety of styles and colors. The children’s clothes and accessories are adorable and made to last.
Kitchenwitch
Kitchenwitch is packed with all the necessities you need in your kitchen and all the fun stuff you want. Recipient of the “Best Of” award from Boston Magazine, this shop has been a staple in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood for over a decade. The owner prides herself on finding kitchen supplies that are both useful and unique.
Elleyo
Handmade jewelry created by local artists adorns the cases in Elleyo. The owner of the store is also a metalsmith and is dedicated to selling unique and beautiful hand-crafted items. They also have ceramics, prints, textiles, and glassware. When someone is too special for a factory produced item, this is the place to shop.
Restaurants
Fiore’s Bakery
The breakfast sandwiches at Fiore’s Bakery are so delicious you will want to return for lunch. They specialize in vegan and vegetarian food but also have meat choices.
Noodle Barn
Noodle Barn offers a fusion of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. The soups are amazing, and many locals say that Noodle Barn has the best Pho in Boston. They also serve salads and exotic entrees such as Pad Gra Pow.
JP Seafood Café
This is the place to go for elegant sushi and sizzling fish platters. They also have creative vegetarian choices such as bokchoy maki. Whether you like your food batter fried, stir fried, or grilled you can find your favorites here.
Costello’s Tavern
Along with the great beer, Costello’s Tavern is known for its music. They have live music, a juke box, a DJ, and karaoke. The large pub menu includes salads and a kid’s menu.
Blue Nile
Try something new and exotic – Ethiopian food. Locals rave about the vegetarian options and the unique spices. One taste and you will want to try all the interesting dishes.
Life Alive Organic Café
In this restaurant, they believe in the power of positive eating. Their food is made from scratch, responsibly sourced, and highly nutritious. Everything is made to order so you get to choose exactly what you want. There is an amazing variety of grains, vegetables, and fruits.
Fun Places to Visit
Brendan Behan Pub
This is a traditional Irish pub with a few twists – Mexican burritos on Wednesday and Saturday. Each Saturday, you can also enjoy live Irish music.
Midway Café
Don’t get stuck in an entertainment rut. Midway Café has different styles of music from metal to dance. You can also book special events and benefits. Every day is a surprise.
Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
This gem in the Emerald Necklace park system is free and open to the public every day. Once you visit this living museum of temperate woody plants, you will want to return whenever possible. This 281-acre preserve teems with plant life that is studied all over the world. Educational programs and guided tours are available throughout the year.
The Footlight Club
Established in 1877, this is America’s oldest community theater. Their plays and musicals weave the cultural fabric of Jamaica Plain and surrounding neighborhoods.
The Loring Greenough House
Constructed in 1760, the house was owned by the Greenough family from 1783 to 1924. Since 2008, it has been a center for community activities, culture, and social events. This meticulously preserved Georgian mansion set on lovely grounds has been a favorite spot for weddings and other special events.
Parks
Olmsted Park
The pathways and planting patterns that Frederick Law Olmsted designed for this park are still present in this magnificent green space. The densely wooded park is home to Leverett Pond which contains two islands for nesting birds. The landscape varies as you walk the nature trails.
Jamaica Pond
This glacial kettle hole is the biggest standing body of water in the Emerald Necklace. There are so many ways to enjoy its natural beauty. Just looking at the reflections in its pristine waters provides a sense of peace. Sailing and rowing on the pond are popular pastimes, and the 1.5-mile path around the pond is perfect for viewing flora and fauna. The pond is stocked with trout and salmon, and fishing is allowed.
Allandale Woods
The trees in this woodland are mostly pines, oaks, and maples. Nature trails that traverse the site lead to scenic treasures such as a cattail marsh, Rock Pond, streams, and a vernal pool.
Rental Options
Whether you want to be near the action, near Olmsted Park, or near the vibrant art scene in Jamaica Plain, there is a luxury apartment waiting for you. All the amenities of the neighborhood are right outside your door. However, when you have had a hectic day, the features you need are within these incredible apartment complexes. Need some outdoor time? Not a problem. These luxury buildings have amenities like outdoor fireplaces, swimming pools, courtyards, and rooftop lounges. Your four-pawed family members can get out in the dog parks provided by some buildings. If you have a difficult schedule, many have 24-hour fitness centers as well. And when you want some entertainment but don’t want to go outside, take advantage of community features such as clubhouses, music rooms, and media lounges. Take tours of the different buildings until you find the one that calls to you.
Transportation
You can get the MBTA Orange Line at Forest Hills station for a direct connection to Downtown Boston. This station is also a stop for commuter rail service. There are also several MBTA bus lines that connect Jamaica Plain to the surrounding neighborhoods.
Jamaica Plain has come a long way from its Puritan roots. It has some of the most beautiful parts of the Emerald Necklace, some of Boston’s best street artists, and some of Boston’s most interesting restaurants. Once you visit, you will want to stay.
