Why People Love Jamaica Plain
Jamaica Plain (locals call it "JP") is Boston's bohemian, progressive neighborhood. It's where young families, artists, LGBTQ+ residents, and long-time Bostonians co-exist in a diverse, walkable community centered around Jamaica Pond.
The vibe: Farmer's markets, local breweries, community activism, triple-deckers, tree-lined streets, and genuine neighborhood character.
What Makes JP Special
- Jamaica Pond - 1.5-mile loop perfect for running, walking, kayaking
- Centre Street - Main drag with restaurants, cafes, shops, and grocery stores
- Orange Line Access - Three T stops: Green St, Stony Brook, Jackson Square
- Arnold Arboretum - 281 acres of parks, gardens, and trails
- Diversity - One of Boston's most racially and socioeconomically diverse neighborhoods
- Community - Strong neighborhood associations, active local politics
Jamaica Plain Real Estate Market (2024-2025)
What $650K Gets You in JP
- 2BR condo in a triple-decker (1,000-1,200 sq ft)
- Small 2-3BR single-family house (needs updates)
- 1BR + den in newer construction near Jackson Square
Price Ranges by Property Type
- 1BR Condos: $400K-550K
- 2BR Condos: $550K-750K
- 3BR Condos: $700K-900K
- Single-Family Homes: $800K-1.5M
- Multi-Family (2-3 units): $1M-1.8M
Market trend: JP has gentrified significantly over the past 15 years. Prices have risen 80-100% since 2010. The neighborhood is largely "discovered" but still offers better value than Cambridge, Brookline, or South End.
Sub-Neighborhoods Within JP
1. Pondside (Most Expensive)
Median: $800K+
- Streets near Jamaica Pond
- Beautiful Victorians and triple-deckers
- Walkable to restaurants and pond
- Close to Brookline (school access!)
2. Centre/South (Classic JP)
Median: $600K-700K
- Centre Street corridor
- Best walkability and restaurants
- Green Street and Stony Brook T stops
- Mix of condos and small homes
3. Jackson Square Area (Emerging)
Median: $500K-650K
- New development happening
- More diverse, working-class roots
- Better value than Centre/South
- Jackson Square Orange Line stop
4. Forest Hills (Borderline JP)
Median: $550K-700K
- Near Orange Line terminus
- More suburban feel
- Larger lots, more parking
- Borders Arnold Arboretum
Commute from Jamaica Plain
To Downtown Boston: 25-35 minutes via Orange Line
- Green Street → Downtown Crossing: 28 min
- Jackson Square → Financial District: 32 min
- Driving: 20-30 min (parking is expensive)
To Cambridge/Kendall: 35-45 minutes (Orange to Red transfer)
To Longwood Medical: 20-25 minutes (E Line bus or bike)
To Seaport: 35-40 minutes (Orange + Silver Line)
✅ Pros of Living in JP
- ✓ Walkable neighborhood with real character
- ✓ Jamaica Pond and Arnold Arboretum
- ✓ Excellent restaurants and breweries
- ✓ Diverse, progressive community
- ✓ Good Orange Line access
- ✓ Cheaper than Cambridge/Brookline
- ✓ Strong neighborhood culture
❌ Cons of Living in JP
- ✗ BPS school lottery (no guaranteed schools)
- ✗ Parking is difficult
- ✗ Property crime higher than suburbs
- ✗ Orange Line delays are common
- ✗ Older housing stock (maintenance costs)
- ✗ Can feel far from downtown
- ✗ Prices have risen sharply