Jamaica Plain-Mission Hill

Understand

The neighborhoods used to be simple farming communities within Roxbury. They became part of West Roxbury during the mid-19th century for a time, before finally being annexed by Boston in 1874. Around this time a small river, or stony brook, flowed along what is today the Southwest Corridor. Taking advantage of the available hydropower, several industries sprang up along the route, most notably breweries. Residents have used Centre St and Huntington Ave for almost 200 years to commute between these factories and downtown Boston.

Possessing a wealth of green space and many transit options, Jamaica Plain is very desirable among Bostonians. The old brewery buildings have been remodeled and updated, while ever fancier shops and restaurants continue to open for business. But JP draws its real strength from the diversity of its residents. A strong character of social awareness and tolerance has mitigated gentrifications worst effects. You can still find traditional bodegas mixed in with the upscale brunch spots.

Mission Hill, previously Parker Hill, began to take the urban form it has today around 1870, after the construction of the eponymous Mission Church, which is designated as a basilica. Built and paid for by the mostly German congregation, the basilica is striking and can be seen in many views of Boston. The neighborhood is built up largely in wooden three-decker houses. Adjacent to the Longwood Medical area of hospitals and universities, Mission Hill plays host to a frequently rotating cast of young people. And the area affords some great views of the city from its high points.

Neighborhoods

These neighborhoods are listed from north to south. You'll find these larger nodes of activity to be separated by stretches of quieter, more residential areas. Think of the area like a wide slice of residential buildings sandwiched between giant parks on either side.

• Brigham Circle: This is Mission Hill's commercial heart. Most of the neighborhood's shops and restaurants can be found in this area. Named after the nearby Brigham and Women's Hospital, this is a transitional area of the city. Head north or "inbound" to enter the Longwood Medical neighborhood in Fenway/Kenmore. Head south-east on Tremont to continue along Mission Hill, passing the Basilica and eventually entering Roxbury. If you're feeling bold, head up Calumet Street and try to bluff your way into a house party. Your youth and a little red-cup camouflage is all you'll need.
• Hyde Square: One of Jamaica Plain's commercial districts. Consisting of a tiny rotary and a bunch of fantastic restaurants and bars nearby. Later, head east down Centre Street towards Jackson Square to experience JP's "Latin Quarter". During the 1970s and 80s this part of Jamaica Plain was a largely Hispanic area. Gentrification has reduced the Hispanic population but Centre Street retains a Latinex atmosphere.
• The Monument: JP's biggest and busiest commercial zone. Heading north from the monument along Center Street affords the opportunity for great people watching and window shopping. If the weather's cooperating, head west to Jamaica Pond, or southwest to enjoy the amazing Arnold Arboretum. South will take you to Forest Hills and into Roslindale, and east will take you to Franklin Park in Roxbury.

Get in

By public transit

Taking the Orange Line and walking is the premiere way to access these neighborhoods. Roxbury Crossing serves Mission Hill, while Jackson Square, Stony Brook, and Green serve Jamaica Plain. Green is quite popular, allowing easy access to the main shopping district in one direction, and Franklin Park in the other. Use Forest Hills when visiting the Arboretum, the entrance is just across the street.

The "E" branch of the Green Line trolley is another great way into Mission Hill. Brigham Circle is the last stop along its dedicated right of way, while Fenwood Road, Mission Park, and Back of the Hill are all street level stops. Watch your step! All trolleys turn around at Heath St, the terminus of the E branch.

If you'd like to walk a little less, but wait a little more, use the #39 bus. Starting in Copley Square in the Back Bay, these big buses run constantly down Huntington Ave following the path of the E trolley. Continuing beyond Heath St and down Centre, they pass in front of every shop and restaurant in JP. Fighting traffic, they eventually make it to Forest Hills station. From Copley to Heath Street, it is arguable faster than the E branch (and a little cheaper), but they come less frequently.

By bicycle

The Southwest Corridor Park, which begins at Back Bay Station, stretches all the way to Forest Hills. It's one of the best bike paths in the city. It's also great for novice cyclists, as the path is completely separated from cars and street traffic at all times. The park runs above and alongside the Orange Line, so consider biking roughly equivalent to taking the T. There are places to lock your bike at all stations, and throughout the neighborhoods. Many locals use bikes here, so you'll never be far from a bike shop if you encounter mechanical issues.

By car

Like most other areas of Boston, driving in these neighborhoods is not a great idea. Only consider driving if you're visiting the Arboretum or Franklin Park, and strongly consider the T even then. Mission Hill borders one of the most congested areas in the city, and traffic is often snarled here at all hours. In Jamaica Plain, the main thoroughfare is called the "Jamaicaway", or Jway. This section borders the Emerald Necklace and can be particularly challenging for out of town drivers. Prepare for high speeds, narrow winding roads, and a series of busy rotaries along this four-lane undivided boulevard.

Go next

• It's a bit easier with a car, but check out the great views and some of the first cars ever built at Larz Anderson Park in Brookline.
• Speaking of Brookline, check out Fairsted. Every city has a park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, but how many have the office (and grounds) he designed them from?
• Touring Franklin Park will actually place you in Roxbury, but this may come as news to some locals.
• Head north into Fenway/Kenmore to take in the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
• If you're not tired of all that green space yet, check out Forest Hills Cemetery, also in Roslindale.