Jamaica Plain, or JP, is one of the more diverse and vibrant of Boston’s neighborhoods.  Sandwiched between Brookline and Roxbury, this lively area stretches across 4.4 square miles.  For being a relatively small sector, it is jam-packed with green space, more than 10 sub neighborhoods, and some 37,000 dynamic residents.

The area’s restaurants and shops are a direct reflection of the cultural melting pot that is Jamaica Plain.  From weekly art fairs to brewery tours and bike paths, there is something for everyone in JP—especially families.

What’s it like to live there?  Well, most residents will make an average commute of 29 minutes each way—a relatively quick jump on the Orange line or trek down the Emerald Necklace bike path makes coming and going from JP pretty simple.

Housing prices in JP are down-right affordable (median sale = $350,000) compared to neighboring Brookline or Roxbury, where the average sale prices are $489,000 and $522,000, respectively.  So, is JP a place you’d want to call home?  Take a look at some of the highlighted facts, local information, market data and fun facts below to decide.

Restaurants and Eateries:

• Grass Fed
• Ten Tables
• J.P. Licks (original)
• Tres Gatos
• Canary Square
• Centre Street Cafe
• Vee Vee

Development:

• This weekend a gathering will take place in JP’s Jackson Square to celebrate the upcoming construction of a 103-unit apartment building and a commitment to urban renewal.
• Whole Foods recently opened its newest Boston location in JP.

Real Estate Market Facts from June 2011-May 2012:

• 296 properties sold
• Median price = $350,000
• There has been a 13.6 % increase in the number of home sales since June 2011
• (Boston, overall, has seen home sales rise for the 12^th straight month.)

Things to Do:

• The Footlight Club
• Franklin Park
• William J. Devine Golf Course
• Franklin Park Zoo
• Arnold Arboretum
• Sam Adams Brewery tours

Festivals:

• Puerto Rican Festival (July)
• Dominican Independence Festival (August)
• Boston Carnival Carribean Celebration (August)
• Jamaica Plain Music Festival (September)
• First Thursdays -  A monthly evening of art, shopping, music, poetry and friends (Year round)

Fun Facts:

• William J. Devin Golf Course is the second oldest public course in the country.
• The Footlight Club is America’s oldest community theater.
• One of Boston’s two Harvest Co-op Markets can be found in JP.
• Was once home to author and poet Sylvia Plath.
• JP’s Eliot Street was voted one of the “Top Places to Live in 2012” by Boston.com
• 60-acre Jamaica Pond, which is the largest and deepest body of fresh water in Boston

From fantastic condos like this one to colonials of character like this one, Jamaica Plain has a variety of affordable spaces and places to call home.

Let us know if you’d like to schedule a tour with us through any one of these fantastic Jamaica Plain locations!

South Boston, affectionately called “Southie,” is one of Boston’s oldest and most densely populated neighborhoods.  Originally referred to as “Dorchester Neck,” the area of the city stretches south and east of the Fort Point Channel.  What was initially settled and inhabited by mostly working class Irish-Americans has blossomed into the home of a wildly diverse population.  What’s the appeal?

Well, the area has long boasted in its strength of community and rich history, thus now drawing in young professionals of all cultures and their families.  Community pride aside, there are a number of small beaches and parks to cater to those who want both city living and easy access to the outdoors.  But, is Southie a “good place to live”?

Well, that’s for you to decide.  Southie has not always been as attractive of a place to live as the growing number of residents today proves that it is.  But, for a score of reasons, people are choosing to move to the area.  The charm of Southie, in fact, bumped the number of residents up by nearly 4,000 in the last 10 years.

Here are a few of the more notable and interesting facts about South Boston:

Development

• Mayor Menino just unveiled his five-year, $1.8 billion capital plan which is slated to help improve two of South Boston’s parks:  Moakley and M Street Field.
• A 197-unit rental project is slated to be built on D Street.  It is estimated that the effort will bring in 200 construction jobs and 12 permanent ones.

Condo Sales

• In the past year (May 2011 – May 2012)
• 477 properties sold
• Median price = $375,000
• Average days on market = 94
•  As compared to May 2004 – May 2005
• 383 properties sold
• Median price = $335,000
• Average days on market = 70
•  There has been a 12 % increase in the median home price since 2004/2005

 Things to do

• Countless beaches and waterfront parks
• Boston Children’s Museum
• The Institute for Contemporary Art
• Harpoon Brewery

Festivals

• St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March)
• Harpoon 5-Miler Run (May)
• Craft Beer Festival (June)

Fun Facts

• The area has been both the subject and the backdrop for countless films like Good Will Hunting and The Departed.
• There are urban farming projects burgeoning in South Boston as part of a larger, Boston-area urban farming movement.
• Site where George Washington historically forced British troops to evacuate during the American Revolutionary War
• Roughly 33,600 people reside in South Boston.

There are currently some fantastic properties listed in South Boston.  From condos near M Street Park to single family, beach front homes, there just might be something down there for you.  We’re always happy to offer more insight on the area—just give us a call and we’ll help you decide if you want to call Southie home!

CLICK HERE to see every open house in Wellesley. View the properties on a map and schedule your route.

Territory.com, Massachusetts Destination for Home Buyer’s

CLICK HERE to see every open house in Boston this weekend! View them on a map to make your route.

Territory.com, Boston’s Destination for Home Buyer’s

CLICK HERE to see every open house in Newton. View the properties on a map and schedule your route.

Territory.com, Massachusetts Destination for Home Buyer’s

CLICK HERE to see every Open House in Brookline. View the properties on a map and make your schedule.

Territory.com, Massachusetts Destination for Home Buyer’s

CLICK HERE to see every open house in Cambridge. View the properties on a map and schedule your open house route.

Territory.com, Massachusetts Destination for Home Buyer’s

WOW these are some gorgeous interiors!! It is rare that we will write a blog on just one property. There really has to be something special and the exterior and interior of this home really take the cake. You have to check it out.

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All the other swoon-worthy interior photo’s HERE

Territory.com, A Destination For Home Buyer’s

As seen right here on Boston.com, Forbes has named their most livable cities and while Portland, ME took home top honors it wasn’t the only New England city to make the top 15. In fact 3 cities in Massachusetts made the list so we decided to give you a one click guide to the real estate!

Cambridge (7th) – Home to some of the highest regarded educational institutions in the U.S.A and to the ever expanding Google offices. It is also very close to downtown Boston, some neighborhoods like central square are even walking distance. One CLICK guide to the real estate

Peabody (14th) -Located on the beautiful North Shore and full of charm, this city is also great for commuters because it houses the junction of 95, Rte 1 and Rte 128.  One CLICK guide to the real estate

Worcester (9th) – Be prepared, this city is a huge  – 2nd largest in MA -  no wonder it made the top 15! This also means lots of real estate to choose from, *881 properties to be exact. One CLICK guide to the real estate

Territory.com, Massachusetts Destination for Home Buyer’s

*This data was calculated on 4/16/2012 and does not include commercial, business, rental or mobile properties.

68 Lorna Road Boston, MA

List Price: $174,900
Sale Price: $170,000
Sale Date: April 11th, 2012
Bedrooms: 2
Baths: 1
Living Area: 1,238 sq. ft.

Remarks:Great two bedroom single family! Great for the first time homebuyer or for someone looking to buy a condo. Walk in closet in the master bedroom. Hardwood floors, carpet over wood floors in the two bedrooms. Fireplace in living room. Ceiling fans. Enclosed front porch. Off street parking leading to the two car garage. Close to public transportation and highway.