Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Jamaica Plain, MA
Thinking of moving to Jamaica Plain, MA? With a vibrant population of 41,012, this Boston neighborhood offers a lively, diverse community and great access to public transit, with over 26% of residents using it daily. Expect a median home price of $785,000 or average rents around $2,600, reflecting the area's popularity and amenities. Residents enjoy a moderate crime rate, a highly educated population (59% hold bachelor’s degrees or more), and beautiful parks and green spaces—plus classic New England seasons with 56% sunny days a year. Explore local schools, healthcare, and housing to see if Jamaica Plain is your next home.
Demographics - Jamaica Plain, MA
Demographics - Jamaica Plain, MA
Jamaica Plain is home to about 41,000 residents with a notably high population density, creating a vibrant, urban atmosphere. The community is diverse, with a majority White population and significant Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups, and nearly a quarter of residents speak a language other than English at home. The median age is around 36, offering a mix of young professionals, families, and longtime locals.
Population:
41,012
Density:
13,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
24.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
57.2%
Black:
14.8%
Asian:
6.0%
Others:
22.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Jamaica Plain, MA?
Living in Jamaica Plain comes with a higher-than-average cost of living, reflected in a median home value of $785,000 and average rents of $2,600. Residents should also budget for higher transportation, utilities, and grocery costs, as the area’s index is 160.2 compared to the national average. State income tax rates range from 5% to 9%, making it important for newcomers to plan accordingly.
Median House Value:
$785,000
Gross Rent:
$2,600
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$2,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,400
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,020
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
160.2
Grocery:
112.9
Housing:
210.4
Utilities:
116.7
Transportation:
134.3
Health Care:
120.5
Miscellaneous:
112.0
Crime
Is Jamaica Plain, MA a safe place to live?
Jamaica Plain experiences moderate crime rates, with about 218 violent crimes and 1,710 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The chance of being a victim of a violent crime is roughly 1 in 458, while property crime risk is about 1 in 58. Residents generally feel safe, especially when taking standard urban precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
218
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,710
Crime Index:
1,928
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 458
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 58
Weather
What is the weather like in Jamaica Plain, MA year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows around 21°F and warm summers reaching highs near 84°F. The neighborhood receives about 44 inches of annual rainfall and sees sunshine roughly 56% of the year, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy local parks and outdoor activities. Spring and fall bring mild, comfortable temperatures perfect for exploring the area's green spaces.

Winter
Min:
21°F
Max:
36°F

Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
49°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
43.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Jamaica Plain’s residents have a median household income close to $99,000, with a poverty rate of just over 10%. The community is well-educated, with over 92% holding a high school diploma and nearly 60% earning a bachelor's degree or higher. Commuters benefit from strong public transit options, with over a quarter using it daily, and the average commute time is just over 33 minutes.
Median Income:
$54,200
Household Income:
$98,900
Family Income:
$124,200
Per Capita Income:
$47,800
Income Male:
$62,300
Income Female:
$54,700
Poverty Rate:
10.4%
Non English Speakers:
24.5%
Rent:
$2,600
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
26.2%
Commute Time:
33.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.3%
Bachelors or More:
59.1%
Education
How are the schools in Jamaica Plain, MA?
Families in Jamaica Plain benefit from a range of public and private school options, including well-regarded K-8 and pilot schools with favorable student-teacher ratios. Higher education opportunities are easily accessible, with major colleges like Northeastern University and Massachusetts College of Art and Design located within a few miles. The local emphasis on education is reflected in a highly educated population and diverse academic offerings.

Public Schools
Name:
Boston Teachers Union Pilot School
Street:
25 Walk Hill St
Phone:
617-635-8127
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Curley K-8 School
Street:
493 Centre St
Phone:
617-635-8176
Students:
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.1

Private Schools
Name:
Nativity Preparatory School
Street:
39 Lamartine St
Phone:
617-522-2261
Students:
70

Colleges
Name:
Massachusetts College of Art and Design
City:
Boston
State:
MA
Distance:
2.5 miles
Students:
2,100
Name:
Northeastern University
City:
Boston
State:
MA
Distance:
3.5 miles
Students:
28,000
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is robust, with two major hospitals in the neighborhood and nearly 98% of residents covered by health insurance. There are 4.4 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring good access to medical professionals. Emergency services and a range of specialized care are readily available to residents.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital
Address:
1153 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Phone:
(617) 983-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
VA Boston Healthcare System - Jamaica Plain
Address:
150 S Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Phone:
(617) 232-9500
Type:
Veterans/General
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
4.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.8%
Health Care Index:
81.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Jamaica Plain, MA?
The housing market in Jamaica Plain is competitive, with a median home price of $785,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $2,600. Just under 40% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees steady home appreciation, making it attractive for both buyers and renters. Vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, reflecting the neighborhood’s strong demand.
Median Home Price:
$785,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,600
Owner Occupied Rate:
38.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Jamaica Plain residents are served by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, located in nearby Boston. Services such as licensing, registration, and title transfers are easily accessible both in-person and online. For assistance, residents can visit the DMV’s website or call the main office for support.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
136 Blackstone St, Boston, MA 02109
Phone:
1-857-368-8000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.