Since the housing downturn, Jamaica Plain has become a premium destination for buyers, with its diversity and commitment to neighborhood development being big draws.

Below are three detailed reasons on why Jamaica Plain is so attractive to buyers:

1. Community Organizing – The Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation (JPNDC) is a group of community leaders and collaborators that have formed an alliance to rebuilding the neighborhood and creating a community that will encourage the development and prosperity of all residents.

JPNDC focuses on: affordable housing, early education and small businesses. Since the crisis of affordable housing in Boston, JPNDC transformed neglected and vacant properties into homes for people in the community. They have created educational programs for the children in the community between the ages of 0 and 12 years old. More than 80 of the small businesses in the community are funded by the JPNDC in an effort to build community development and transform the community into a popular local scene.

2. Compelling Neighborhood – Along with the community developments by JPNDC, Jamaica Plain is home to great entertainment venues, art scenes and restaurants for community members and tourists alike. They include:

• Bella Luna & The Milkyway, a well-known local hangout spot.
• The Jeanie Johnston Pub, a low-key bar that hosts karaoke and trivia and game nights.
• Urbano Project, a local program to help develop art, performance, media and design skills among youths.
• Ula Cafe, a local cafe and bakery where many writers go for inspiration.
• Emerald Necklace Conservatory, a Boston landmark that connects half of Boston’s parks and is home to various migratory birds.

3. Housing – Given all its amenities, Jamaica Plain is among Boston’s top-selling housing markets. In August, it was the top-selling neighborhood in the city, and its condo market was No. 4.

Click here to see what other neighborhoods made top sales rankings.

Additionally, Jamaica Plain’s market has improved from the previous year. On the single-family side, closing sales increased by 12.2 percent and pending sales spiked to 14 percent. The median sales prices declined by 1.2 percent, while new listings rose 9.1 percent. Meanwhile, the condo market’s closing sales declined by 0.7 percent and pending sales sank by 10.4 percent, but the median sales prices escalated by 17 percent.