About District 6

District 6 is comprised of Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury, Egleston Square in Roxbury, Back of the Hill, and one Roslindale precinct (which includes the Arnold Arboretum). Jamaica Plain has the largest tree canopy, including the Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Pond, and Olmsted Park. Established in the 1630s within the Town of Roxbury, the name Jamaica Plain is said to be derived from Rev. John Eliot's 1689 deed. Today, Jamaica Plain is home to around 80,000 residents, including about 8,000 Dominicans. In 2018, Hyde Square and Jackson Square were named Boston's Latin Quarter Cultural District (see news coverage). JP also has a vibrant LGBTQIA+ population—one of the highest in Boston (13.9% of its population as of 2017). (WBUR's Field Guide to Boston, BPHC Demographics Data Brief)

West Roxbury was historically a favored neighborhood for Irish-American families and was comprised mostly of affordable single-family homes. In 1851, West Roxbury seceded from Roxbury but was incorporated into Boston in 1868. Today, Centre Street is home to more diverse neighbors and businesses, making the area more attractive to young families. West Roxbury also has the highest concentration of senior citizens in Boston—18.2% as of 2024. (City of Boston Planning Department, WBUR's Field Guide to Boston)