Zillow has Jamaica Plain outpacing all of it’s neighbors, including but not limited to Roslindale, North Dorchester, West Roxbury, Mission Hill, etc.  The multiple listing service provides very accurate, real time data as well. In comparison, Jamaica Plain has remained surprisingly level over the last five years.

5 year real estate inventory for Jamaica Plain

I’m no analyst mind you, but it seems to me that we have a much healthier market now. While the number of homes on the market spiked throughout 06′, the number of properties going under agreement and making it to closing is very strong. I attribute this market resilience to our strong community. Despite the best efforts of the recession, Jamaica Plain drew a hipster line in the sand and we’re not crossing it.

$/SF values showing pretty steady over last 5 years.

$/SF values are a good way to commoditize real estate values if you’re looking at large quantities of property. It’s too easy to get hung up on the listing prices and overlook the varying size of a given unit.

If you would like more relevant real estate market data – feel free to ask for customized reports. I can drill down to almost any parameter and track it. Just email me at www.TheBostonHomeTeam.com, or better yet, check out our new website and sign up for regular market updates.

1. It’s incredibly efficient. The highest energy bill of the year is less than $100, and most are a fraction of that. It is heated by compact Rinnai heaters on each floor.

2. The location is perfect. Situated right in the middle of Jamaica Plain’s Brewery District – walking distance to Mikes Fitness, Bella Luna, Ula Cafe and both Green Street and Stoney Brook stations. It’s also a few blocks from Franklin Park and Centre Street with all it’s shops and restaurants.

3. This is a one-of-kind property. There is nothing like it. Designed from the humble beginnings of a shoe factory – now one of three market rate units in an artist live/work community. From the historic architecture and smokestack to the old boardwalk that runs the length of the building allowing the community to chat and engage each other.

4. Really good space. The plan is incredibly flexible – use it how you see fit, but currently the entire first floor is set up as a wicked studio space.

Check it out at www.65brookside.com. I’m happy to show it to you anytime. Just call me at 617-828-7956.

Jack's Store is now JP Green House

I signed up for their newsletters and I think you should too. Here’s a snippet from their project page:

The JP Green House is a zero carbon* demonstration project, sustainable urban model and hub for 350.org climate action founded by Andrée Zaleska and Ken Ward. We are rehabbing an abandoned, 100 year old, former neighborhood store located on the line between Jamaica Plain and Roslindale in Boston, Massachusetts. Our aim is to achieve passivhaus standards, win substantial independence from grid supplies of water and electricity, and supply a large portion of our food on a modest income. We are retrofitting the former “Jack’s store” as space for workshops and trainings, neighborhood events and gatherings like our JP Family SongFest.

The JP Green House is located at 133 Bourne Street, Roslindale. We welcome visitors & volunteers and have a schedule of activities and events. You can contact us at:

greenhousejp[at[gmail.com 617.512.8350

Community Servings is sponsoring a new Farmer’s Market this Sunday, July 26th from 10a-2p. It will be located at 18 Marbury Terrace in Jamaica Plain near Stony Brook T station.  Organizer Edith Murnane said, “We are excited at the prospect of starting a market that will both provide community members with fresh, local produce and products, as well as, create relationships with farmers that may assist us in better serving our critically-ill clients fresh, nutritious home delivered meals! Let us know what you think!” You can provide Edith with your feedback at Neighbor’s For Neighbors.

In fact, Edith needs your help. She wants you to vote the Farmer’s Market at Community Servings #1 on the Care2 website. Winner takes away $5000 in spoils for their organization. The market originally launched on July 12th and  was a huge success. Come on out this weekend and help support locally grown food. Some of the purveyors are:

Featured purveyors:
Silverbrook Farm, which provides organic fruits, veggies, flowering plants, honey and eventually eggs, jams and jellies;
Big Sky out of Newton – a baker that uses primarily local and organic ingredients;
The Greenest Bean – that produces small batch, organic, free trade coffee beans;
Sheldon Farm Herbs – local organic herbs

Later in the season:

There are other possible purveyors who may (hopefully) join later in the season:
Green City Growers, out of JP – that grows veggies out of your own yard for a small fee and a portion of the ‘produce’;
Boston Smokehouse out of Mattapan;
Cheshire Garden out of Winchester, NH; and
And possibly even the Boston Cheese Cellar out of Roslindale. The owner Kathy has graciously said she’d consider joining with some local cheeses!

Once the market starts they’ll be organizing chef demonstrations – such as Phil from JP Seafood who has agreed to come and demonstrate how you make fresh organic veggie ‘sushi’.. Other chefs that have agreed to participate include: Felicia from Centre Street Café, Brian from James’s Gate, Carlos from The Alchemist and Jake from The Milky Way/ Bella Luna! I’m still working on more . . . so, again, any ideas or connnections — send them!

And of course they’re looking to add a musical component. If you know any musicians who would like to donate an hour of their time to create a really lively environment, please let Edith know.

Contact Edith here: emurnane@servings.org

And here’s web directions to the location so that you can find it Sunday and the Sunday after that . . . and on and on until October 18th:

http://www.servings.org/about/directions.cfm