Community Profile

Early History

According to town records, West Roxbury was settled in 1630, just after the incorporation of the neighboring town of Boston. Most early European settlers used the land for farming. Prior to their arrival, the land was inhabited for more than 10,000 years by Indigenous Peoples including the Wampanoag Tribe.

The area was part of Roxbury (“Rockberry,” named after local Roxbury Puddingstone), along with present-day Jamaica Plain and Roslindale. West Roxbury seceded from Roxbury in 1851 and was annexed by Boston in 1874.

An overview of West Roxbury’s development appears here. More information is available though the West Roxbury Historical Society and City of Boston archival records.

Neighborhood Character

West Roxbury blends proud tradition with a progressive spirit. It’s a city neighborhood with a warm, small-town feel. 

Education and sports are defining features of our local culture. The community boasts an active public library, high-quality public schools, and many well regarded independent schools. Sports fields, athletic facilities, parks and nature abound, and sports leagues are highly popular.

West Roxbury features many lovely tree-lined neighborhoods with active, civic-minded neighborhood associations. There are also new condominiums and apartment rentals for various household sizes and budgets along our commercial district and in adjacent neighborhoods.

  • West Roxbury has a full schedule of cultural and family activtiies (arts and crafts fairs, choral concerts, fun runs., etc.), as well as our own WRMS Signature Events. Local cultural organizations and clubs include Chinese, German, Irish, and Native American, to name only a few.

    We also have the highest percentage of seniors of any Boston neighborhood and a range of programs and services to help our older neighbors stay active, healthy, and connected. Explore neighborhood demographics here.

    Our Local Resources section has an extensive inventory of area amenities, facilities, services, parks and green spaces. For a list of restaurants and shops, visit our Business Directory.

Our Main Street

Our primary commercial corridor runs along Centre Street and Spring Street, a two-mile stretch that defines our West Roxbury Main Streets District. The bike- and pedestrian-friendly stretch is a place where families, young people, and seniors can cross off their to-do lists during the day and enjoy a memorable gathering or social activity in the evening.

The district has a diverse mix of independently-owned specialty stores reflecting our rich heritage and dynamic development. Our Main Street offers a truly unique shopping experience for visitors of all ages, means, and interests.

  • Restaurants range from traditional fare to modern flair: Irish pubs offering timeless classics and a side of live music, sports bars and brew pubs, highly acclaimed chefs serving ethnic cuisines from around the world, and cafes and bakeries to satisfy the most discerning sweet tooth. The district also has great places to host events both indoors (function rooms) and outdoors.

    West Roxbury is a great place to start or expand your business! Check out our Business Resources for a list of storefronts available and many business support services offered and coordinated by WRMS. We also post a courtesy listing of job openings at local businesses.

    Entrepreneurs will also find a full suite of professional services, community and regional banks; legal and tax advisors, and real estate agents, to name only a few. The area is also well served by several medical, dental and veterinary practices, and other critical amenities.

    Explore the full range of our local businesses here.

Getting to West Roxbury. All roads, tracks, and bike paths lead to West Roxbury. Explore maps and links to train and bus schedules, bike rental stations, and public parking lots here.

Community Projects

  • Tim White Way Design

    Tim White Way Redesign

    A tree-lined walking path and seating area in the heart of our district to stimulate economic and cultural activity and create communal space.

    Learn More
  • Mosaic Mural Project

    Mosaic Mural Project

    This public mural will bring together mosaic elements made by a range of cultural communities who call West Roxbury home.

    Learn More
  • Sidewalk & Tree Audit

    Sidewalk & Tree Audit

    WRMS volunteers joined other groups to survey tree and sidewalk conditions in the district to help the City prioritize maintenance.

    Learn More
  • WRMS Shoe Drive

    Service Projects

    WRMS supports a variety of service projects throughout the year to build community connections and support our neighbors in need.

    Learn More

Parks & Nature

  • Map of Allandale Woods

    Allandale Woods

    Next to Arnold Arboretum with walking paths to ponds, streams, and marsh.

    More
  • Playground at Billings Field

    Billings Field

    Multi-use park, playground, and sports facilities with paved circular path.

    More
  • Brook Farm Historic Site

    Brook Farm Historic Site

    Historical site and park with walking trails, wildlife, and a picnic area.

    More
  • Cutler Park

    Cutler Park

    Huge park, wetlands, and pond along the Charles with hiking, fishing, canoeing.

    More
  • Playground at Fallon Field

    Fallon Field

    Small park with baseball fields, tennis courts, climbing structures, sledding hill.

    More
  • Pond in Hancock Woods

    Hancock Woods

    Good spot for a short hike through woods or walk along a mile-long trail.

    More
  • Plaque at Millennium Park

    Millennium Park

    Big multi-use park with spectacular panoramic views, hiking, canoe access.

    More

Local Resources

WRMS is pleased to offer these listings as a community resource. Further information can be found on each group’s website. Click here to request an addition to the listings.

Library Reading Room

  • Deutsches Altenheim
    Ethos Care
    Parkway Community YMCA
    Roche Community Center/BCYF Roche

  • Elks Lodge
    Irish Social Club
    West Roxbury/Roslindale Kiwanis

  • Parkway in Motion
    Parkway Running Club
    Parkway Community YMCA
    Parkway Little League
    Parkway Youth Lacrosse
    Roche Community Center/BCYF Roche

  • Blue Bikes (bike share)
    Commercial ride-sharing
    MBTA (bus, train)
    The Ride (MBTA)
    West Roxbury Bikes
    West Roxbury Walks

  • Boy Scout Troop 1
    Girl Scout Troop #62163 Daisies and Brownies
    Parkway in Motion
    Parkway Community YMCA

Business Resources

Business owners in our Main Street district can take advantage of the following programs, grants, networking and learning opportunities, technical and promotional support, and more. Contact our Executive Director for details.

Business Networking and Peer Support

  • Local business owners and entrepreneurs are invited to join our quarterly workshop and networking events. Recent topics: social media for small business, networking skills training. Email info@wrms.org for notice of coming events. RSVP here on Eventbrite.

  • West Roxbury and neighboring business owners and entrepreneurs are invited to join this closed Facebook group, which provides a forum to request and share mutual support and a channel for WRMS to share timely and relevant small business resources. Join here.

  • Build your network and get to know the West Roxbury community through a variety of local groups such as the West Roxbury Women’s Business Network, West Roxbury Weddings/Events Network, WRBPA, Kiwanis Club, and Rotary Club. See more in our Local Resources listings.

Information and Analysis

  • Learn more about local market and economic development indicators by downloading free reports developed specifically for West Roxbury Main Streets: Imagine West Roxbury (2016), Market Analysis (2016), and ULI Boston/New England Technical Assistance Report (2019).

  • Interested in hosting a live music event for your business? WRMS can provide a list of local musicians and groups in a variety of genres. City entertainment fees are waived for district businesses. For more information, contact our Executive Director.

  • WRMS is here to promote activities in our district! We’re happy to fold your upcoming events and special announcements into our marketing and communications outreach. For added promotional impact, join us as a WRMS Sponsor or event volunteer, or committee member.

  • WRMS can provide information on current commercial vacancies to prospective new businesses looking to locate in the district. We are also a resource to local landlords seeking to lease properties. For more information, contact our Executive Director.

Technical Assistance

  • This office provides entrepreneurs and existing businesses with access to financial and technical resources, organizes a monthly small business call, and assigns neighborhood business managers for individualized support on request. Sign up for their newsletter here.

  • WRMS is still providing direct support to local business owners experiencing challenges in the aftermath of the pandemic, and help in accessing resources through the City of Boston’s Technical Assistance Program. View COVID resources here or contact our Executive Director.

  • Thinking about opening a business or new location in West Roxbury? We can help in a variety of ways – technical support to local insights, opening event support and cross-promotion, linking you to city resources and offices, and more. Contact our Executive Director. We’re here to help!

  • Storefront improvements make businesses and commercial districts more attractive and inviting, thereby drawing new customers and increased sales. Landlords can also benefit by attracting new tenants for hard-to-rent properties. Learn how WRMS can help here.

  • With support from the Boston Main Streets Foundation, eligible small businesses in our district can receive technology, tools, and training to update their point-of-sale systems, website, and customer engagement. For details, contact our Executive Director.

Find a Business

WRMS Business Directory

As a convenience to residents and visitors and to stimulate economic activity, WRMS is pleased to provide a directory of businesses in our Main Streets district. If you notice inaccuracies or omissions, please contact our Executive Director.

Predefined tabs at the bottom let you search by categories. Tabs include age-friendly certified, woman-owned, Black- and Brown-owned businesses as well as commonly searched sectors. Use the search bar for custom searches by business name, address, owner, keywords, or other specific identifiers.

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