Dorchester

Dorchester is a sprawling residential neighborhood along Boston's southern edge, stretching across multiple square miles. It connects to Mattapan and Roxbury on the west side and borders South Boston across I-93.

Puritan settlers from Dorchester, England founded this area in 1630 and established America's first public elementary school, the Mather School, which still operates today. This institution set a model for public education that spread throughout the young nation.

Vietnamese communities have shaped the character of Fields Corner with restaurants, shops, and gathering places that reflect their traditions. Walking through this part of the neighborhood, you encounter the sounds and flavors of Southeast Asia alongside the broader Boston street life.

The neighborhood operates across multiple zip codes including 02121, 02122, 02124, and 02125, with services spread throughout different community centers. You will find shops, transit connections, and local resources distributed across the various sections.

Franklin Park within the neighborhood contains open green space and houses both a public zoo and a golf course as part of the Emerald Necklace system. This combination of nature and recreation offers an unexpected refuge within the urban area.

Location: Boston

Inception: May 1630

Shares border with: Roxbury, South Boston

Website: http://mydorchester.org

GPS coordinates: 42.31667,-71.05000

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:22