Roslindale might be a bit of a late bloomer as Boston neighborhoods go, but that’s A-OK with me. In recent years, thanks to city and federal money, and community support, this nabe has really cleaned up its act.

Roslindale combines urban living with a suburban feel. Roslindale Square (a.k.a. Roslindale Village) is home to locally owned and operated boutiques, restaurants, and cafes, all of which are governed by the all-volunteer Roslindale Village Main Street Association.

Neighbors seem to actually know and like one another in close-knit neighborhoods with multi-family homes along Washington Street. Single-family homes, vestiges of the Victorian age, sit pretty on Metropolitan and Grew Hills, and are home to long time Roslindale residents as well as young families looking to grow. Roslindale attracts everybody from young professionals and new parents, to immigrants, empty-nesters, and gay and lesbian couples. The sense of community pride is strong and getting stronger.

There’s lots of public green space in Roslindale as well. Whether it’s the Roslindale side of the Arnold Arboretum, or the Stony Brook Reservation, or any number of small parks and playgrounds in between, Rossie residents and dogs have no trouble finding a place to get their oxygen fix.

While Rossie is not directly connected to Downtown by the “T,” it’s only a short walk from JP’s Forest Hills stop. The Commuter Rail, however, does serve Roslindale Square, though it’s a bit more expensive and parking at the station is sometimes a challenge.