Walkability in Boston: Best Areas in Brighton

Would you like to live somewhere where you can easily walk to everything you need in the Greater Boston area?

Wondering if Brighton is a good location for walkability

Most of Brighton has good access to public transportation and some commercial centers.  There are sections which feel a bit suburban and distant, though.  Here are the best hubs for those who want to live a short walk to public transportation, shops, restaurants, and a hip coffee shop.

map of brighton MA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Boston Landing is the Commuter Rail stop built near the New Balance headquarters.  It features retail space, a hotel, garage, and restaurants. Both North Brighton and Lower Allston residents will benefit and can easily walk to the new center.  Find an interactive map of what can be found at the commercial hub here: https://bostonlandingdevelopment.com/map-directions/

Nearby Western Avenue has also seen an influx of business and housing development.  

Housing in this area is mostly multi-family houses, many of which have been converted into modest condominiums.  Some larger buildings, a few newer construction townhouses, and rental units are available.

This is a great spot for young professionals and young families looking for an affordable home within Boston with an easy commute in and out of the City.

condos for young professionals boston

Cleveland Circle has been highly desirable many years for several reasons.  First, the access to the T is excellent.  Live in this area and you can hop on the B, the C or the D lines.  The area has a beautiful reservoir and is a great place to walk and jog, and/or take advantage of the playground and public pool.  

Many of the restaurants in Cleveland Circle are well established, such as Eagle’s Deli and Pino’s Pizza.  The Real Deal sandwich shop has also moved in.  There are both Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks to appease both sides of the coffee debate.  Or you can go independent and visit Fuel on Chestnut Hill Ave.

The Cleveland Circle area also borders some of the most beautiful parts of Brookline.  The Circle Cinema is being replaced with new residential, hotel and retail space which will give the area a well deserved commercial space.  More here: http://www.clevelandcircledevelopment.com/readme/

Housing in the Cleveland Circle area is mostly low-rise pre-war brownstones with 1 or 2 bedroom condos and sparse parking.  It has had a reputation for being home mostly to undergraduate college students, but soaring home prices have made room for a more mature population of mostly young professionals and graduate students.

 

 
Brighton Center is well served by buses, and has a commercial hub around Washington Street.  It starts near St. Elizabeth Hospital and ends around Oak Square, where you find the local YMCA.  The local Boston Public Library branch will not disappoint.

In the past few years, Brighton Center has become a more diverse and desirable destination as great restaurants moved in.  

Housing in Brighton Center ranges from large Victorian single family houses, to more modest single family homes, two family houses, and condominiums in 2-5 unit buildings.  There are has been new construction of high end rental units and townhouses to serve the growing population of the hospital’s workers.  Brighton has also become a popular home for graduate students, professors and staff commuting to Harvard University and other points in Cambridge.

Buses servicing Brighton Center include 501, express to Downtown, 503 express to Copley, and buses to Forest Hills, Dudley, Sullivan Square, Watertown, and Kenmore.

 

Brighton offers a lot of options for those who want walkability. Is walkability something that’s important to you when looking for a new place to live? I’d love to hear from you.

RuthBio-New

 

 

 

 

 

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