A quieter suburban area, Brighton is a great place for families or young professionals looking for a more laidback setting. Students also like to rent apartments here, due to Brighton’s proximity to universities. Brighton might not be as action-packed as Downtown Boston, but there’s still plenty to do here – start your night with a stop at the Sunset Grill & Tap, a casual eatery with an impressive beer selection.
Overview
There’s a modern tendency of bringing a bit of everything into each neighborhood; Brighton is not an exception to this rule, only this neighborhood excelled in every field. Brighton, Boston unexpectedly combines buoyant dynamism with a peaceful appeal and the feeling of a residential suburb with the opportunities of a big city. The four centuries of its history provided the area with a nickname Little Cambridge, a rich background, and a unique spirit you’ll appreciate.
Brighton has strong culinary traditions dating back to the second half of 18th century when local cattle market provided food supplies to the Continental Army of George Washington. Today, this historical detail transformed into a real deposit of local bar and restaurant culture. It’s the neighborhood for young and energetic people; it’s robust and it’s laidback. It’s everything you’ve ever been looking for in an uptown neighborhood best suited for a modern urban dweller.
Demographics
What you see in Brighton is predominantly your typical upper-middle class American type: white, Christian, 25 to 34 years old college graduates, working in white collar spheres, not yet married and favoring rooms for rent. The cost of living in Brighton, Massachusetts, is 30% higher than average throughout Boston but there’s no need to worry: incomes per household go up significantly. That’s why a lot of students of Boston College and Boston University settle here after graduation.
Entertainment
Local vendors, ethnic restaurants, and pubs brighten up the suburban, quiet feel of the area. Try out the Farmer’s Special on weekends at Jim’s Deli on Washington Street, or grab a beer at The Green Briar. Looking for a night out? Bustling nightlife is within walking distance in noisy Allston. Not a walking type? Then how about a concert or a movie night in Brighton square during warmer months? There’s also Warrior Ice Arena for hockey fans – come and support Boston Bruins!
Transportation
Almost half of the population of Brighton drive to work; over a third use public transport, and no wonder. Three branches of the Green Line light rail serve the neighborhood, not to mention nine bus routes. There’s also a newly constructed Boston Landing, a commuter rail station that includes Brighton into the interstate list of destinations. What about walkability? You can get by foot to the closest neighborhoods of Allston, Newton, and Brookline, and you’ll need to cross the Charles River to get to Watertown and Cambridge.
Finding Apartments in Brighton for Rent
Staying aside from one of the busiest parts of Boston, Brighton offers its residents a slice of quieter atmosphere, a softer and homier urban experience than you might have expected. Take a stroll down Washington Street, the main artery of the district: there are best apartments for rent in Brighton, diverse entertainment from local small shops to cafes and restaurants, and a whole specter of nighttime possibilities at the nearest Allston neighborhood just 20 minutes away.
For those of you who like it even more intimate and personal, there are pre-World War II houses for rent in Brighton. They comprise over 40% of housing options, and also report a true historic fleur to the neighborhood.
