Nestled on the shores of the Charles River, just after Allston's bustling streets, is Boston’s exciting, up-and-coming neighborhood of Brighton, Massachusetts. This neighborhood is connected to the rest of Boston via the Allston neighborhood, and the two are administered jointly. Brighton was initially part of Cambridge, Mass., but separated in 1807 after a bridge dispute, making it an annex of Boston in 1874. Cambridge, Watertown, Newton, and Brookline surround Brighton, but are separated by the Charles River.

Named one of the best places to live in America, if you’re looking for the best places to live in Boston, Brighton is an excellent choice. Brighton is a great place to live because of its culture, economy, accessibility to public transportation, access to education and entertainment, and its rich demographic mixture. Here’s what you need to know about the welcoming neighborhood of Brighton.

Brighton Demographics

Brighton is home to a population of 48,248 residents. The neighborhood is located on 2.78 square miles piece of land and is a hotspot for young professionals, with the majority of the population aged around 18-34. Residents feel a sense of community through their interactions with the bustling local community and service to others.

Housing Market in Brighton

The housing market in Brighton is somewhat competitive, with the average sale price of a home being around $570,000 as of October 2022 representing a strong 27% year-over-year increase in value. 

Public Transportation in Brighton

Brighton has an excellent public transportation system, with easy access to Boston’s train and subway lines, The T (MBTA).  The T also provides Commuter Rail train access to the suburbs, bus lines, ferry services, and paratransit services to Boston's neighborhoods. The prices vary depending on the means of transport, but bus tickets range from $1 to $5. It only costs $1 from Boston to Brighton, a journey of about 11 minutes.

The MBTA can be used on a trip-by-trip basis, or by loading money onto a “Charlie Card.” Paying via your Charlie Card allows you one free transfer to another Local Bus or the SL4 or SL5 within two hours of your first entry tap.

Brighton recently opened a new Commuter Rail stop, Boston Landing Station, as well – a convenient addition for Brighton residents.

Boston also has a bicycle rental system, called Blue Bikes, with pickup and drop-off points for the rentable bikes available at dozens of locations in and around Greater Boston and its neighboring communities.

New Residential Developments in Brighton

The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) recently approved new developmental projects in Brighton, which will bring the residential units in the neighborhood to 45. The first project, Brighton's 38 Hichborn St. project, will bring energy-efficient housing with 24 rental units, three of which will be income-restricted. The second project, converting a former South Boston nursing home into housing, will house 21 condominiums, three of which will be income-restricted. 

Another exciting residential development in Brighton is Nevins Hill. Nevins Hill is a refreshing retreat to call home. Given today's active lifestyle, convenience is a necessity - simple parking, easy connectivity to work, and instant in-residence access to high-end amenities. At Nevins Hill, your home is a safe refuge, your own personal retreat, and an intimate space to recharge and refresh. With its picturesque location in a unique and quiet alcove, you'll be glad you chose Nevins Hill to call home.

Also in Brighton, Cadence on Leo offers a sophisticated blend of contemporary forms and time-tested materials. No matter your speed, a range of amenities will redefine your concept of home - from a club room where you can celebrate with friends and family to a spa where you can relax and recharge. Cadence on Leo keeps up with every beat of modern life.

Entertainment and Dining in Brighton

Living in Brighton offers you an urban feel with access to big city amenities and small-town peace. There are unique places where you can grab some food or coffee with friends and family or enjoy some live music. For coffee lovers, Caffe Nero, Fuel America, and Pavement Coffee House are the spots to explore. They have an incredible ambiance, exceptional service, and top-notch coffee and pastries.

When trying out the best restaurants in Brighton, you should start at Lone Star Taco Bar. It is inspired by Mexican cuisine and serves terrific tacos. Their drink menu includes Mexican-themed drinks like mezcal, Cerveza, and tequila. 

If you’re looking for traditional American cuisine, Devlin's is the place to check out. Made with a contemporary creative twist and served with the best assortment of wines and cocktails, Devlin’s is a must-visit. 

You can also enjoy a grilled cheese sandwich at Brighton's famous food truck, Roxy's Gourmet Grilled Cheese.

For the lovers of nightlife, you can visit the Last Drop, The Koji Club, or Harry's Bar and Grill for a fantastic time. The atmosphere, music, and drinks are terrific. You will enjoy visiting these places if you love playing games like darts or enjoying a drink as you make new friends and catch up with old ones.

Things to Do in Brighton

Brighton is a hub of activities for locals and visitors. Here are some fun things to do.

Tour the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

This museum has overwhelming pieces of art and a breathtaking courtyard. They hold different unique events like learning how to bind a book, which is both educating and fascinating.

Explore the Museum of Bad Art (MOBA)

At MOBA, you will find art that you wouldn't find in any other museum. It is a compilation of vivid imaginations gone awry, which makes it a perfect place to ignite your imagination. If you purchase a Somerville Theatre movie ticket, you get access to the museum for free and can tour it within 15 minutes, enjoying a good laugh along the way.

Schools and Education near Brighton

The town is inhabited mainly by young professionals due to its many quality schools, especially colleges. Some of the best schools serving Brighton include:

• Boston College
• Boston University
• Northeastern University
• Harvard Medical School
• Massachusetts College of Art and Design
• Wentworth Institute of Technology
• MIT

Become a Brighton Resident

Are you looking to own property in Brighton and become a resident of this beautiful neighborhood? CHARLESGATE is your solution. We are Boston's most comprehensive real estate services firm here to help you find a property you love. 

Ready to learn more? Contact us today!