Newton/Brighton Line (Boston, Watertown, Adams: home, neighborhood, living)

[michelle082]

Anyone have any thoughts on living on the Newton/Brighton line? I'm looking at a place there that seems great. It's on the Newton side near the Mass Pike.

Thanks in advance!

[holden125]

Originally Posted by michelle082

Anyone have any thoughts on living on the Newton/Brighton line? I'm looking at a place there that seems great. It's on the Newton side near the Mass Pike.

Thanks in advance!

I know the area well. It's a nice area with express bus service to Copley and downtown Boston (though only at weeday rush hours--it can take a while via 57 bus to T at other times). If you are used to urban life, there are not a ton of stores, etc., within walking distance south of the Pike, though there are a couple of stores on Tremont St near the city line (Ricker Rd/Cufflin St). There's a bit more north of the Pike, near Galen St, which is also OK although aesthetically I prefer the area south of the Pike.

There is some nightlife in Brighton (neighborhood pubs with a population mid-20s to mid-30's, locals, professionals, grad students), but getting home from downtown Boston late at night, especially from other than Kenmore Square, could take a while unless you drive or take a cab. There are also some restaurants, bars, etc. down Watertown St (Rt 16) in Newton a bit to the west, in Nonantum ("the Lake"), near Adams St and West St.

Newton Corner is also right near the Pike entrance at Exit 17, giving easy access to Boston and points west by car. I had a friend who drove to work from Brighton Center to the Seaport area, getting on the Pike there instead of Allston, and it took 15 mins max. It was more like an hour by T because he didn't work at hours when the express bus ran downtown.

The area is quiet and semi-suburban. I wouldn't call it urban in the sense the Back Bay or Central Square are urban, but it's nowhere near as suburban as other parts of Newton or the towns farther out.

[Jstine103]

i completely agree