Section Image

Brighton

Brighton

$863,527 Average Value
$604 Average Price per Sq Ft
21 Homes For Sale

Why Boston homebuyers choose Brighton

Brighton sits along the Charles River in Boston, about 8 miles west of the downtown peninsula. Initially part of Cambridge, the neighborhood had a brief stint as its own town before it was annexed to Beantown in 1874. A lot of people move to this suburban area to be near Boston College or Boston Medical Center – Brighton, formerly St. Elizabeth’s. But even if you don’t have any connection to the college or the hospital, Brighton’s walkable streets and cozy neighborhood haunts make it an appealing place to settle down.

Brighton is an active neighborhood about 8 miles from Downtown Boston.
Brighton is an active neighborhood about 8 miles from Downtown Boston.
Brighton is a walkable neighborhood near Boston College and a major medical center.
Brighton is a walkable neighborhood near Boston College and a major medical center.
1/2

A blend of apartments, condos and single-family homes

About three-quarters of Brighton properties are condos, townhomes and apartments, and most people rent. Many single-family homes date to the late 1800s and early 1900s. “It’s a lot of older housing stock with fieldstone foundations,” says Justin Giuliano, Brighton resident and Realtor with 617 Real Estate Group, noting that these homes are especially durable thanks to the materials used in their construction. Some condo complexes and apartment buildings were built more recently, around the 1960s.

Multifamily properties outnumber single-family homes in Brighton.
Multifamily properties outnumber single-family homes in Brighton.
Many Brighton homes date to the early 1900s.
Many Brighton homes date to the early 1900s.
1/2

The housing market compared to other parts of Boston

Brighton’s median home sale price is $810,000, slightly below the citywide median. Properties usually sell from the mid-$300,000s to the lower $2 millions. Some communities charge HOA or condo fees that cover things like water, sewer, ground maintenance and snow and trash removal; these payments can tack roughly $250 to $550 onto your monthly bills. Home prices are slightly lower in nearby neighborhoods like Allston and Jamaica Plain. You’ll find similar housing stock in those areas, although the percentage of single-family homes is higher in JP than it is here. If you want to expand your search to towns like Newton and Brookline, you’ll also have more single-family options, but prices skew higher in those places.

Each part of the neighborhood offers different benefits

Which part of the neighborhood should you settle in? The answer depends on why you’re choosing to move there in the first place. Here’s the rundown on what the different areas have to offer:

  • Oak Square — cool dining spots, convenience stores, a public library and a small historic park
  • Hunnewell Hill — quick access to the Mass Pike
  • Gallagher Park — proximity to a public golf course, Boston College and Edison Elementary
  • Brighton Center — eclectic restaurants and proximity to Winship Elementary and Boston Medical Center – Brighton
If the hospital is the main reason for your move, consider checking out homes in Saint Elizabeth's, the next neighborhood over.

Brighton supports a car-free lifestyle, but some commuters drive

If you live and work in Brighton, you might not need a car. Wide sidewalks border the streets, and there are restaurants and convenience stores peppered throughout the neighborhood. The Mass Pike runs along the Charles River, providing quick access to Downtown Boston. The 8-mile drive downtown usually takes about 15 minutes, as does the 3-mile drive across the river to Cambridge. “Moving in all cardinal directions is challenging in Boston,” Giuliano says, “but this is one of the few neighborhoods where you can move north, south, east and west with reasonable ease.” Bus stops and T stations provide more options. You can also cycle to Cambridge; most roads are bike-friendly, and the trip typically takes around 25 minutes.

Brighton offers suburban charm outside Boston's urban core.
Brighton offers suburban charm outside Boston's urban core.
Brighton is a commuter-friendly neighborhood with multiple bus stops throughout.
Brighton is a commuter-friendly neighborhood with multiple bus stops throughout.
1/2

Shopping and dining around Brighton

Dining spots and local shops surround the historic Oak Square crossroads. “There’s a lot of energy and vitality in the neighborhood,” Giuliano says. Here are a few of the places you’ll find there:

  • Kiki’s Kwik Mart, a convenience store and deli
  • Oliviera Deli Market, known for its Brazilian specialties
  • Thai North, dishing up flavorful soups, noodle dishes and curries
  • The Last Drop, a pub with a pool table, dartboards and several TVs
For bigger grocery hauls, Whole Foods Market is about a mile away. Across the Charles, Watertown Mall and Arsenal Yards offer retail therapy with chain stores like Target, Best Buy and Old Navy.

The Last Drop in Brighton is local favorite with pool tables and dartboards.
The Last Drop in Brighton is local favorite with pool tables and dartboards.
Stop in at Kiki's for sandwiches, snacks and drinks.
Stop in at Kiki's for sandwiches, snacks and drinks.
1/2
St Columbkille Partnership School has educated children in grades Pre-K through 8th since 1901.
St Columbkille Partnership School has educated children in grades Pre-K through 8th since 1901.

Boston Public Schools offers school choice based on address

Kids can attend schools in the highly rated Boston Public Schools district, which uses a home-based school choice system. Instead of assigning students to specific schools, the system allows families to choose from a list of options based on their home address. Local choices include Boston Green Academy, a charter school serving grades 6 through 12, and the highly rated Winship Elementary School. Brighton is also home to Saint Columbkille Partnership School, a highly rated private Catholic school serving students from prekindergarten through Grade 8.

Adrienne Ryan
Written By
Adrienne Ryan
Al Straggas
Photography Contributed By
Al Straggas
Emily McNamara
Video By
Emily McNamara

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

General Edward Lawrence Logan International

18 min drive

Subway

Boston College Station

Bus

Tremont St & Washington St

Bus

Tremont St Opp Tremont Pl

Bus

Brooks St & Faneuil St

Bus

Washington St & Oak Sq

Bus

Brooks St & Hobart St

Bus

N Beacon St & Goodenough St

Bus

Washington St & Langley Rd

Reviews

Are you familiar with the Brighton neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Brighton US
Homicide 5 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
2,883
Number of Homes for Sale
21
Median Year Built
1930
Months of Supply
3.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,730
Below the national average
1,931
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,677
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
944
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
686
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
488
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,791

Open Houses

  • Saturday, May 9
    10 - 11:30am

    57 Undine Rd, Brighton, MA 02135

    $1,050,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 1,840 Sq Ft
    • 57 Undine Rd
    • New 2 days ago

    Charming single-family home ideally located on the Chestnut Hill line, abutting Newton Commonwealth Golf Course and just moments to the MBTA Green Line B Branch for easy commuting. Lovingly maintained by its long-time owner, this home features a spacious layout including a large kitchen, formal dining room, inviting living room, and a bright sunroom. Four bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms provide

    Agent Photo
    Anabela Gomes
    Urban Realty
    (857) 810-5867
    Section Image
    Section Image
  • Saturday, May 9
    1 - 2pm

    143 Tremont St Unit 1, Brighton, MA 02135

    $1,298,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 4 Baths
    • 2,295 Sq Ft
    • 143 Tremont St
    • Unit 1
    • New 7 days ago

    Introducing Unit 1, a sun-filled corner residence in a newly constructed luxury development, thoughtfully designed with elevated finishes & refined living in mind.Bathed in natural light from multiple exposures, this sophisticated home offers 4 bedrooms & 4 full bathrooms, including a first-floor suite perfectly suited for a private office or elegant guest retreat.The open-concept living space is

    Agent Photo
    Anabela Gomes
    Urban Realty
    (617) 915-2022
    Section Image
    Section Image
  • Saturday, May 9
    1 - 2pm

    143 Tremont St Unit 2, Brighton, MA 02135

    $1,289,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 4 Baths
    • 2,140 Sq Ft
    • 143 Tremont St
    • Unit 2

    Introducing newly constructed luxury townhome, designed with elevated finishes and refined living in mind. This sophisticated residence features four bedrooms and four full bathrooms, including a first-floor suite ideal for a private office or elegant guest retreat.A sun-filled open floor plan is anchored by a fireplace and flows seamlessly into a designer kitchen appointed with quartz

    Agent Photo
    Anabela Gomes
    Urban Realty
    (857) 855-6646
    Section Image
    Section Image

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
1,080
Median Rent
$3,700
Median Single Family Home Rent
$4,100
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$4,400
Median Townhouse Rent
$4,250
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$3,675
Median Condo Rent
$3,500
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$2,970

Demographics

Total Population
14,796
Median Age
34
Population Density
21 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11.9%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$110,714
Significantly above the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$122,093

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
90.7%
College Graduates
65.5%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
27.6%
% Population in Labor Force
81%
Above the national average
64.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
15''

Area Factors

Moderately friendly

Bike Score®

60 / 100

Exceptionally friendly

Walk Score®

90 / 100

Moderately friendly

Transit Score®

70 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Brighton
Justin Giuliano
617 Real Estate Group, LLC
Section Image