Revere

Beachmont’s advantageous location, both by the beach and near a wealth of amenities, has earned its unofficial nickname as the capital of Revere. “The generation-owned community is close and is always willing to help each other out,” says Chris Charido with RE/MAX Renaissance, who was born and raised in Revere. He also mentions that the most unique aspect of the area is “being 30 seconds away from the beach at all times.” The culture here revolves around the water, but Boston is also about 7 miles away. Residents can feel like they are living in a secluded beach town, but urban amenities and big-box stores are just down the road. Students here have schools nearby, and parks abound on both water and land. Homebuyers looking for beachfront living with a city in their backyard can embrace the best of both in Beachmont. Short Beach, a small, sandy refuge runs parallel to Beachmont and tends to draw less crowds than the much larger Revere Beach farther north. Revere Beach opened in 1896, making it the first public beach in America. Beachmont offers multiple parks to explore away from the water, as well. Fredericks Park is the largest, featuring multiple athletic fields, basketball courts and a playground set. Louis Pasteur Park is another option, including a basketball court and playground that was renovated in 2014, and it offers plenty of shade on sunnier days. Charido mentions that there are free, take-a-book, leave-a-book library boxes along Endicott Avenue, leading up to the park. Beachmont also borders Belle Isle Marsh Reservation, which is the last salt marsh in the Boston area. It is primarily used for hiking, and it has an observation tower overlooking plants and wildlife. Multiple restaurants sit adjacent to Revere Beach, where residents often go to dine. Seas the Day is a newer option for Vietnamese cuisine that just opened in 2023. For a date-night spot, Dryft and Fine Line are popular options off Ocean Avenue. Bianchi’s Pizza, a more casual restaurant farther north up Revere Beach Boulevard, has been serving up thin-crust pies since 1950. For a closer dessert spot on the way home, Torretta’s Bakery has everything from ice cream to strudels. Torretta’s also offers Italian fare, including paninis and pastas. Shops are run by well-known locals, contributing to Beachmont’s small-town atmosphere. For example, Charido says, “Everyone has been getting a haircut from Stephen Previte for 30+ years.” Previte’s salon, The Shop, sits off Unity Avenue. For retail needs, Beachmont residents tend to frequent The Shops at Suffolk Downs, a shopping center with a Stop & Shop grocery store and a Target. Beachmont has plenty of events throughout the year, including the annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Revere Beach is also the site of the International Sand Sculpting Festival each July. Held over three days, the festival draws hundreds of thousands of visitors. The beachfront sets the stage for exceptionally intricate and seemingly larger-than-life sand sculptures that turn out so refined, they look crafted from stone. The event also features fireworks, food vendors and live entertainment. Many properties were built in the 19th and 20th centuries with weathered, frame construction and shingle roofs, resembling beach-town colonials and bungalows. Houses are close together, and some have modest yards in the front or back. Single-family homes often fall between $500,000 and $900,000, though outliers can be found on either end of the range. Townhouses and condos are another popular option and tend to sell below $600,000. New construction continues to pop up in Beachmont, including new townhouses off Bellingham and Bradstreet Avenues that Charido mentions will be available in the summer of 2024. Sidewalks are ubiquitous around the neighborhood, making it thoroughly walkable, and some of the major streets, like Winthrop Parkway, have designated bike lanes. Students in the area are zoned for Revere Public Schools and can begin their education at Beachmont Veterans Memorial School, which scores a C-plus, for prekindergarten through Grade 5. Middle schools in the district are chosen by lottery, and Garfield Middle, with a C-plus, is the closest option. Finally, students can head to Revere High, which earns a B, and is developing a Pathways Program for various post-grad career trajectories. The programs in development include Health Sciences, Robotics/Engineering, Marine Science, Hospitality Management and Education. Revere High also offers dozens of boys and girls sports teams, and some, including cheer and field hockey, are co-ed. Beachmont has its own stop on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority subway along the Blue Line, making commutes to the city relatively seamless. The station is a short walk for Beachmont residents to reach, and downtown Boston is a 10-mile T ride, give or take, from the neighborhood. Beachmont is just east of Route 1A, which is an artery that drivers can use to get to Boston. Medical services are also easily accessible, with MGH-Revere HealthCare Center under 2 miles away. For air travel, the Boston Logan International Airport is only about 4 miles away.

For those who need access to downtown Boston but at a lower price point, West Revere is one neighborhood that may fit the bill. “It’s quieter than the city, and you’ll have more land to call your own,” says Chris Charido, a Realtor with RE/MAX Renaissance who was born and raised in West Revere. “Plus, you don’t have to worry about parking. You can use public transportation to get downtown.” Though multi-family housing is becoming more prevalent, it’s still common to see single-family homes surrounded by white picket fences. The community offers several venues for dining and shopping, and with nearby Revere Beach, outdoor recreation is covered as well. One of the essential characteristics of West Revere is its proximity to Boston. Massachusetts Route 1A and U.S. Route 1 provide two quick routes to downtown, about 6 miles away. Logan International Airport is also less than a 4-mile drive from many homes in the community. Multiple Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority commuter rail stations border West Revere. To the east, on the blue line, the closest is the Wonderland Station. Though West Revere’s location allows for an easy commute into Boston, a new Amazon distribution center is set to bring more jobs within the neighborhood. West Revere residents can choose from three different grocery chains when it’s time to stock up. “It’s a battle of the supermarkets — people seem to like Market Basket the best,” Charido says. It’s located in the Northgate Shopping Center, a retail hub with stores such as Petco and Burlington. Along Broadway are locally owned restaurants, including the long-standing DeMaino’s and Volare, a newer dining spot. “Volare is very popular among locals,” Charido says. “It has a good atmosphere in the evenings and consistent quality.” When residents go to the beach, they stop at Kelly’s Roast Beef. “It’s a landmark,” Charido says. “The whole North Shore is obsessed with roast beef sandwiches. There are Facebook groups with around 50,000 people who rate the roast beef at different restaurants.” Though the Boston area is known for historic homes, West Revere’s housing mainly consists of residences built from 1950 onward. Those looking for a single-family home will find an abundance of mid-1900s options, including split-levels and Cape Cod styles. These often sell between $500,000 and $900,000. Though single-family homes are common, “many things are being turned into multi-families or townhouses because that’s where the money is,” Charido says. Some older single-family homes have been converted into condos, while others have been swapped out for newly built multi-family dwellings. Listings for condos range between the mid-$300,000s and the mid-$700,000s; townhouses often start closer to $500,000 and also top out in the mid-$700,000s. Even with West Revere’s dense residential makeup, there is still a solid amount of outdoor recreational space. DiSalvo Park, for instance, includes about a 2-mile walking path, plus basketball courts and an expansive playground area. Dogs have a place to run and obstacles to explore at the Paws & Play Dog Park. Charido says that Susan B. Anthony Middle School’s baseball field was just updated and that community members use the space during non-school hours. In addition, Harry Della Russo Stadium has a track around it that residents can use for daily walks or runs. Nearby Revere Beach is another popular spot for walks, and for a bike ride, locals can take the Northern Strand Community Trail, a 9.9-mile bike path that passes to the west of the neighborhood. Three different elementary schools serve West Revere: Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Paul Revere Innovation School and A.C. Whelan Elementary School. They all earn a C-plus rating on Niche. The Paul Revere Innovation School opened in 2010 and was the first innovation institution in the state. The school serves as a testing ground for new educational methods. One concept that was incubated at Paul Revere was Open Circle, a curriculum that focuses on students’ social and emotional needs. Once students reach the sixth grade, their school placement is determined by a lottery system — one option is C-rated Susan B. Anthony Middle School. Students at Anthony may participate in the drama department; past productions include a musical adaptation of “Finding Nemo.” Students may continue their learning at Revere High School, which rates a B on Niche and also offers drama as well as the Army JROTC Program. In summer months, Revere residents can enjoy weekly movies on the beach, which take place on Thursday nights. “There’s an ice cream place by the beach — everyone grabs an ice cream and goes down to watch the movie,” Charido says. In December, there’s a tree-lighting ceremony at Revere City Hall, during which Santa rides into town on a firetruck. The International Sand Sculpting Contest takes over Revere Beach in mid-July. “It’s a massive event — I avoid the area around that time since it gets so crowded, but I walk by after it ends to see the sculptures,” Charido says. “They’re very impressive. You’ll have no idea how they can make them out of sand.” Some homes in West Revere fall in flood-prone areas, particularly those closest to Revere Beach and Mill Creek. Living near the city of Boston may result in high levels of noise as well as periodic air quality concerns.

Revere, a historic neighborhood 7 miles north of Boston, was named for Paul Revere, the famed Boston native who rode through the streets of Concord bellowing, “The British are coming!” But its name isn’t the only claim to fame for this beachside neighborhood. It also features the country’s first public beach, which stays busy year-round. Hotels in the area fill up every October with tourists planning to visit nearby Salem for spooky parades and haunting attractions. Most residents own their homes, but some rentals are available for those who want to live here without committing to ownership just yet. Locals can walk down the street to stop in a coffee shop, restaurant or bakery. Revere residents also have easy access to popular Revere Beach and bustling downtown Boston. Mostafa Elbadaoui, an experienced real estate agent with United Brokers in Revere, says, “There’s lots of shopping, many restaurants and a very diverse community.” Residents like being close to Boston, the beach and nearby amenities. A single street in Revere holds a variety of home styles. Future homeowners can find American foursquares, shotgun duplexes, and Queen Anne-inspired homes. “Most homes were built in the 1900s, but some were built around 1994 and 1996,” says Elbadaoui. A recently renovated single-family home with three bedrooms can sell for over $500,000. Future residents looking for an investment opportunity in this beach neighborhood might purchase a multi-family home with six bedrooms for over $1 million. Many locals park on the street, but some homes have driveways that provide uncovered parking for a few cars. Paved sidewalks line the streets, making it easy for residents to bike or walk to nearby amenities or the beach. When kids are old enough for school, parents send them to Garfield Elementary School. Students later move on to Garfield Middle School. Revere High School hosts an annual student showcase for kids to show off their skills. Visitors might see the robotics club in action, a young artist’s masterpiece or a performance from the dance team. All three of these Revere schools earn a C-plus grade from Niche. “The public schools are very good, but some parents apply for charter schools in the nearby areas,” says Elbadaoui. The Revere Recreation Center offers multiple programs to keep kids active. Young residents might enjoy the tumbling or toddler soccer programs. Budding athletes can improve their basketball or volleyball skills here as well. Parents take their kids to Sonny Myers Park when they need to release their energy. This gated playground features swings, picnic tables and convenient parking. Locals also visit Revere Beach to play in the sand or splash around in Massachusetts Bay. Shopping for groceries takes no time in Revere. Multiple markets and grocery stores sit throughout the neighborhood. Fair Price Market offers a wide variety of halal food options. Residents visit the Wonderland Marketplace to shop at Big Lots or Marshalls. Target and a Stop & Shop grocery store also wait off Tomasello Way when locals need to pick up the essentials. For those who don’t want to travel into Boston to shop, nearby Chelsea and Everett are full of popular and local stores. Boston isn’t the only city with great food. Revere has Dryft, which serves fresh seafood, house-made pasta and specialty cocktails. Residents also drive up Revere Beach to Marina at the Wharf for an Italian meal and great views of the sunset. For dessert, Luberto’s Pastry Shop sells colorful cakes, cookies and pastries. Those who want to visit or work in Boston can hop on a public bus or take the Blue Line train at Wonderland station. “Boston Logan International Airport employees move here to find housing that’s cheaper than Boston and is close to work,” says Elbadaoui. Tourists planning to visit nearby Salem for Halloween fun stay in Revere to get lower hotel rates and see the sights. This commuter-friendly tourist spot is always busy.

The first public beach in the country, Revere Beach has welcomed locals and visitors since 1896 to enjoy Massachusetts Bay waves brushing up on sandy shores. Waterfront condos and restaurants line the beachfront boulevard, brimming with visitors in the summertime. Hotels stay busy through summer vacation, though even in the fall, tourists who want to walk the haunted streets of Salem stay here to enjoy cheaper room rates. “People from all over the country come to visit the beach,” says Mostafa Elbadaoui, an experienced Realtor with United Brokers in Revere. “I’ve spoken to people visiting anywhere from Boston to Texas.” Originally a gateway town for immigrants, the area has a diverse population and thriving Italian and Hispanic communities. Homebuyers who are torn between beach town and big city can enjoy both in Revere, with Boston just 7 miles south. While the beach is evidently the top destination for outdoor recreation, there are additional activities available beyond boating and sunbathing here. Cooler weather calls for a trip to either Oak Island or Gibson parks, which both feature playground equipment, basketball courts and baseball diamonds. Gibson Park also has a community garden and other amenities coming soon, including a boat and rowing launch. Boat owners can join the Point of Pines Yacht Club and rent a slip on one of the floating docks. Adjacent to the General Edwards Bridge that connects Revere with Lynn, anglers can cast a line off the fishing pier, also popular among bikers. The beach and bay lie to the east of major Revere thoroughfare, North Shore Road, and to the west, the Rumney Marsh Reservation covers 600 acres. A center for salt marsh and estuary habitat education, the park welcomes many biology researchers as well as those looking to birdwatch, fish or ride a paddleboat. Home styles range from new beachfront condo buildings with community amenities to 20th-century single-family properties. “There are rentals available, but most residents are homeowners,” says Elbadaoui. Architectural styles include New Englanders, Victorians and raised ranchers. Two-bedroom condos tend to sell between $450,000 and $600,000, while detached homes with three-to-five bedrooms cost around $450,000 to $800,000 depending on location and proximity to the water. Some areas, like the Point of Pines community, pay an HOA fee to enjoy private beach access. Most homes sit on small lots, but the Revere Beach shores offset the lack of yard space. Plenty of events take place throughout Revere Beach’s warmer months, including a farmers market at the Waterfront Square and a summer concert series. The annual Kite Festival, held every May, attracts residents of all ages to fill the sky with color. People from all over the world gather on the beach for the International Sand Sculpting Festival to see experienced and amateur artists at work. With free admission, anyone can make memories with three full days of fireworks, live music and vendors. To close out the season, the September Revere Beach Art Festival spotlights local artists’ work as well as craft activities and live music. In the winter, instead of sandcastles, artists create ice sculptures accompanied by chili cook offs and hot chocolate tastings. Revere Beach sits close to a Market Basket and the Wonderland Marketplace, with a Marshalls and Big Lots. Within just 1 mile, Target and Stop & Shop are right off Revere Beach Parkway on the south side of the beach. Nearby cities such as Chelsea, Everett and Boston have plenty of shopping centers and dining options for those who want to explore outside the neighborhood. When spending a day on the beach, various restaurants await off of the boulevard. Kelly’s Roast Beef covers lunch with burgers, seafood and sandwiches, while Bianchi’s has served up pizza since 1952. Kell’s Kreme has cold desserts, like ice cream and popsicles to combat the heat of the summer sun. After getting ready for the evening and washing off the sand, Dryft provides seafood dishes and craft cocktails in a modern, waterfront dining room and bar. Marina at the Wharf offers meals with a view of the sound, where boats launch off private nearby docks. Primary students can attend the Paul Revere Innovation School. Which scores a C-plus grade on Niche and offers multiple after-school programs to accommodate later pick-ups. Children can then head to Rumney Marsh Academy, which also earns a C-plus grade, for sixth through eighth grade. B-rated Revere High School joined the College Board’s AP School Honor Roll in 2023 for their high test scores, and the JROTC program has won nine state championships in a row. Revere Beach gives residents convenient public transportation options. “Many locals commute to work in Boston or at the nearby airports,” says Elbadaoui. Travelers don’t have to worry about driving in traffic because the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (the T) Blue Line train runs from both Wonderland and Revere Beach stations into the city. For those who prefer to drive, routes 1 and 1A flow nearby and can lead to interstates 90 and 93. Locals can avoid paying for parking at the Boston Logan International Airport, about 4 miles away, by taking one of the T buses.