Allston-Brighton

Understand

Ownership of this land has been kicked around over the centuries. At first a part of Watertown, it was deeded to "Newtowne" in 1634, which you might know by its modern name, Cambridge. Just a handful of settler families lived in "Little Cambridge" and tended to their farms and livestock throughout the 18th century. In 1807, after a heated bridge dispute, Brighton split from Cambridge to become its own independent town.

After incorporating, the area continued on with its traditions. Residents used new technologies as they became available to increase production on their farms and expand the cattle industry. Railroads were built to efficiently move the slaughterhouse beef produced here to distant markets. In 1874 Brighton was officially annexed to Boston, a decision that would see its population explode.

The railroad would keep Allston/Brighton's economy growing throughout the 20th century. When the prevailing industry shifted from livestock production to automobile sales; it was all the same to the train. The Mass Pike was built along the tracks in the 60s, as car travel became increasingly popular. Today three nearby colleges - BU, BC, and Harvard - all continue their expansion into the neighborhood. Dorms, research facilities, and academic high rises spring from ground like shoots. As the area's most prolific builder, Harvard acquired building rights to the once powerful railroad tracks, and plans to reshape oceans of acreage in the 21st century.

Neighborhoods

Where exactly does Brighton end and Allston begin? Your guess is as good as anyone else's. As a rule of thumb, Allston encompasses the eastern part of the district and Brighton the western. While even residents may not agree on the name of their district, these are some of the areas visitors are likely to encounter.

• Allston Village: Boston's countercultural hub, this area surrounding Harvard and Brighton Avenues is home to artists, students, and DIY musicians. Shops, restaurants, bars, clubs, music venues - you name it, it can be found in this densely-packed area. It is bordered by Union Square to the west, unmistakable with its retro neon "Twin Donuts" sign, and Packard's Corner to the east, named for a Packard dealership from the early 1900s.
• Brighton Center: At the intersection of Cambridge Street and Market Street, Brighton Center feels more like a vibrant town square than it does the big city — and for good reason. In the 1800s, Brighton was an independent town, and this was the center of local culture. Today, some of Brighton's trendiest restaurants live here alongside Boston Medical Center Brighton (formerly known as St. Elizabeth's Hospital.)
• Cleveland Circle: This strip of restaurants and cafes at the terminus of the Green Line's C branch is abuzz with college students, particularly from next door Boston College. The commercial center of Brighton's residential district of Aberdeen, Cleveland Circle straddles the tripoint of Boston, Brookline, and Newton. Just a block from the train stop, visit the Chestnut Hill Reservoir for a 1.5-mile loop beloved by walkers, joggers, and cyclists.
• Oak Square: Further outbound from Brighton Center, jutting into Newton, Oak Square may feel less like "the city" than anywhere else in Boston city limits. Many residents love this area for being both (relatively) green and (somewhat) quiet. The few shops and amenities here are of high quality, and the location provides quick and easy access to both the Mass Pike and trails along the Charles River.

Get in

By public transit

Unlike other neighborhoods, you'll find the bus and the trolley are almost equally important here. The B branch of the Green line makes a prolific number of stops in the area. Heading outbound some of the larger stops are: Babcock Street, Packards Corner, Harvard Ave, Washington Street, Chestnut Hill Ave, and Boston College; about 10 smaller stops are in the mix as well. Trollies come fairly often, but they must wait for red lights in traffic and can be frustratingly slow. The C branch runs mostly through Brookline, only the terminus Clevland Circle serves Brighton. Consider walking to the C branch if you're close, it can be much faster. The D branch is faster still, with a dedicated right of way it really gets cranking. The D line also primarily runs through Brookline and Newton, with only one stop in Brighton near Cleveland Circle: Reservoir. Reservoir, Chestnut Hill Ave and Cleveland Circle are all within a 5—minute walk of each other, making for an easy transfer. If you’re going from downtown Boston to Brighton, it may be preferable to take the D line to Reservoir and walk to Chestnut Hill Ave to take the B line further into the neighborhood.

The #57 bus is quite popular, running alongside the B line in Allston, down Comm Ave, and often passing it. It then heads through Brighton Center and Oak Square, and into Watertown Yard. Another popular route is the #66 bus, which makes its way through Allston Village and into Harvard Square in Cambridge. If you're in Brighton Center or Cleveland Circle, the #86 takes you to Harvard as well, but much less frequently. The #64, when it runs, will get you over the river and into Central Square. The #70 cuts across Western Ave and passes through Watertown Yard, eventually arriving in Waltham. For quick service between the city center and Allston-Brighton during rush hours only, express bus #501 goes against traffic, taking to the Pike and arriving downtown and in Copley Square respectively. Finally, the Worcester commuter rail line’s Boston Landing stop serves the rapidly growing north side of the neighborhood.

By bicycle

Boston has been installing miles of bike lanes for years now, so cycling can be a good option in these neighborhoods. At least five Bluebikes stations can be found nearby to help you out. Sometimes your destination is too far to walk and the T doesn't really go there, so with a little pedaling you're only a few minutes away. Bikes are probably the most effective when moving around Lower Allston or heading into Cambridge. You'll find some great trails along the Charles with beautiful scenery and no cars to fight with.

By car

Having a car in Allston/Brighton isn't (usually) the disaster you'll find in the rest of the city. Especially with the slowness of public transit here compared to other parts of the city, it’s often preferred, particularly in the more suburban areas like Oak Square and along Western Ave. Driving is best avoided in the chaotic Allston Village area though. As for on street parking, it’s not hard to find in many of the business districts, although on the busier and denser Commonwealth Ave, you may have to wait 15-20 minutes or more for it at times, or walk longer than expected.

Go next

• Once the B line finally shows up, hop aboard and slowly creep Downtown. Very slowly. You'll get there.
• Walk over the Charles River via the iconic Weeks footbridge to enter Harvard Square, the center of bustling Cambridge.
• Need a break from city life? Brookline has parks galore, including the Larz Anderson Park and Lost Pond, alongside a reservoir of their own.
• Up for a challenge? See if you can memorize each of the thirteen villages within scenic, suburban Newton.
• Have a car? Head west into Watertown where you can shop the Arsenal Mall.