Allston MA Apartments
Top 5 Burger Joints in Boston’s Allston and Brighton Neighborhoods
That is a tasty burger.
When looking to rent a Brighton, MA homes or Allston, MA apartments, the first question on your mind might not be where to find the best burger, but the question might be high on your priority list when you move in and can’t find your kitchen gear. Here are five burger joints in the Allston and Brighton neighborhoods that will delight your taste buds and have you planning your return visit before you even pull out of the parking lot.
U Burger
U Burger, located at 1022 Commonwealth Avenue, is a funky little burger joint similar to a 5 Guys with absolutely the best burger selection conceivable, including veggie burgers, a spicy jalapeno burger and ever condiment you could wish for. The U Burger also offers take out and delivery to Allston apartments and homes.
Porter Belly’s
Porter Belly’s is a favorite among Brighton, MA apartment dwellers. Located at 338 Washington Street, Porter Belly’s is an Irish bar and local hang out for college students and young locals. While you wait for a mouth-watering burger and a beer, enjoy the live music, open mic night or watch a game on the plasma TV’s. Try the Buffalo Burger if you love hot sauce and blue cheese.
Eagle’s Deli
Eagle’s Deli at 1918 Beacon Street, is the home of the Eagle’s Challenge Burger. This is one huge burger and not for the faint of heart. Weighing over five pounds and topped with 20 pieces of bacon and 20 slices of American cheese, no one leaves hungery, and just in case the burger isn’t enough, it comes with a five pound side for fries. This is a must-visit place for Brighton, MA homes visitors and residents alike.
Moogie’s Sandwich Shop
Boston College students love Moogy’s Sandwich shop is a favorite for breakfast, burgers and sandwiches. Located on South End real estate, this restaurant has a cool chill vibe and prices that won’t leave you broke for the rest of the week. Not sure what kind of burger you are in the mood for? Try the Dumpster. The Dumpster is a third of a pound burger smothered in barbecue sauce, bacon, American cheese and chili. Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and condiments come on the side.
Brighton Beer Garden
Nothing goes better with a burger than beer. The Brighton Beer Garden, located at 386 Market Street, is a sports bar offering a nice selection of beef, veggie and turkey burgers as a part of its full menu. Non-burger lovers will enjoy their Big Salads and Mexican dishes, and eclectic sandwich selections. Go for the food. Stay for the trivia, karaoke and live music.
Begin your search for a favorite burger joint in the Allston and Brighton Neighborhoods with a trip to these five spots, then expand your search through the dozens of other restaurants available to area residents. You’ll have a great time and might be surprised by the unique variety of burger recipes out there.
Moving into your Student Apartment? Don’t Forget These Simple Tips
Moving into your new apartment as a student is an exciting time, but before you get to all the fun, make sure you take care of a few simple things.You will be glad you did later!
Tips for Moving Into Your Student Apartment
For security, check that all of the windows that can be opened also have locks, especially if you are on the ground floor. If any of the windows cannot lock, tell your landlord immediately.- Think about a fire escape plan and discuss it amongst your roommates. Know all of the doors and windows suitable for a safe exit from the apartment in the case of an emergency. Make sure that fire-escape windows are not screwed or stuck shut. If they are, have your landlord make them openable immediately.
- Learn where the gas and water shutoffs are. In the case of an emergency or a pipe burst, knowing exactly where to go to shut off gas or water can save lives or at least costly damage to the apartment and your personal property.
- Inspect the apartment and make sure that everything is as you expected and matches the contract. It is good to catch any problems that you may not notice immediately. It is not uncommon that a landlord did not tell you about a problem, either because they wanted to get a tenant or they did not know. If anything is unsatisfactory or does not match the contract, make a note of it and contact your landlord.
- If you and your roommates pay for utilities independently from the rent, record the meter readings as soon as you move in. Tell the utilities companies the readings and the dates you moved in. You would not want to pay for extra utilities that were used when you were not even occupying the apartment. While you are at it, give all of the names of the apartment’s occupants to the utilities companies to avoid any confusion with billing.
Taste of Allston
Despite the dreary weather 
this past weekend the Murr Center at the Harvard Athletic Complex was host to the fourteenth annual Taste of Allston. Restaurants from around the area came together to provide people with a sample of the types of food there is to experience in this neighborhood.
Just walking down Brighton Avenue it’s clear that Allston is home to a diverse mix of restaurants. Within just fifty feet you can smell Asian cuisine being prepared at Shabu Zen; classic pub food from the White Horse Tavern; Italian cuisine from Carlo’s Cucina Italiana; and even Mexican food at the Sunset Grill.
The 2011 Taste of Allston this past Saturday was a demonstration of the wide variety of food and culture you can find in the area. It featured food from all over the world – China, Korea, Brazil, Russia, Italy, Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Colombia, France, Thailand, India, and of course classic all-American favorites. The event also featured tastings of international and domestic beers and wine, a silent auction, and live music. The proceeds from the event were donated back to the community through Allston Village Main Streets, a community-based public-private partnership aiming to revitalize the Allston commercial district.
To become a part of this distinct and vibrant community contact a Phoenix Realty agent to find your perfect Allston apartment.
Best Allston/Brighton Ice Cream Spots
According to meteorologists June is going to be a month for the record books – the unrelenting high temperatures in the Midwest and Southern parts of the country are beginning to spread to the Northeast. If you’re living in an Allston apartment without central air, or even an air conditioning wall unit, you may have to just crank those electric fans and literally sweat it out. To help beat the heat in the coming months here are a few frozen dessert spots in the Allston/Brighton neighborhood you should definitely check out:
1. Chill – This spot features deliciously creamy frozen yogurt as well as a multitude of hard ice cream flavors. There are usually only a handful of frozen yogurt flavors (original, strawberry, banana, and coconut); however, the many different toppings help enhance “fro yo” experience.
2. Athan’s European Bakery & Café – This hidden gem is locally famous for its gelato. If you’re looking to add a little “European” flavor to your frozen dessert this summer, you’ve got to try Athan’s. They make their gelato in their own workshop – from scratch! Each is unique in flavor and texture.
3. Mixx Frozen Yogurt – The delicious, creamy texture of the different types of frozen yogurt is just part of this spot’s appeal… What really sets it apart from many other places is the expansive list of flavors (and the fact that you can mix any of the flavors together). You could have strawberry, cheesecake, and cookies and cream all at the same time! This place is perfect for those of us who are more indecisive when it comes to our frozen yogurt.
4. 3 Scoops – If you’re living in a Brighton apartment you’ve got to check this place out. With over 47 flavors on their list there’s always something for everyone! And with the portion sizes you can guarantee the best “bang for your buck.”
If you’ve just moved to a Boston apartment for the summer and are starting to miss your small town ice cream shop from home, try one of these spots. Maybe you’ll find yourself with a new favorite ice cream shop! If you’re in the process of weaning yourself off of your hometown ice cream and making the move to an apartment in the city for the summer, contact a Phoenix real estate agent today to help with the search process!
Brighton-Allston Heritage Museum Celebrates Four Years
The Brighton-Allston Heritage Museum has two exciting events to share with those who reside in Brighton, MA apartments and Allston, MA apartments during this dreary winter season.
On Saturday, February 26, the museum will hold a fourth anniversary party at 20 Chestnut Hill Avenue, the address of the museum. There will be a wine and cheese reception held from 1pm- 3:30 pm for Allston and Brighton residents alike to enjoy.
Additionally, the Brighton-Allston Heritage Museum’s latest art exhibit, “Renew” will run through April 9th, so neighborhood residents should stop by to explore the gallery. “Renew” will show 55 art works by eight local artists, featuring landmarks and properties that are architecturally or historically significant through paintings, photographs, and mixed media presentations.
The Boston museum was opened on February 24, 2007 just outside of Brighton Center to mark the official start of Brighton’s year long Bicentennial celebration. The Brighton-Allston Heritage Museum was planned and organized by the Historical Society as a permanent institution to provide creative interpretations of the history of one of Boston’s most diverse and interesting neighborhoods.
The museum has two major exhibitions, including a permanent exhibition in Gallery A that highlights the historical themes that have contributed to the rich history of Brighton and Allston. The gallery is organized around six main themes: Early History, Transportation, Agriculture & Horticulture, Industry & Commerce, Suburbanization, and Institutional History. The second gallery, Inner Gallery, designated “The Winship Gallery” was established for accommodating a series of rotating exhibits.
The Brighton-Allston neighborhood has lots of great attractions and amenities to offer its residents; if you would like to find the perfect Allston apartment or Brighton home, please contact Phoenix Realty. One of our knowledgeable agents would be happy to assist you in your search for the perfect new home!
Settling into Your First Apartment? Read this for some Useful Tips!
You’ve finally taken the ultimate step in independence, you’ve moved out of your parents’ house and into a new apartment all on your own, congratulations! This is a very exciting event, one that you should be proud of- and prepared for whether you’re moving into the college-student-friendly Allston, the prestigious Back Bay neighborhood, or the attraction-rich Fenway area. Here are a few helpful ways to make the entire process a smooth one.
1. Do Your Research
Before signing your lease or agreement, find out what, if any, utilities are included in each month’s rent. Basic expenses include water, electricity, and heat, and then there are the luxuries such as cable and Internet. Do some research beforehand to see the typical monthly cost of whatever neighborhood you want to live in and contact your cable/Internet provider to see if there is a cheaper package deal you can purchase. Another little hint: if you have a cell phone with adequate service, skip the land line cost altogether!
2. Create a personal budget.
How much will you be earning each month? How much are your bills going to be? Is your income going to cover your bills, food, and entertainment costs? Once you create a realistic budget, stick to it! Too often, many young people get so caught up in the excitement of their own place that they end up ignoring all the responsibility that comes with it and end up right back where they started- their parents’ house. You can avoid this by keeping your budget in sight, whether it’s posted on your fridge, set as a reminder on your computer, or written in a planner.
3. Don’t Waste Your Money
There are several things you can do to keep your apartment from becoming a money pit. Turn off lights, fans, televisions, etc after you leave a room to cut your electricity bill. If you’re not home during the day, lower the heat! Cover your windows with plastic during the winter months to keep the heat in and the cold draft out, and try to lower your water bill by turning off the faucet while you brush your teeth, filling the sink instead of letting it run while doing dishes, and keeping your showers short.
4. Furniture, Appliances, Lighting
Chances are your apartment will not come with furniture, appliances, and lighting, things that you wouldn’t normally have to worry about if you were still at home. Ask family members if they have any old furniture you could have or check out flea markets, yard sales, and secondhand stores for bargains, just be careful to inspect pre-owned furniture for unsightly rips/tears or more serious problems such as bedbugs. If there is no washer/dryer in your apartment, check to see if there is a communal laundry room or a nearby Laundromat. Find out if each room comes with lighting fixtures, and if they don’t purchase lamps to light the rooms that don’t.
5. Making Your Apartment a Home
Once you’ve covered everything else on the list, decorate! Before spending your hard-earned cash (remember your budget!) see if you have anything from home or college that you can use in your new apartment. Try adding frames to posters to create a neater look or filling your apartment with pictures to make it feel like home. Curtains can make a room something special, and they don’t have to be really expensive, you can even make them yourself!
While moving into a new apartment can be stressful, it should also be exciting. By spending your money wisely, doing your research, and dealing with responsibilities as they come, your new apartment should be ready in no time! Phoenix Realty has lots of great listings in the Boston area, so contact an agent today to schedule a viewing and find your new home!
Beware the Bait and Switch!
It is a well understood fact that apartment searching is often stressful. Because of its usability and ease of access, Craigslist is often a starting point for renters. When it works, this is a great way to start – as long as you keep your guard up and know what you are looking at. There are some brokers and agents that intentionally place misleading advertisements just to get you to call.
So the photos look amazing, the description sounds ideal and you can afford it – anyone would call! So you call the broker and he sets up an appointment to show you the place. When you meet up, he will tell you that your dream apartment was had been snatched up by someone else, but that he luckily had a few similar apartments to show you. These apartments will be smaller, more expensive, or slightly less desirable than the original. Assuming that were to happen, you will have witnessed the bait and switch. The bait and switch is often used to move undesirable apartments; it is rare that the realtor will have something “just like it” to show you.
We at Phoenix Realty have seen this tactic used on sites like Craigslist constantly – and it drives us nuts! When you are looking for your dream Boston apartment – whether it be a Back Bay condo or a Brookline home – you should be given the respect of knowing that what you see is what you get! We have compiled some tips to help you avoid the bait and switch by helping you identify bait apartments.
1. Analyze the photos. If the provided pictures are of apartments filled with modern, stunning furnishings, you are looking at a model apartment – not the real deal. This is probably the nicest apartment in the building and chances are it was rented eons ago. If the photos are of unfinished apartments, play a quick game of “find the inconsistency.”Are the windows different in what is meant to be the same room? Is the hardwood floor a different color or pattern in different shots? Does the layout seem to change? If you find any inconsistency like those, the broker may have just compiled the best images from a few different apartments just to get you to call.
2. Call and ask. Even if you think the photos are legit, still be sure to ask the agent directly when you call if the photos are from the actual, real life apartment. If he says that they are pictures of a typical apartment in the building, beware. Maybe he did not have a chance to get to the actual apartment and take photos, or maybe he is trying to bait and switch. Either way, use your best judgment and go with your gut.
3. Watch out for vague descriptions. If there are no photos at all, odds are it is not real or the agent has not been inside it. Vague adjectives (stunning, cozy, elegant, huge) are often thrown around on ads that lack photos. These ads can describe many Boston apartments – take care to ask for specifics when you call the phone number listed. Even asking for something as simple as the cross streets and interior descriptions will help you determine the legitimacy of the apartment.
The best way to ensure that you are working with a legitimate, honest real estate agency is to choose one with a great reputation. Browse our listings of Boston apartments for rent or contact us to begin the process of finding your dream apartment.
Featured Listing: Allston Condo for Sale
100 Linden Street, Unit 5 has been completely renovated from floor to ceiling by a renowned local developer. This second floor unit features a designer eat-in kitchen equipped with granite counters, cider cabinets, and breakfast bar – all covered in beautiful custom made granite counter tops. The living room has a beautiful fireplace and large bay window. The large master bedroom has a walk in closet and the entire apartment is covered in shiny new maple hardwood floors.
This one bed/one bath is a bright spark of luxury in Allston. It is only a one minute walk to the B Line (Harvard Ave Stop) and area buses.
Take a virtual tour, check out the listing, or contact a Phoenix Agent to take a look at this fantastic condo. Be sure to check out our other great Allston Real Estate.
Halloween Events Around Boston
Now that it is almost the middle of October, there are some very important decisions to be made. With all of the parades, parties, and events planned all over the city, what are you doing for Halloween? These decisions are critical, and as there is so much to choose from – we’ve narrowed it down to a few great options in your neck of the woods. It’s much easier to stay local on Halloween; the entire city comes to life and the MBTA is always packed! So whether you have an Allston apartment or a Back Bay condo, there are some fantastic options for you.
Allston apartments are usually home to many of the cities college students and suburb transplants. Nicknamed “Allston Rock City”, the neighborhood is a hub of musical endeavors and young dreamers. Here are a couple Halloween events around Allston. (If you have a more residential Brighton apartment, these are worth the quick trip!)
- Halloween Pet Costume Contest
When: Sunday, October 24, 2010 3PM
Where: Unleashed by Petco (226 Harvard Ave)
What: A chance to dress up your pets and meet other local pet enthusiasts! There will be special prizes, animal treats, and light refreshments for pet owners.
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- A Night of Halloween Covers
When: Thursday, October 28, 2010 9PM
Where: Great Scott (Corner of Harvard and Comm. Ave)
What: Featuring local musicians, this is a night dedicated to covers of Halloween-inspired songs. Featuring Songs from The Misfits, Face to Face, Black Flag, Refused, and The Descendents.
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- Horror Business Halloween Party
When: Sunday, October 31, 2010 9PM
Where: Great Scott (Corner of Harvard and Comm Ave)
What: A night filled with an eclectic blend of music (Punk, Metal, Ska followed by a DJ), entertainment, and a raffle featuring prizes from local Boston companies (e.g. Narragansett, PUMA, Harmonix, Orchard Skate Shop, etc.)
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Fenway
The Fenway/Kenmore neighborhood is home to some of the best entertainment facilities in the city. With all of the bars, music venues, and colleges around the area, those with a Fenway apartment will have a hard time deciding where to spend their Halloweekend!
- 2nd Annual Halloween Ball
When: Saturday, October 30, 2010 8PM
Where: Lansdowne Pub (9 Lansdowne St)
What: This is sure to be a night filled with outrageous costumes, contests, door prizes, and live music from DJ Cutz and Bearfight.
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- Dark Arts: A Spirited Evening at The Gardner
When: Saturday, October 30, 2010 6:30PM
Where: The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (280 The Fenway)
What: An after-hours celebration with a spooky theme. Wine and seasonal hors d’oeuvres will be provided while listening to ghost stories from professional storytellers.
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Brookline
Brookline is much more of a community-focused neighborhood than the rest of the city. Most Brookline apartments are home to young families and long time residents. For this reason, most of the Brookline Halloween events cater to children, but are guaranteed fun for young and old.
- Pumpkinfest 2010
When: Sunday, October 17, 2010 12PM
Where: Lincoln School (19 Kennard Rd)
What: A fun family Halloween event filled with games, rides, delicious food, and a kid friendly haunted house.
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- All Hallow’s Eve
When: Thursday, October 28 7PM
Where: Coolidge Corner Theater (290 Harvard St)
What: Take an opportunity to experience the roots of Halloween – All Hallow’s Eve – with psychic medium Sirry Berndsen. Learn about the origins of the holiday and experience spirit channeling with a professional guide.
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Back Bay
Instead of hanging out in your Back Bay condo waiting for trick-or-treaters, take advantage of the great venues around the neighborhood. This Halloween there will be tons of spooky events going on around town, here are a couple that sounded neat.
- HalloweenFest
When: Saturday, October 24, 2010 10AM
Where: The Prudential Center (800 Boylston Street)
What: Boston’s best Halloween event for families with young kids! The event includes games, face painting, pumpkin decorating, costume showcase, ball pit and jumpy house, and performances by kids’ musicians, story tellers, and magicians. All proceeds benefit The Kid’s Fund at Boston Medical Center.
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- Wonderland
When: Saturday, October 30, 2010 8PM
Where: The Liberty Hotel (215 Charles Street)
What: Alice in Wonderland-themed party at one of the chicest Boston hotels featuring a live DJ, dancing, a costume contest, and a “Transylvania-chic” fashion show by designer Samuel Vartan.
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Still Looking for that perfect Boston apartment? Contact a Phoenix Realty agent to find your new home!
Renter Beware! The Top 3 Craigslist Apartment Rental Scams
Whether you’re searching for the perfect luxury Back Bay condo or your first post-freshman year Allston apartment, chances are you will probably start your search with a simple inquiry into the real estate section of Boston’s Craigslist. While this is an excellent way to start, there are a few scams that seem to be infesting the real listings for greater Boston apartments for rent.
The first scam is considered a ‘phishing’ scam, and begins with an advertisement that does not give out any name, property information, or any means of contact besides an email address. Upon inquiry, the renter is asked to fill out a “rental application” in order to receive more information. Rather than receiving any information, they end up supplying the scammer with personal information. Never give out any personal information to any so-called realtor over Craigslist. Any licensed Boston realtor will be more than happy to meet in person and discuss Boston apartments for rent without requiring a pre-emptive application.
The second scam can usually be spotted easily; just look for an absurdly low, “too-good-to-be-true” rental price. The basis of this scam is to con the renter into buying a supposed list of similarly priced Boston apartments. Once the potential renter pays for the list, they receive a phony list of fake Boston apartment listings and fake Boston addresses. Never pay for any list of properties, no matter how vehemently the poster promises to deliver. Any address, no matter what kind of Boston realty property you’re looking for, can be easily looked up. No Boston realtor has an “exclusive list” that needs to be paid for, so make sure never to fall for this one!
The last scam will begin with a full home for rent. The advertisement may seem reasonable (the price probably won’t be dropped suspiciously low), but the actual scam is far from it. This scam is actually a ploy to rent a home that is pending foreclosure. The scammer will pocket the money given by the prospective renters without paying their mortgage off. As soon as the foreclosure proceedings are finalized, the victims will be evicted. This scam is a bit trickier to spot right away, but in order to avoid it, make sure you only work with a license real estate agent. You can also research the supposed address and inquire as to its status.
Craigslist offers the following advice as means to avoid scams on their website:
· Trust your instincts
· Deal only with local buyers and sellers
· NEVER wire funds to a distant buyer, via Western Union or any other carrier
· Be wary if the other party wants to use an escrow service like Squaretrade, or even PayPal
· NEVER give out personal info (eBay or PayPal info, checking account number, SSN, etc.)
· always remember the most important rule — BUYER BEWARE
Phoenix Realty can help you find an apartment under the terms that best suit your needs. Contact us for help, or browse our online listings of Boston apartments and other Boston rental properties.
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