Brighton MA Real Estate

Is a Brookline Apartment for You?

Neighborhood Spotlight: Brookline

A Quiet Brookline Neighborhood

Despite being less than a mile from the cultural and economic center of Boston, Brookline has managed to retain a distinct identity of its own. With an eclectic blend of students, young professionals and families, Brookline is rich with culture and familiarity. Ranging from detailed brick complexes along Beacon Street to remodeled Victorian multifamily homes in quiet side streets, Brookline is said to offer a unique experience of living both in the city and the country. Many Brookline apartments are filled with the academic and scientific professionals who work in the nearby colleges (Wentworth, Simmons, Mass Art, Wheelock, NEIA, BU and BC campuses all border Brookline) and medical centers of Longwood Ave.

While mostly residential, Brookline has a few centers of burgeoning commercial interest. Most of the more coveted apartments in Brookline surround the two main business centers of the town: Coolidge Corner and Brookline Village. Each offers unique restaurants and coffee houses surrounded by well kept parks and store fronts. The apartments closest to these two areas often are a bit pricier and harder to come by, not only due to the draw of the commerce but also because those areas are most easily accessed by public transportation.

Coolidge Corner

Centered mostly around the corner of Beacon St. and Harvard St., Coolidge Corner is peppered with independent boutiques, coffee shops, and award-winning eateries. From the Paris Creperie (made-to-order authentic crepes, Nutella frozen hot chocolate – delicious!) to Zaftig’s Delicatessen (a more modern spin on traditional Jewish deli fare), no Coolidge resident will ever have to want for delicious, unique food. The Coolidge Corner Theatre also draws attraction from all over the city. The Coolidge is the only operating not-for-profit Art Deco theatre in the Boston area and is one of the top ten art house film exhibition theaters in the country.

Brookline Village

Brookline Village

The Village, as it is known to residents, has somehow managed to maintain the feel of a traditional village, divergent to most Boston neighborhoods. Known for quiet cafés and antique shops, Brookline Village is inviting and familiar. Apartments in Brookline Village would be ideal if you enjoy knowing your barista by name and having the café owner know yours. Brookline Village apartments typically fan out from the corner of Harvard St. and Washington St. The restaurants are typically cozy and filled with fresh, hearty fares. La Morra, a rustic Italian eatery in the Village, features a seasonal menu that revolves around a wood grill for preparing meats, local fish and locally farmed vegetables. Down the street, Matt Murphy’s Pub is usually packed with regulars lined up to eat the traditional Irish fare (including fish and chips wrapped in newspaper with homemade ketchup).

It’s cozy charm and well groomed streets make Brookline one of the prettiest suburbs of Boston. While the rent may be higher than nearby Allston apartments and Brighton homes, a Brookline apartment offers a great balance between the luxury of Back Bay apartments and the charm of a suburban neighborhood.

Sound like the right neighborhood for you? View our online listings of Brookline, MA apartments or contact a Phoenix Realty agent to inquire about other Brookline real estate properties.

Tags: Boston University Boston College, Brookline Village, Coolidge Corner, Mass Art, NEIA, Simmons College, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Wheelock College

Allston Apartments

When searching for Boston rental properties, it’s easy to get so caught up in the property itself that one major factor gets overlooked- location! You should have the same amount of criteria for your living space as you do the neighborhood you wish to live in. Each Boston neighborhood is unique and has something different to offer. Even the nicest of properties won’t make you happy if its location is inconsistent with your wants and needs. Finding the right neighborhood for you is crucial in ensuring a pleasant living experience. (The image below is a complex Phoenix Realty has listed with great Allston Apartments available!)

This week’s featured neighborhood is Allston, MA. Located in the western part of the city, Allston has a reputation for being fun and lively, much in thanks to its large population of college students and recent grads. Of course where there are students, there are colleges. Allston is home to parts of the Harvard, Boston University, and Berkley campuses. Boston College is also nearby, just west of Allston. In addition to only being only a short T ride away from downtown Boston, it is conveniently located next to Brighton, Brookline, and the Fenway/Kenmore neighborhoods. Oh, and it’s also bordered by the Charles River!

The main areas are Allston Village and Harvard Ave, which feature numerous shops and eateries. Allston has some of the best ethnic restaurants in the Boston area, with heavy emphasis on Brazilian and Vietnamese food. Popular ethnic restaurants include Pho Viet’s, Taqueria el Carrizal, and Café Brazil, among many others.

As expected with such a large student population, Allston is has an impressive amount of bars. Some of the more notable ones are The White Horse Tavern, which is known for its casual and comfortable environment; and the Sunset Bar and Grill, which has the second largest selection of beer in the country (over 300 varieties!). It is also home to Harper’s Ferry and The Paradise, both of which are music venues that host local and national performers.

allston ma apartments

Even though Allston has a strong student presence, Lower Allston is one of its smaller areas that is home to mainly young business professionals, homeowners, and older residents. Unlike the rest of Allston, Lower Allston is very quiet, most likely due to its lack of college kids nearby. And for those tamer individuals living in Lower Allston, the city has more to offer than just its lively bar scene.
Many inhabitants and visitors are content with just walking around and taking in the sights that Allston has to offer. There are plenty of quaint boutiques, friendly coffee shops, and interesting people to watch.

Its vibrant and distinctive, yet laid-back atmosphere make it a great place for students to call home. Allston residences are typically brick apartments, especially those on and around Commonwealth Ave.

Sound like the right neighborhood for you? View our online listings of Allston, MA apartments or contact a Phoenix Realty agent to inquire about other Allston real estate properties.

Tags: Berkley, Boston College, Boston Neighborhoods, Boston University, Charles River, Harvard Avenue, Harvard University, Living Space Criteria

How to Save Money While Renting

Saving Money on Rent

While the cost of living and renting in Boston is not nearly as high as it is New York City or San Francisco, let’s face it- for a young adult trying to get by, it can get pretty pricey. Add that with student loans to pay off and low starting salaries, and the costs can seem overwhelming.

Here are some ways you can get creative to cut down on your rental costs and save some money.

Find the Right Agent

Relocating to or within Boston can be a stressful transition as much as it is exciting. Finding the right agent can make your experience go much smoother. At Phoenix Realty, we specialize in Boston relocations; we can recommend moving companies or hotel accommodations, as well as helping you find your Boston area apartment in the neighborhood that’s right for you.

Phoenix Realtors are also experienced negotiators. Sometimes there is a sense of urgency on the landlord’s part to get their space rented as soon as possible. If this is the case, he or she may be more willing to negotiate on the rent price or even give the first month’s rent free in exchange for a longer lease. Not all landlords are willing to negotiate, but Phoenix Realtors are very experienced in the Greater Boston real estate market and its trends, so we can help you negotiate a fair rent within your budget.

Consider Location

Choosing a location that is close to work, friends, or whatever places you frequent the most often will provide you with a shorter commute and thus will save you money. Choosing a place that is near public transportation is helpful, too; employing the bus or the T to get around rather than driving will save you money on both gas and parking.

Location is also important because it is typically less expensive to live near colleges and universities. For example, apartments that are located in Kenmore, Allston, Brighton, and Fenway are near Boston College, Boston University, and Northeastern, and therefore will not cost as much to rent as an apartment Back Bay or Beacon Hill.

Our agents can help answer all your questions about various neighborhoods and access to public transportation. We’ll make sure we help you find an apartment that fits your lifestyle and needs.

Rent with Friends

This may seem obvious, but having a roommate will certainly help you save. Sharing the cost of utilities, rent, and other incurred expenses will really make a difference in how much you are spending. If you don’t have a friend you can room with, there are plenty of websites and resources out there that will assist you in finding someone who would be compatible with you. The more roommates the better!

You and your friends can also rent a ‘Split’ style apartment to save money. Split apartments have a layout in which the living room can be used as an additional bedroom due to extra entrances/ exits in the apartment to give each roommate access to their bedroom without entering their roommate’s private space. So for example, a ½ split apartment would have two bedrooms, but no living room.

Be a Good Tenant

Make sure you maintain a clean and undamaged living space during your time as a renter to ensure you get your deposit back when it’s time to move out. Not getting this back due to careless holes in the wall or a cracked window is money thrown away!

You also want to make sure you can get a good reference from your landlord for when you move to your next apartment. Paying your rent on-time and being courteous to your neighbors will help ensure your relationship with your landlord is a positive one, and having a good reference from your current landlord may help you save money on your rent in the future.

Phoenix Realty is committed to helping you find the perfect apartment that won’t put a hole in your wallet. Use our Rental Search Tool to browse our impressive selection of Boston apartments or contact us to speak to one of our experience agents!

Tags: Boston College Student Housing, Boston University Student Housing, Northeastern Student Housing, Rental Tips, Saving Money on Rent

Ways to Find your Boston Apartment

There are almost endless was to find the best available Boston apartment, and whether or not to rent or buy. Boston apartments for rent aren’t always easy to locate, with the fast turnover rate. However, in a recent article by Veronica Davis, she outlines some helpful ways to go about your apartment search.

1. Real Estate Agencies: There are many broker agencies specializing in rentals. Agencies like Phoenix can assist you in finding your ideal apartment that suits your needs, and is a great option if you do not have the time to apartment-hunt on your own. There are usually fees with searching through brokers, but the convenience of finding an apartment that fits your budget, needs, amenities, and desired location can be well worth it!

2. Word-of-mouth: Always listen for opportunities to rent through your friends, colleagues or coworkers. They can help spread the word, and maybe even notify you if something comes up. This can be a fresh approach to apartment-hunting, as it may open doors (literally!) in locations you never would have considered.

3. Walk around Boston: Work in Brighton? Walk around the area and look at Brighton apartments! If you have an idea of where you’d like to live in Boston, walk around the neighborhood. You may be able to spot some “For Rent” signs in brownstone windows, or a large apartment complex’s gates.

4. Housing offices: This option is especially helpful for college students. Do some homework about your university’s student housing department and policies, and find out what kind of services are available for you.

5. Boston apartment referral services: The least well-known of these five tips, these services are starting to grow in popularity. When blindly searching the internet, this service is especially helpful and ideal for students new to the area looking for a place to live. Their features allow you to search for apartments on criteria you establish, like number of bedrooms, amenities, personal budget, and location.

Ready to get started on your Boston rental property search? Contact us today and tell us what you are looking for!

Tags: Boston Housing Offices, Boston Real Estate Agencies, Boston Referral Services, Hints on finding an Apartment

Thursday, June 24th, 2010 Apartment Rentals, Boston, Boston Apartments, Boston Apartments for Rent, Boston First-Time Home Buyers, Boston Homes, Boston Homes for Sale, Boston Real Estate, Boston Rental Property, Brighton Apartments, Brighton MA Apartments, Brighton MA Homes, Brighton MA Real Estate, Brighton Real Estate, Buying or Selling Homes, Renter's Guide, Student Housing No Comments

Brighton Apartment with a Pool and Jacuzzi!

An apartment for rent in Boston with a pool and a jacuzzi–no way! But yes, this one bedroom apartment in the Boston neighborhood of Brighton has both and is only $1,300.

Brighton apartment rental bedroom

Find out more about this Brighton, MA apartment for rent and see additional photos. This apartment is in a modern building with an elevator. The kitchen also includes a brand new stove and countertop.

Brighton is a great location for apartment renters looking to be close to Boston, but want more living space.

Learn more about Brighton, MA apartments and the neighborhood of Brighton, MA here.

The expert agents at Phoenix Realty will help you find the perfect apartment in Brighton–maybe even with a pool! Inquire about this Brighton apartment for rent today.

Tags: Affordable Apartment, Brighton Apartment Rental, Elevator Access, Jacuzzi, One Bedroom Apartment, Pool

Thursday, November 19th, 2009 Apartment Rentals, Boston, Boston Apartments, Boston Apartments for Rent, Boston Rental Property, Brighton Apartments, Brighton MA, Brighton MA Apartments, Brighton MA Real Estate, Brighton Real Estate No Comments

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