Bank Square - Waltham, MA

The Bank Square area has strong industrial roots dating all the way back to the 19th century, when the city of Waltham itself gained its reputation as the “Watch City” due to its role in the watch industry. However, it’s now known primarily for its higher education system, being home to two prominent universities, Brandeis University and Bentley University. The most well-known museum in the area, the Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation, reflects the area’s roots and its commitment to progress. A dedicated arts council regularly hosts concerts, shows and other events for the enjoyment of locals, while annual events such as the Food & Wine festival make for fun opportunities to get out and mingle.

The large number of restaurants in the area makes it easy to find whatever cuisine you desire, with everything from traditional New England fare to Mediterranean available. Foregoing the club scene found in some cities that cater to the college crowd, Bank Square houses many comfortable and cozy pubs. You can find restaurants throughout all areas of the neighborhood, though many of the most prominent ones can be found right on Main Street.

Head to Joseph’s Twos for brunch, where you can sample a number of hearty New England-style breakfasts. Those who live in the area can enjoy the cozy pub scene on a night out with establishments such as The Mad Raven, which has traditional American bar food, such as chicken wings, offered in six different flavors, and 15 different draft beers. For a more upscale dining experience, head to Il Capriccio for gourmet fare such as the rich and inviting Gorgonzola ravioli. The restaurant features a large selection of desserts, including sweet treats such as the lemon mousse with candied lemon rinds.

While lacking in traditional music venues, it’s commonplace to find a singer or a band entertaining audiences at the bars and cafes in Bank Square. While many of the pubs close a bit early, a handful of places stay open late. Head to Joe Sent Me for trivia night, drinks or to watch the Red Sox with the locals.

By car, rail or foot, getting around the Bank Square area could not be any easier. Commuter rail lines and buses are the two main transportation options for residents, and they both offer transport to the Boston city center or any of the other neighborhoods in the area. While hailing a cab may require a bit of patience, other options such as Uber make it easy to get where you need to go. If you do have a car, rest assured that you can find metered parking and off-the-street city-owned parking lot options available. The Bank Square neighborhood sits just off I-90 and I-95, making it easy to get onto the highways as needed – another plus for drivers.

For those who prefer to hoof it, the Bank Square neighborhood includes another huge benefit in that it’s highly walkable. Plenty of safe bike lanes and trails for cyclists make it easy to get where you need to go, no matter what your preferred transportation option may be.

Relax at the many parks and playgrounds in the Bank Square neighborhood as well as in the surrounding neighborhoods, which include Prospect Hill Park, Logan Park and Nipper Maher Park, among others. The parks feature everything from picnic areas to athletic facilities and water spray areas for kids, all free to use year-round. However, do note that some parks require permits and reservations. With plenty of walking and biking trails to explore, the parks of the Bank Square neighborhood provide great opportunities for those seeking a convenient and comfortable outdoor location to get in their daily exercise.

The neighborhood parks host a variety of special events and festivals throughout the year, including a huge annual Fourth of July celebration.

The cost of living in Bank Square tends to be a bit higher than in surrounding areas. On average, it cost just under $5 to make it all the way to Boston by commuter rail, though frequent commuters can pick up a monthly pass to save on their trip. Renters can expect to pay $1500 for a one-bedroom apartment on average.

For a night out on the town, you can expect to pay about $7 to $8 for a craft beer at one of the many great bars in the Bank Square area. Although the cost of living in the neighborhood is comparatively high, gas prices sit right around the national average, skewing only 4 percent above the nationwide norm.

The largest major shopping center in the area is Colonial Shopping Center, which features a number of different stores and businesses. Those in the mood to spend a little bit more can find some high-end stores and boutiques scattered throughout the area.

Gourmet Pottery sells pottery pieces crafted by local artists and employs a knowledgeable staff more than willing to share information on the wonderful and whimsical items in the store. Meanwhile, those seeking designer clothing pieces at incredible, rock-bottom prices can find the hottest deals at Global Thrift.

Cruz Market is a cozy neighborhood grocery store known for its quality selection of Hispanic dishes and baked goods. Go to the Hannaford in the area for convenient grocery shopping and discount food prices. Although there are no farmers markets located immediately within the neighborhood, several farmers markets, including the Waltham Farmers Market, are located just a few miles away in the surrounding areas.