Crescent Beach - Revere, MA

Back in 1895, Massachusetts legislature claimed 3 miles of sandy beach, which has now become the Revere Beach reservation found in the Crescent Beach neighborhood. Charles Eliot, a local landscaper, was chosen to design a public beach area for residents. During the time Eliot was designing the beach, the Lyn Railroad existed right along the shoreline. The road now known as Revere Beach Boulevard provides plenty of pubs and even the MBTA Blueline which leads to Boston and other neighboring areas.

After the beach became open to the public and the Lyn Railroad moved more to the west, the Crescent Beach neighborhood began to flourish and residential areas started forming. The neighborhood once held dancing at the beach pavilions, which was big in the 1900s for residents and tourists. Since 1988, the neighborhood has calmed down a bit, providing more of a laid-back atmosphere.

Considering that the Crescent Beach neighborhood situates itself right above Boston, there's a lot to enjoy when it comes to the different eateries and calming late night hangouts. While pizza remains as the biggest go-to food when you're in the neighborhood, there's still many other places to dine. The nightlife provided in the area isn't nearly as prominent as Boston's, but it still exists and even if you can't find something within the neighborhood, there's plenty of nightlife just right outside of the community.

Bianchi's Pizza on Revere Beach Boulevard, across from the ocean's coast and situated on the beach, serves some of the best pizza around. For a few bucks, you can grab a slice of pizza and head to the beach to dine with a view of the water. Dining inside of the restaurant isn't nearly as exciting as dining at the beach across the street, but the views of the water can still be seen.

On Broadway, right across from Central Avenue, Volare Restaurant and Bar features an Italian menu with options such as Ossobuco, braised veal shank and Bolognese, a pasta in a savory meat sauce. You can find nearly any type of Italian cuisine on the dinner and late night menu. The atmosphere isn't typical of an Italian restaurant. Its clean modern appearance provides a relaxing and bright environment for its guests to enjoy their meals and drinks from the fully stocked bar.

Bill Ash's Lounge actually neighbors Bianchi's Pizza on Revere Beach Boulevard. This small pub resembles a typical dive bar, but considering it's situated right on the beach, it provides locals with amazing views and the opportunity to have some drinks, then walk along the sandy coast. With a jukebox, a fully stocked bar and plenty of seating, gathering with friends has been made easier.

Most of the residents in Crescent Beach walk or ride bicycles to their destinations throughout the community. Public transportation options available include taxi services and the MBTA Blueline, which can be accessed between Shirley Avenue and Beach Street. Hailing a cab isn't a common occurrence like it is in Boston, but Uber provides its services to the area.

Public parking usually doesn't come at any cost and can be found all along the beach. Walking through the neighborhood can be done easily, as the streets are typically safe, other than the traffic found closer to the shore.

Besides the Revere Beach Reservation, the neighborhood has several little park areas to relax. Locals can often times be seen gathering at these places with friends and family. The free parks offer beautiful natural settings for those who just worked in the city all day.

Sonny Myers Park on Beach Street has a playground for the kids and grassy areas, and many locals come here to practice yoga and other exercises. The park allows pets to roam as long as they're leashed, and kids thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to play on grass rather than sand.

Living in Crescent Beach provides young professionals with a lesser cost of living. The area remains cheaper than Boston, and about 35 percent lower than the state average. The average rental rate for the area stays steady at about $1,700 for a one-bedroom.

Beer at the local pub costs around $3 for a pint and a meal costs around $10, depending on where you go. For those with personal vehicles, the fuel cost averages at a little more than 1 percent higher than the national average but lower than the state average.

Chain department stores and mainstream shopping provide most of the options in the neighborhood. Target, BJs Wholesale and other similar stores make finding whatever you might need possible. Some specialty shops exist throughout the neighborhood as well. Ace's Games & More on Revere Street has collectibles, games, and gaming equipment. They sell new and used items.

To grab some fresh seafood, the Pine River Fish Market right off of the American Legion Highway provides all sorts of options. For about $10 you can get a pound of oysters or tuna. The market appears as a small shack on the outside with "Parking" written on red paint on the exterior wall.

Plenty of grocery stores exist within the neighborhood, from Stop and Shop to the Market Basket on Squire Road. Perhaps one of the local favorites when it comes to purchasing groceries is New Deal Fruit. Here, you can find everything you need, plus enjoy a bite to eat from the deli. Order a foot-long sausage broccoli rabe sub if you need something to fill you up.