Havenville - Burlington, MA

Burlington was first settled in 1641 before being incorporated in 1799. Although the city grew from the town center, the community of Havenville sprouted up to serve the mills along Vine Brook. Havenville stands as a primarily residential area thanks to a housing boom that lasted from the 1950s through the 1970s.

For a walk through history, check out the Burlington Museum, or stroll past the West School built in 1794, one of the few remaining buildings from the community's early years. Locals commonly venture into Boston to enjoy the rich art scene.

Neighborhood residents also partake in the annual Celebrate Burlington festival brimming with free attractions like live concerts and carnival rides, providing a great chance to get to know your neighbors.

Havenville's residential streets don't hold many dining options, but you can find a few casual lunch spots near the corner of Middlesex Turnpike and Burlington Road serving up home-style sandwiches, pizza and pad Thai. Living in Havenville also puts you just minutes from the local eateries near the mall and town center. If you're looking for a quick fix on your lunch break, swing by Burlington Famous Pizza to have a fresh sub made within minutes. The Greek-style pizza is a must-try, and many locals come in just for the steak and cheese sub with a side of crispy onion rings.

The Blue Stove restaurant inside Nordstrom at the Burlington Mall attracts far more than hungry shoppers, thanks to its exceptional service and delightful small tapas plates. Enjoy the scallops with lemon risotto or the lettuce cups with Szechuan glazed mushrooms. Locals rave about the cilantro chicken tacos, and the chocolate mousse cake gives you a well-deserved treat.

Anyone who thinks vegetarian food comes out dull and flavorless has obviously never been to Clover. This charming diner wows vegetarian and omnivorous customers alike with creative sandwiches stuffed with everything from poached egg or BBQ seitan to Japanese sweet potatoes. Be sure to order the rosemary fries to complete the dining experience.

Take a short drive into downtown Boston for live music and a trendy nightlife scene, or check out the humble selection of grills and taverns around the neighborhood. Tavern in the Square attracts a loyal crowd every weekend with its huge beer selection and tons of TVs for watching the game. Also sample some fine cocktails, including the autumn sangria or an angry orchard with a cinnamon rim.

When the work day begins, the suburban community of Havenville transforms into a commuter's paradise with easy access to the Northwest Expressway and Interstate 95 for a quick drive into Boston. Take advantage of ample free parking throughout the neighborhood, and feel free to call a ride-share service like Uber or Apollo Cab of Burlington for a fast pick-up. Cabs are not easily hailed in the area.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority services Havenville with a few bus stops along the major streets, but the majority of residents drive. Although bicycle enthusiasts enjoy an easy cruise along the quiet residential streets, keep in mind that the neighborhood has no dedicated bike lanes. If you choose to venture out on foot, be aware that most amenities lie scattered a long distance from residential areas.

When you want to relax after a long week at work, stop by one of the public parks and nature reserves around Havenville to feel the sun on your face. Wildwood Park remains a neighborhood favorite with basketball courts and a playground for the kids that are free for recreational use. Stop by for a quiet picnic, or kick a ball around on one of the fields.

For a taste of nature, head over to the nearby Burlington Landlocked Forest to explore a network of hiking and biking trails. Take a stroll through the hardwoods for some peaceful reflection while walking your canine companion in this pet-friendly area. Simonds Park lies nearby and plays host to large annual events, including Easter celebrations and Celebrate Burlington.

Residents of Havenville enjoy a cost of living that falls below average for the greater Boston area. Although most residents own their homes, you find a few upscale apartment complexes with an average rental rate of $1,230 for a one-bedroom dwelling. Taking the bus into downtown Burlington costs around $2.10 for a one-way trip. When filling your gas tank, expect to pay around 11 percent above the national average. If you go out for a drink, get ready to pay around $5 to $6 for your favorite drinks

Living in Havenville puts you just minutes from some of the best shopping in the city ranging from trendy fashion mainstays and thrift stores to jewelers and specialty boutiques. The neighborhood lies just north of Burlington Mall, a multi-level shopping structure that draws avid shoppers from miles away.

You also find an eclectic mix of local shop lining Cambridge Street in downtown. Whether you need a new outfit for your interview, a unique gift or some decor for your new apartment, the thriving retail scene surrounding Havenville has you covered.

Walk into Burlington's Used Book Superstore to find a treasure trove of beloved titles spanning every genre, most costing only a few bucks. The shelves have books organized by author for easy searching, and color-coded stickers tell you what percentage to take off the list price for a great deal. Also check out their CDs, DVDs, craft supplies and children's books at equally impressive prices.

When you want to stay comfortable without sacrificing style, check out some fashion lounge pieces at The Sweat Shop. Pick up a trendy pair of yoga pants, or keep warm with a cute hoodie. Hard-to-find brands like Purusha People, Spiritual Gangster and Om Shanti Clothing set this boutique apart from the cookie-cutter active wear shops around Boston.

Pick up your weekly groceries at Wegmans, or discover a diverse range of ethnic foods at Halal Meat & Groceries. Don't forget to stop by the Burlington Farmers Market to fill your reusable bags with home-grown fruits and veggies.