Lakeview - Waltham, MA

The Lakeview neighborhood formed after Hardy Pond became a popular place to reside and residential homes began forming around the 43 acre pond in Waltham years ago. The neighborhood has become a residential area with pride in preserving their surroundings.

Most homes in Lakeview were built in the 1970s and ever since then, residential properties for sale and rent have been popping up all over the neighborhood. Rather peaceful and relaxed, Lakeview doesn’t put on too many events throughout the year. For annual events and art museums, head to downtown Waltham about 3 miles away. Here, you can find The Rose Art Museum and the Waltham Museum. At the Waltham Museum, you can learn interesting facts about the city and its history. For example, the Boston Manufacturing Company was built in Waltham in 1813, the first modernized factory throughout the United States. After the factory was built, Waltham quickly flourished.

Most of the neighborhood eateries consist of familiar chain restaurants, pizzerias and local pubs. Nonetheless, some of the places remain favorites for locals, such as B&F Pizza, a family owned pizzeria. This pizzeria can create a Greek-style pizza to your liking, or you can choose a menu item such as The Pythagon, a pizza full of feta and mozzarella, kalamata olives and fresh tomato for around $15. This tiny restaurant only holds three tables, so it’s best to order carry-out or get delivery.

Off of Lexington Street, Grassfield’s Steak and Seafood has a classic American menu that includes some surprising selections. The Buffalo Rangoon and Marinated Steak Tips call to the names of all locals, making them frequent the eatery often. The restaurant provides guests with flavorful dishes at reasonable prices. One of the most expensive menu items, Roasted Rack of Lamb costs only $21.99, while other meal options cost on average $15.99 per dish. Grassfield's evokes the essence of home with its darker features, warm red-and-gold accents, and comfortable table seating.

Other than sports bars, not much of a nightlife exists in the Lakeview neighborhood. The Copper House Tavern on Winter Street provides more excitement at night than many other places around. By day, it’s a great family restaurant. By night, it becomes a hangout for friends and peers to come together. The large patio provides great outdoor space for the warmer weather months, while the interior features ample leather seating, brick walls and hardwood floors. The contemporary style differs from a typical sports bar. While you’re there, try the Steak and Cheese Egg Rolls, the Wild Mushroom and Spinach Flatbread, or the spicy Diablo Burger.

Located between the Yankee Division Highway and Concord Turnpike, you can quickly travel to your destination. Other main roads through the neighborhood include Lexington, Trapelo and Lincoln. Traveling to Boston takes about a half an hour and if taking an Uber X ride, it costs anywhere from $19 to $26.

Places for public parking near Hardy Pond provide residents with easy access to the neighborhood if you lack parking near your residence. The Lakeview neighborhood has many sidewalks, and residents can be seen cycling and walking around all year long. The well-preserved residential neighborhood combines serenity and natural beauty for all residents to enjoy.

Lakeview has plenty of kid- and dog-friendly parks, as well as areas for adults to walk in peace and quiet. Around Hardy Pond, you can find public parking, trails, picnic areas and piers over the water. The pond has been cared for by the community with continuous plans for further preservation.

Prospect Hill Park Trails has over 252 acres of land. Here, you can find hiking trails, public parking, access to Dinosaur Rock and a beautiful skyline view of Boston. The park provides hiking trails through rough elevated terrain, making it great for exercise. This park appeals to all ages and provides shaded grassy areas for sports, child’s play and plenty of room for dogs to roam while accompanies by their owner.

The parks rarely provide live music or hold annual events for the residents of the area. Nonetheless, they’re wonderful places to visit with ample untouched land to be explored. The park areas near Lakeview give the neighborhood a sense of calm and allow it to stay green.

The cost of living in Lakeview steadily stays slightly lower than that of downtown Waltham. Rentals can cost an average of $1,736 a month. To call a cab for transport to Boston, the average fare runs $45, while fuel for taking a private vehicle to Boston costs about 1.2 percent over the national average. Grabbing a draft beer at the local pub costs about $3, and a meal for one usually goes for around $14.

There aren't too many places to shop within the Lakeview neighborhood. Shaw's Supermarket provides a chain grocery store with several locations throughout the East Coast, one of them being directly located in Lakeview on River Street. Just south of Lakeview near central Waltham lays the Waltham Farmers Market. This outdoor market place runs from June to November. Not only can you shop for fresh fruit and vegetables, pastries and locally raised meat, but other stands provide arts, crafts, books and more. Live music radiates through the air as you shop the market. The Wal-lex Shopping Center on Lexington Street provides residents with brand-name department stores. TJ Maxx, Staples, Payless Shoes and other smaller shops cluster along the strip. A little further north on Lexington resides the consignment shop Revolve. Revolve has less than four locations throughout Massachusetts and New York. The boutique has fashionable, gently used clothing and accessories for women who try to stay stylish on a budget.