St Elizabeth's - Brighton, MA

St. Elizabeth's has been a Boston neighborhood since the mid-1800s, a fact that is very clear when walking the streets. Most of the apartment buildings are converted Victorian mansions, so St. Elizabeth's feels like a step back into history.

Plenty of street fairs and seasonal festivals take place in St Elizabeth's, such as the yearly Allston Village Street Festival. Allston Village hosts fun events that support community causes year-round, including the Taste of Alston and Rock City Prom. With so many college students making a home in the area, you can find something going on almost any weekend simply by strolling through the neighborhood.

Restaurants with late-night line the streets of the neighborhood, especially Washington Street. No matter what time of day or night, you can find a tasty spot to grab a quick bite. To satisfy a late-night sushi craving, head to Hoshi-YA until 2 a.m. This spot serves plenty of traditional options alongside creative specialty rolls. If you bring cash, you can get an even better deal by ordering the daily cash special, which never disappoints. Just don't plan to bring a big group to dine in. With only about four chairs at the sushi bar, ordering take-out is the best option.

Not a sushi fan? Try Esperia Grill for authentic Greek classics. Named Best in Boston, Esperia Grill serves up the most popular Greek cuisine in the city. While any dish pleases, try the chicken or gyro meat cooking on the vertical roast. Not only does the delicious smell waft through the restaurant, but the meat looks so sumptuous, you may not need a menu before deciding.

With so many young people living in the neighborhood, St. Elizabeth's has a reputation for vibrant, pub-based nightlife. Stop by any bar on any night of the week, and expect it to be filled with young people enjoying a quick beer break. Stop by Irish Village for a drink from a varied beer selection if you want an authentic local experience. You can even start a game of darts for entertainment.

St. Elizabeth's is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Boston. Plenty of wide sidewalks and ample bus lanes make the area equally safe for cyclists as well.

If you prefer to use public transit, the B Branch of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) Green Line light rail service stops every few block along Commonwealth Avenue, and several MBTA bus routes run through the neighborhood to any point in Boston. If you need a taxi, call one to the area easily from any bar. Plus, Uber services the area for ridesharing.

Drivers can easily access the rest of the city from the major roads running through St. Elizabeth's, including Commonwealth Avenue and Route 20. Parking can pose a challenge here, but you can find free spaces lining some streets as well as several somewhat expensive fee-based lots.

St. Elizabeth's has plenty of free outdoor recreational space. If you need a place to exercise, Roger's Park contains 8.14 acres of green expanses with playgrounds, running paths and sports fields, including tennis, baseball and basketball facilities. Every morning and evening, this park fills with residents playing with their dogs, and every afternoon, kids enjoy playing on the swings and slides.

Head to Fidelis Way Park with the kids to enjoy the large playground and water spray area. If you simply want to walk with your dog or relax with friends, stop by Ringer Park and wander the trails or take advantage of the free multi-use fields.

The cost of living in St. Elizabeth's is about average for Boston, remaining affordable, but not a cheap, choice. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment for an average of $1,830 per month. A beer typically sets you back about $9, and a transportation ticket into downtown costs $2 to $3. Gas tends to be a bit expensive, with prices that are almost 15 percent higher than the national average.

When you need to shop, you can find most essentials along Commonwealth Avenue and Washington Street. Although there are not many high-end boutiques in the neighborhood, there are a number of interesting specialty stores to explore.

If you need anything from Russia, you can find it at Melody. With an eclectic selection of gifts, food, art and toys from Russia, you never know what you can find. Whether you require a specific Russian item or simply feel curious about traditional Russian gifts, you inevitably discover something you love when you stop in. Just be aware that almost everything is actually written in Russian, although the shopkeepers can help you out with a translation.

For new televisions, appliances and other electronics, residents of St. Elizabeth's head to Wah Foong Electronics. Don't be fooled by the slightly messy setup; the shop offers some of the best deals you can find in the city. The owner not only knows his selection inside out but also happily goes the extra mile to make sure you get all your questions answered.

For your grocery needs, St. Elizabeth's has plenty of small markets nearby, including Chansky’s Market and Johnny D’s Fruit and Produce, as well as larger stores such as Whole Foods Market. For fresh, locally sourced produce, head to the Allston Village Farmers Market on Saturdays.