West Revere - Revere, MA

Native Americans from the Pawtucket Tribe first inhabited Revere. Known as the Rumney Marsh Indians, the tribe enjoyed life on the seashore until an epidemic, most likely smallpox, ravaged it in 1616. After the tribe's leader was found murdered in 1619, his three sons succeeded him.

The Native Americans later sold their land to the English, unaware that their simple lifestyle of hunting, fishing and games of skill would be diminished. Unable to adapt to the white man's civilization, the Native Americans perished into obscurity.

In 1634, the Rumney Marsh area was annexed to Boston, and Revere was incorporated in 1915. Wonderland Park, the nation's earliest fantasy amusement park, drew great numbers to Revere in 1906. Revere Beach, located on the Atlantic Ocean, became known as "the Coney Island of New England" in the late 1900s.

The annual Revere Beach Sand Sculpting Festival attracts crowds, along with the Revere History Museum.

Everyone in Revere knows about Peter's Super Beef. Found on North Shore Road, this local haunt serves up consistently great food. Customers flock to order the steak and cheese, a simple sandwich with grilled beef slices and gooey cheese. The super beef plate stacks tender roast beef between three buns, and the crab sandwich topped with Peter's spicy sauce satisfies every time.

Hailed as "the best pie on the north shore," Bianchi's Pizza remains a neighborhood staple. Walk down Revere Beach Boulevard and order a plain cheese slice for the best combination of tangy pizza sauce and savory cheese. One bite of Bianchi's crispy crust will prove why customers travel across the coasts for this legendary pizza.

Volare Cucina Italiana & Bar combines the best authentic food with wine and cocktails that complement each meal. Pair a merluzzo in crosta entrée with the perfect Estrella house wine to give your taste buds a treat. Before you go, sample Volare's torta al limoncello, one of the restaurant's many homemade desserts, and enjoy true Italian flavor close to home.

For a true Revere experience, go to Bill Ash's Lounge, also on Revere Beach Boulevard. Bill Ash's holds no pretense. Locals tell you, "This place is a hole." But the bar provides everything you want in a dive joint. Order a beer, talk to some bikers and expect great entertainment while the jukebox plays.

With limited choices for dance spots, locals in Revere head to the Shipwreck Lounge. Tucked beneath an apartment complex, the Shipwreck on Revere Beach Boulevard draws people-watching crowds to its watering hole. Join in karaoke, dance to the '90s hits or listen to a night of unforgettable stories.

Life in Revere makes commuting easy. Most locals have cars, but public transportation runs faithfully through the neighborhood.

Drivers find easy access to U.S. State Route 1, as well as Routes 16 and 145. Interstate 90 also runs close by. Residents who prefer public transportation use the "T" system, operated by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. Riders take T buses, subways, rails or boats to travel throughout the state. Locals frequently ride the T to Logan International Airport, 4 miles away, and Fenway Park, 9 miles southwest.

Revere provides free parking, except at some beach locations. Taxis regularly service the area; Uber has limited availability.

Pedestrians and cyclists may travel safely throughout the neighborhood, although you find fewer bike lanes further from Revere Beach.

Parents in Revere take their children to Sonny Myers Park for the popular playground. Found on Beach Street, Sonny Myers features a sprawling jungle gym where kids can romp for hours. The sandy surface and age-appropriate play equipment makes the park a great choice for families. Parents can easily watch their children and rest assured that they're playing in a safe environment.

To let dogs run free, visit Gibson Park on Hayes Avenue. Join in a game of basketball, baseball or tennis, and let children enjoy the playground at this neighborhood favorite. A peaceful view of the water lies in the distance, making Gibson Park an ideal choice for a relaxing visit.

Sonny Myers and Gibson Park host no annual events, but you find plenty of free parking at both facilities to enjoy outings.

A one-bedroom rental runs around $1,475 in West Revere. Compared to downtown Boston, where a median one-bedroom costs roughly $2,300, Revere housing is highly affordable.

For public transportation, MBTA charges a reasonable base fare. By using a Charlie Card, riders pay from $1.60 to $2.25 to ride T buses, boats, rails or subways. A trip from Revere to Boston's Downtown Crossing train stop costs $2.10.

Drivers can expect to pay about 5 percent above the national average for gas. A 12-oz. mug of beer averages $4 at a Revere pub.

For groceries, locals head to Stop & Shop and Save-a-Lot Food Stores. Target and Dollar Tree also provide Revere with moderate choices. From July to October, you find fresh produce, flowers, baked goods and cheeses at the Revere Beach Farmers' Market.

The small town has a handful of options for clothing stores. Marshall's on North Shore Road remains busy, bringing crowds to scour through outerwear, summer favorites and trendy shoes.

When they want to shop big, locals travel 5 miles south to downtown Boston. Among the popular chain-favorites such as H&M, T.J. Maxx and Macy's, you find shopping gems Bostonians love. Known as "one of the finest British luxury retailers," Asprey draws those with refined tastes. Located inside the Ritz-Carlton Boston Common, Asprey sells fine jewelry and elegant designer goods to those looking to be spoiled.

Revere shoppers with tighter wallets count on Rainbow, found on Winter Street downtown. Inside you find the latest jeans, jumpsuits, tops and camisoles for regular and plus-sizes. Declared a mecca for "dollar divas," Rainbow stands out as a must-stop location on any retail therapy trip.