BRIGHTON BIO

Boston prides itself on being one of the most livable cities in America and Brighton is one of its diverse neighborhoods to nurture this experience. Officially Brighton became a neighborhood of the City of Boston in 1874.

Brighton, like neighboring Allston, was home to agricultural plots and stockyards in post-colonial days. Brighton was established in the late 17th century, but was overshadowed by the city across the Charles River, Cambridge. In fact, "Little Cambridge" as Brighton and Allston were known until the very early 1800's was a rich farming community. After permission was obtained from the legislative body for a separation from the cloak of "Little Cambridge", Brighton was incorporated in 1807. Brighton has evolved from a farming community, to a cattle and stockyard center, into a horticultural center and yet again reinventing itself in the late 1880's into a streetcar suburb promoting residential growth. It could be said that Brighton-Allston helped to advance transportation history in Boston by hosting the first electric-powered streetcar ride in 1888. The extension of streetcar lines in the late 1800's also encouraged additional residential growth.

Local family businesses, multi-cultural businesses, in addition, to long established businesses border the main thorough fares as well as side streets. The familiar corner stores and neighborhood landmarks always extend a welcome mat of comfort and belonging. The Main Streets program, a Federally Funded Program grant designed to enhance neighborhood centers, was awarded to Brighton in 1997. The Brighton Main Streets Program is working to create an attractive commercial area that houses a good business mix and features a welcoming streetscape and attractive architecture. Through their efforts and guidance a continuing cooperative community spirit is alive and well encouraging pride in the appearance of owner's homes and businesses in the Brighton community. The revitalization of the Brighton Center and Oak Square area continued to excel with the 2001 opening of the new YMCA in Oak Square.

There are many different samplings of housing the the Brighton community ranging from condos, and single-family homes, to two family homes and larger multi-family homes to apartment building complexes. The architecture is as varied at the type of structures. There are hundred-year-old colonials, beautiful Victorians and Gothic styles, as well as more contemporary and modern buildings.

Brighton's rich history, expanding population and close proximity to downtown Boston is enhanced by several other assets. Brighton is surrounded by three of New England's largest and most prestigious schools - Harvard, Boston College and Boston University. Brighton is also home to two major hospitals St. Elizabeth's Medical Center of Boston and Fanciscan's Children's hospital and Rehabilitation Center. These well established institutions make Brighton a unique center of education and health care service in one small neighborhood community.

There are numerous parks dotting the landscape of the Brighton community that have gone through a wonderful upgrading over the past few years. The parks offer a safe playground for young families to gather and share their experience while little ones expound limitless energy. Brighton is where friendships begin and the big city is made a little cozier.