At a Glance

Annexed in 1873, this northwesterly Boston neighborhood is home to a vibrant mix of old and new, residential and commercial. 

Families, who have called Brighton home for generations, share the neighborhood with recent immigrants, students from nearby colleges, and young professionals.  The housing varies between Boston's ubiquitous wooden triple-deckers, more suburban single family homes, and stately brick apartment buildings. In the southwest corner of the neighborhood, The Chestnut Hill Reservoir features a popular shoreline walking trail. 

This diversity of population attracts a diversity of businesses, nonprofits, medical and educational institutions to the area. The eclectic commercial centers of Brighton Center, Cleveland Circle, and Oak Square offer residents and visitors a rich range of options, from ethnic grocery stores to cozy neighborhood pubs. Major tenants of the neighborhood include St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Boston College, WGBH, and the New Balance Athletic Shoe's world headquarters. Brighton Main Streets supports area business owners. 

Want to learn about and share your ideas on planning and development in your neighborhood? Email our Community Engagement team at PlanningEngagement@boston.gov to learn about upcoming engagement opportunities. For information about planning context, zoning, or Planning Department processes, please contact [email protected].