In and Around Oak Square

When you think about Oak Square, you think about, well, Oaks. Why is that? Simply, because this established Brighton neighborhood feels solid. Like Oak. And of course, the square was named for a great White Oak that stood 30 feet at its base at the time it was destroyed in 1850.

Way back in 1647, Oak Square was settled by the English. Before that, it was a Native American settlement. The area eventually became an important horticultural center, but remained sparsely populated until the introduction of the electric street car in 1890, then it became a real town square, attracting businesses and growing numbers of middle-class Irish, Italians and Jews.

Over the years, Oak Square has seen its ups and downs, but these days it’s mostly up. There’s nothing fancy here, but it has the YMCA, the library, the bank, and a Starbucks down the street. Though Brighton Center attracted more in the way of interesting restaurants, a Thai restaurant opened opened a few years ago, signaling that Oak Square’s culinary offerings are expanding beyond Chinese take-out and greasy pizzas.

Houses in this part of town are often underrated since Oak Square maintains a low profile. In fact, there’s not a lot of turnover in this part of town and inventory remains low. But when you do stumble across a place, you usually get a lot of space for your money, whether you choose a single-family home or a condo. Oak Square may not have the pizazz of other parts of Brighton, but it’s a great option for families who want a yard.

15 Brayton Road
Brighton, 02135
Beds:4/Baths: 1
Sq.Ft: 2156
$395K
(bank-listed foreclosure)

29 Bigelow Street, #3
Brighton, 02135
Beds:1/Baths: 1
Sq.Ft: 950
$339K

14 Montfern Ave, #1L
Brighton, 02135
Beds:1/Baths: 1
Sq.Ft: 480
$189K