In and Around St. Mary’s Street
One of my favorite parts of Brookline is the corner of town wedged right up against Boston. Go north and you’re practically on the Boston University campus. Go south and you’re dodging ambulances in the Longwood Medical Area. Go east and you’re dodging crowds at Kenmore Square’s Fenway Park.
This part of Brookline is’t like any other; it’s real CITY. On Beacon Street at St. Mary’s, you find students buying cheap futons at Economy Hardware, street bums hanging out at the Dunkin’ Donuts and urban sophisticates knoshing tapas at Taberna de Haro. Dining choices run the gamut: Japanese (Ginza for late-night Sushi), Chinese (Chef Chang’s for a guaranteed table for large parties), Mexican (Sol Azteca), French Cambodian (Elephant Walk), and of course a good old-fashioned Irish pub (O’Leary’s for live music and Sox-watching).
Need groceries? You’ve got Johnnie’s Fresh Market. Need dough? There are a couple of banks right there. You’ve got a dry cleaners, an old-fashioned diner, a Japanese bakery, a new chic torte shop, a wine shop, a used book store, a nearby movie theatre and the usual major stores at the Landmark Center.
Hop the T at St. Mary’s stop and you’re in the Back Bay in a matter of minutes. But then again, why not just walk? It’s a densely-packed urban dream that makes me giddy with happiness.
In keeping with the urban flavor, brick and brownstone condos dominate in this part of town, but there are a few million dollar manses too over in Cottage Farm. Prices are a lot lower than the Back Bay, but higher than in other parts of Brookline. Think of St. Mary’s as a miniature Back Bay — but on valium.
On the market now:
17 Monmouth Court, #4, $389,900
BEDS:1/BATHS:1
SQ.FT: 950
16 Chilton Street, $2,995,000
BEDS:6/BATHS:5.5
SQ.FT: 4822
1080 Beacon Street, #5C, $485,000
BEDS:2/BATHS:1
SQ.FT: 958
St. Mary’s Street, #5, #369,900 (technically Boston)
BEDS:1/BATHS:1
SQ.FT: 651
58 Euston Street, $6,500,000
BEDS:5/BATHS:5
SQ.FT: 6500
John K said:
Would you be willing to lump St Mary’s in with the adjoining “Audubon Circle” neighborhood? The difference is, St Mary’s straddles the border of Boston and Brookline, whereas Audubon Circle is all within Boston.
Perhaps this is why the neighborhood remains undiscovered by some. It’s split down the middle, so it doesn’t build a sense of community?
There are some good buildings and cheap studio condos for sale on the Boston side, new and resale.
June 2, 2008 9:05 PM
Pam said:
Hi John!
How was your vacation? Go anywhere interesting?I’d be willing to lump St. Mary’s in with Audubon Circle. I didn’t mention AC, or the new condo projects on Miner Street and Park Drive, since its Boston. But that side is definitely picking up steam, with all the changes in the Fenway. If it can maintain a balance between long-term residents and students (and the Miner condos will help, but not necessarily the Park Drive ones) this neighborhood might develop more of that sense of community you’re talking about.
June 3, 2008 2:44 AM