Allston Overview:
Teeming with college students and young professionals, Allston is Boston’s most affordable option for housing in a real estate market that remains as competitive as any in the country. At the turn of the 20th century, Allston was home to railroad and stockyard facilities. Today, the neighborhood features a vibrant nightlife, with numerous dining and music options.Demographics:
According to the National Association of Realtors, Allston is home to 20,888 residents, with a median age of 29 and a median income of $34,384. Close to 90 percent of residents rent in the area, while only 2.71 percent own in a market where the average cost of a home is $422,600.Landmarks:
Though the school is across the river, the Harvard Crimson play football at the106-year-old Harvard Stadium, which resides in Allston. The New England Patriots played one season there, in 1970, when they were the Boston Patriots. In April 2009, the Boston Breakers, a women’s professional soccer league, started to host games there.Restaurants:
Allston features a number of affordable dining spots, catering to college students.
- Sunset Grill: Bar none, the best beer selection in all of Boston with a wide array of menu items to boot.
- Tasca: Tapas and sangria in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Bluestone Bistro: Among the best pizzas in the area.
- Roggie's on the Avenue: Standard pub fare with weekly karaoke.
- Spike’s Junkyard Dogs: Hot dogs, subs, and salads.
- Our House West: All appetizers and burgers are buy one, get one free, Monday through Friday.
Nightlife:
With college students galore, it’s no surprise that Allston is a prime nightlife locale.
- Big City: 21 pool tables and 80 different beers on tap.
- Harpers Ferry: Allston’s mecca for live music. A busy schedule of shows.
- Great Scott: One of Boston’s finest spots to catch underground artists.
- The Kells: Irish bar by day, popular college nightclub by night.
Shopping:
College students looking for a bargain have a number of options in the Allston area.
- In Your Ear Records: Yes, used record stores still exist.
- Eastern Mountain Sports / Joe Jones: Both outdoor specialty sporting stores have locations along Commonwealth Ave.
- Urban Renewals: Thrift shop immensely popular with students looking to dress up their dorm rooms and apartments.
- Rescue: Vintage clothes and accessories.
Education:
Allston is served by the following public schools
- Jackson Mann Elementary
- Horace Mann Elementary
- Thomas Gardner Elementary
Transportation:
The MBTA’s Green Line B Train runs directly into the heart of Allston, along Commonwealth Ave. Take the train free when heading outbound above ground from Allston all the way to Boston College. Taxis, normally aplenty, can be difficult to find after 2 a.m., when the bars close for the night. Bus line Nos. 57, 64, 66, 70, and 86 also serve the area. See the MBTA web site for complete details.Grocery Stores:
- Stop and Shop, 60 Everett St.
- Shaw’s, 370 Western Ave.
- Start Supermarket, 485 Cambridge St.
Rite Aid, 181 Brighton Ave. CVS, 1266 Commonwealth Ave.
Post Office:
47 Harvard Ave.
Monday-Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Library:
Boston Public Library Allston Branch
300 North Harvard St.
617-787-6313
Police station:
301 Washington St, Brighton, MA - (617) 343-4260
