"In the hour of darkness and peril and need,
The people will waken and listen to hear
The hurry hoof-beats of that steed,
And the midnight message of Paul Revere." - (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, "Paul Revere's Ride")
If you want to dig your toes into the sand, youll love living in Revere. This beach town enjoys a curving white sand beach two and a half miles in length. A quick mass transit ride on Bostons "T" from Beantowns center, and Bostons Logan International Airport, you can be walking along the tide line in no time. In summer months, test out your skills at a renowned sand castle building competition that is held every year along the waterfront. The towns diverse population of around 55,000 is a community of urban neighborhoods, with the Revere Beach Reservation Historic District holding a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Bring a towel, and youre move-in ready.
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Neighborhoods
Moving to Revere is a great choice if you like a seaside feel with access to big city amenities. You'll want to come prepared with all the documentation necessary you'll need to put an application in for an apartment right away. Read below to find out more about each of Revere's neighborhoods.
Oak Island: Also known as Revere Beach, you'll find apartments of all sizes, from studio to three bedroom apartments in your apartment search. You can smell those sea breezes and hear the surf from apartment complexes along Revere Beach Drive. Rental units vary from high rise condominiums with a view to smaller buildings, with easy beach access a big selling point. In the 1980's many new condominiums were built in this area, with the most upscale residences on the north end of the beach. $$$
Belle Circle: Just inland from Revere Beach is the Belle Circle neighborhood. Here you'll find a mix of apartment homes and houses. While slightly less convenient for dipping your toes in the ocean waves, Belle Circle offers easy access to the highways linking Revere to Boston proper. Many residents have lived here long term, with families occupying many of the housing units. Youll find many reasonably priced rentals here, and youll still smell that salty sea air. $$
Wonderland/North Revere: A mix of newer apartment rentals and homes, this is one of the quieter, less dense areas of Revere, and its a good location for families. The area is named for the now defunct turn of the century amusement park of the same name, and the greyhound dog racing track which kept the name and replaced it, also now closed .$$
Beachmont/South Revere: Once the site of Revere's grand pier, this area is close to the water but less crowded than the Oak Island neighborhood, with a mix of newer, high-rise apartments and older homes. Seasonal rentals can make a crowded market in the summer, so look for new housing when the summer crowds thin a bit. $$
West Revere: A coveted commuters haven, this enclave of mostly modern housing draws families as well as singles, many of whom spend their workdays in downtown Boston. This is a growing neighborhood with many properties available to fit just about any rental requirement, from three bedroom houses for rent to condominiums. Area amenities include a movie theater complex, the Northgate Shopping Center, and easy access to Route One shopping options. $$$
Living in Revere
Boston's multi-colored transportation lines, known as the "T," serve Revere well. The Blue Line has three stops in the city, Beachmont, Revere Beach, and its northern terminus, Wonderland. The alternative? Commute into Boston via Boston's underwater tunnel, just past the airport. It was a different sort of transportation that made Revere accessible in the first place - the Boston, Revere Beach, and Lynn narrow gauge railway laid tracks here in 1875, drawing crowds.
While the old amusement park attractions, including three roller coasters, skating rinks, game arcades, and bowling alleys that lined the shore are long gone, Revere is still a fun community with plenty to do. It boasts beachfront pavilions that host live music concerts throughout the year, bars, and restaurants. Kelly's Roast Beef claims it invented the roast beef sandwich in 1951; one things for sure, this family run fast food stop has long lines waiting for its fried seafood treats, delicious beef sandwiches, soft serve ice cream, and more, just a few steps from the water.
Revere has a broad sidewalk running along its ocean beach, so get ready to promenade and take in the great sea views. Residents stroll and enjoy the sound of the surf year round. Note the gazebos, bandstands, and old fashioned 1950's style lights lining the tree-lined walkway.
Theres something to celebrate all year long in this waterfront community. Fly high with the springtime Kite Festival, take in transitory art at its finest with summers Sand Sculpting Fest, or come winter, embrace the big chill - take a dip in the bay around New Years by joining the Polar Bear Club. And the party doesnt stop there. The city sponsors holiday fireworks, Movies on the Beach, and an Easter Sunrise Service.
The oldest candy company in the U.S. is Necco - maker of its namesake wafers, and those candy hearts you passed out in to your class in elementary school come Valentine's Day. That's right, Sweetheart Conversation Hearts are made right here in Revere. "Be Mine" if you want "Hugs" and "Dig This." You may catch a whiff of candy making Heaven on the sea breeze. Along with providing area jobs, Necco offers facility tours, daily. Mary Janes? Haviland Thin Mints? Theres a factory store, too. Candy jars in Revere are rarely empty.
To drive or not to drive? Thats the question many commuters ask every day. Workers who drive into Boston have to contend with the $3.50 toll to get into Beantown. A short drive but often with heavy traffic near the airport, you'll want to consider the inexpensive and efficient Boston public transportation system as an alternative. Its easy to access from all Revere neighborhoods. And caveat renters nearest the sand - come summertime, the main roadways will be crowded with beach goers. Parking is free, and those who eschew public transportation will be out searching for a place to park their car before they park themselves on the sand. So why not take the trains?
The New England Sand Sculpting Festival, a July tradition since 2004, draws huge crowds and many well known sand artists to this stellar event. Artists are often sponsored by local businesses. Once the artwork is complete, the open air beach gallery is fenced off for viewing. Youll stroll along a walkway in the sand to take in the massive and finely crafted artworks in this temporary outdoor exhibit space. The theme: Boston landmarks. The largest sand sculpting event in greater New England, Revere's festival offers over $15,000 in prize money. Maybe you'll want to practice your own skill with a shovel and sand.
The Revere Beach community has a large and vibrant farmers market running from late July to late October daily noon to 6. Local, sustainable and organic vegetables and fish are paired with fare from local bakeries and cafes. Workshops are also offered on meal prep, and healthy dining. Prepare to drool.
The Belle Isle Marsh Reservation is the largest salt marsh in the Boston Harbor area, with plants and wildlife now rare in New England. It's great for a family stroll or a romantic walk. History buffs and nature lovers can both enjoy nearby Chelsea Creek - the former site of the Revolutionary Wars first naval battle back in 1775.
With five public elementary schools, a middle school, and high school, the educational system in Revere is strong, and a big draw for families.
Best of all, plans are in the works for new retail and restaurants in the downtown area, signaling a commitment to growth and vitality throughout this beach town. And you cant beat the area for rich ethnic diversity, with residents tracing their ancestry to Ireland, Italy, Russia, Brazil, and Somalia, among other locations.
