Named after its British counterpart in 1807, Brighton is a suburb of Boston that initially belonged to Cambridge. At the time, the neighborhood was known as “Little Cambridge,” and flourished as a rural town with a small commercial center. In the early 19th century, Little Cambridge became the independent town of Brighton.
In 1820, the horticulture industry began to boom in Brighton, significantly affecting the town’s economy. For the next couple of decades, Brighton quickly became one of Boston’s most quintessential gardening neighborhoods.
Today, Brighton is surrounded by Cambridge, Watertown, Newton, and Brookline. With traditional brick homes and modern restaurants, it’s a mix of the old and new. Its northern section sits along the Charles River, which can, unfortunately, bring in many unwanted pests.