Any thoughts on Oak Sq. (Boston, Hudson: 2009, condo, neighborhood)

[donnywhy]

Hello all. So I'm thinking of purchasing a condo located in Oak Square. I'm a single 25 year old male and I need easy access to I-90 (commute to work everyday via the pike). I don't know much about the neighborhood and was hoping some current residents or those in the know would be able to give me a feel for the place.

I was wondering what the neighborhood is like. Lots of students? Is it a neighborhood on the move? In decline? How difficult is it to get downtown? Etc etc... Much appreciated for any feedback.

[HowGoesIt]

Oak Sq in Brighton is good. It's near the pike and access to downtown is really easy. There is some Boston College spillover, but not too much. The residents are mostly old timers, there are a few good bars and restaurants on Washington St. between Brighton Center and Oak Sq (along with a new YMCA).

[holden125]

Originally Posted by HowGoesIt

Oak Sq in Brighton is good. It's near the pike and access to downtown is really easy. There is some Boston College spillover, but not too much. The residents are mostly old timers, there are a few good bars and restaurants on Washington St. between Brighton Center and Oak Sq (along with a new YMCA).

I posted on the Mass. board on this thread, but will add a comment here. The BC spillover happens largely along Lake St. and there really isn't much near Oak Sq. itself. The YMCA is nice and a very good deal. Express bus to downtown is very fast, also fast by car on the Pike. Otherwise slow, as you need a bus to the T (generally 57 to Kenmore). 57 bus is pretty decent, but it still takes an hour a lot of the time.

[donnywhy]

For clarification, I am travelling west to Hudson, MA. I currently live in the student ghetto of Allston but at age 25, I've outgrown the place.

Oak Sq and Brighton Center are appealing to me because of the cost and the reasonable amount of places within walking distance.

I actually took a stroll down Washington St. earlier tonight and was pretty surprised to see some nice independently owned restaurants in the area. I was pretty dismayed to see Seoul Garden gone though... Athans really surprised me (first time there). Diskovery is an absolute gem. I'm a fan of the mom and pop shops over the chains. The only thing Oak Sq/Brighton Center seems to be lacking is a decent authentic Asian eatery .

It's good to know the area is relatively safe. That is a definite plus. I also like that there seems to be more of a mature crowd in the area. I just want to make sure that it's a smart area to buy and there are no signs of depreciation.

I've been looking at a newly renovated 410 sq ft condo for 159K right in Oak Sq behind the Y. It's small but I don't need a lot of space. Would this be overpriced for the area? I know it's almost unnervingly cheap for the Boston area as a whole.

[holden125]

Originally Posted by donnywhy

I just want to make sure that it's a smart area to buy and there are no signs of depreciation.

I've been looking at a newly renovated 410 sq ft condo for 159K right in Oak Sq behind the Y. It's small but I don't need a lot of space. Would this be overpriced for the area? I know it's almost unnervingly cheap for the Boston area as a whole.

I would not expect any more depreciation than anywhere else in the Boston area. My personal thought is that it would be better to buy in a year or end of 2009 in most places, but I don't think there's any big plummet coming to Brighton. That area has had affordable studios for a long time, and your prospective place might be cheaper still because it's small and many people want more space if they move away from downtown. It's also cheaper because, except for the express buses, it's a long trek downtown.

[smarty]

Originally Posted by holden125

I would not expect any more depreciation than anywhere else in the Boston area. My personal thought is that it would be better to buy in a year or end of 2009 in most places, but I don't think there's any big plummet coming to Brighton. That area has had affordable studios for a long time, and your prospective place might be cheaper still because it's small and many people want more space if they move away from downtown. It's also cheaper because, except for the express buses, it's a long trek downtown.

I recall last year at this time all the experts were saying housing will turn around in 2008... guess what? they changed their minds... Now they are saying at least another year... should we believe them?

[smarty]

Originally Posted by donnywhy

I actually took a stroll down Washington St. earlier tonight and was pretty surprised to see some nice independently owned restaurants in the area. I was pretty dismayed to see Seoul Garden gone though... Athans really surprised me (first time there). Diskovery is an absolute gem. I'm a fan of the mom and pop shops over the chains. The only thing Oak Sq/Brighton Center seems to be lacking is a decent authentic Asian eatery .

I thought there were a bunch of asian restaurant... within a few blocks... but if they are decent that would depend on your taste. Go towards Market St./Chestnut hill Ave.

[holden125]

Originally Posted by smarty

I recall last year at this time all the experts were saying housing will turn around in 2008... guess what? they changed their minds... Now they are saying at least another year... should we believe them?

I'd believe anyone who said it will go down in the next year. Not because they are "experts" but because that level of correction is needed to bring the prices down to a level that makes any sense with income levels. Impossible to predict with 100% accuracy but it's been a long time coming and that's my prediction.