Hipsturbia: Millennials Seek a New Kind of Suburb in Revere

An entire generation of kids, who in the 1990s were playing in grassy backyards in the suburbs, are starting to leave the city in search of greener, cheaper options. But this time, things in the ‘burbs look different.  

“Hipsturbia,” a phenomenon identified by the 2020 Emerging Trends in Real Estate report by PwC, is responsible for this change.

Millennials, now in their 20s and 30s, aren’t interested in the suburban lifestyle they grew up with. Instead, they want all the benefits of suburban living mixed with the conveniences of city living—more space, at a lower cost, and a vibrant cultural and social scene. 

Greater Boston is no exception. With the city’s rising housing costs, many young renters are looking to settle down not too far from the city, but in a more affordable town with easy commutes to the city. In this series, I’m taking a deep dive into the unique flair of each of Boston’s numerous Hipsturbias and learning why young people are uprooting their city lives for this new kind of suburb. 

Welcome to Hipsturbia: Revere

In recent years Revere has had quite the renaissance. What was once seen as a different world just five miles north of Boston is now its own vibrant metropolis with new construction constantly popping up. While new businesses have brought in new residents, long-time city dwellers say the tight-knit local neighborhood feel still remains. 

Revere has always been a city of immigrants and diverse backgrounds, making the city a unique mix of different cultures and communities. From Polish to Italian to South American, the residents and businesses in the city form a true melting pot. Revere is also varied in its housing landscapes—from single-family homes with manicured yards to high-rise developments, there’s a type of home for every buyer.  

One of the main draws to the city is its namesake beach. Revere Beach is the oldest public beach in the country and people from all over Greater Boston still flock to this beach for its sandy shores, local ice cream parlors, and easy MBTA accessibility. No matter where you live in Revere, you’re never too far from the water.  

Accessibility is another significant benefit of living in Revere. With just four stops on the Blue Line to Aquarium station, getting into downtown Boston is a breeze. Revere also has an extensive network of bus routes crossing the city and into neighboring towns like Chelsea and East Boston. For residents who prefer to drive, the city’s neighborhoods are car-friendly with ample parking. 

The Perfect Revere Neighborhood for You 

Living in Revere can look very different, depending on your style. If you’re looking for quiet residential streets lined with single-family homes, West Revere would be your pick for classic suburban living. For proximity to the most amenities, restaurants, and cafes, the Shirley Avenue and Beachmont neighborhoods are a convenient choice. Along the Revere Beach coastline, there are various options for high-rise condominium living at every budget—all with the same perk of being minutes from the water. 

Children in Revere can get a great education at any of the town’s schools. Massachusetts has the best public school system, pre-K through 12th grade, in the country. Revere’s school district ranks above average for the state, according to Niche, adding just another benefit to this Hipsturbia. 

The median home price in Revere is $442,000, which is well below average for the Greater Boston area. What buyers are getting for that value is a modern two-bedroom condo on the beach or a single-family home with a manicured yard in one of the city’s quiet, residential neighborhoods. In Boston or Cambridge, that same value will land you an 800 square foot apartment. The average rent for a two-bedroom in Revere is $2,354. In Boston or Cambridge, renters would be paying around $600 more.  

An Average Saturday in Revere 

Start your day with a morning stroll along the beach to enjoy the sea breeze. Stop in for brunch at Dryft, a new restaurant right on the main boardwalk with an enormous outdoor patio with great views of the water. If you prefer something more casual, stop by the walk-up window of the flagship Kelly’s Roast Beef right on the beach. This North Shore staple has been serving sandwiches, fried seafood, and snacks since the 1950s. If you’re seeking more time outdoors, head over to Rumney Marsh, a salt marsh perfect for bird watching, fishing, or boating. For dinner, opt for some traditional homestyle Italian fare at DeMaino’s Restaurant. Head down the street to The Speakeasy Sportsbar for an after-dinner drink. 

Millennials living in Revere enjoy a mix of suburban and urban living. If you’re looking to make the move out of the city to one of Greater Boston’s Hipsturbias, start your search for a Revere home with Senné today.