Roberts - Boston, MA

Settlers first arrived in the Waltham area in 1634 when it was part of Watertown, but the community only broke off and became its own town in 1738. Throughout the 1800s, the city became known for its manufacturing and watch-making, earning it the nickname "The Watch City." Although the Roberts neighborhood holds a few older homes, the residential community experienced most of its growth during the 20th century.

For a taste of local culture, venture on campus to visit the Rose Art Museum, a facility housing more than 8,000 modern art pieces with a focus on the 1960s and 1970s. Don't miss community celebrations, such as Waltham Day in downtown and free concerts on Waltham Commons, and be sure to attend a concert by the Waltham Symphony Orchestra when it plays in Kennedy Middle School Auditorium each season.

Living in Roberts may not put you in the heart of Waltham's dining scene, but you can find a nice selection of hidden gems scattered along South Street and in the university area for a laid-back lunch. The college town atmosphere keeps the food choices simple and the prices low, so expect plenty of fresh sandwiches and hearty breakfast plates served in a trendy atmosphere. For a vibrant nightlife scene, take a short drive to Moody Street in downtown. You can always find an eager crowd of students chowing down on nachos, grilled cheese and other budget-friendly favorites at Cholmondeley's, a beloved cafe on the Brandeis University campus. From the moment you walk into the castle-like building complete with stone walls and vaulted ceilings, you know you've found something special. Kick back on one of the sofas while enjoying your favorite coffee drink or a scoop of ice cream. Just keep an eye on the academic calendar when you plan to visit, since the cafe often closes when students go on break. Standing as the go-to lunch spot in Roberts, Al's South Street Cafe draws a loyal crowd with its huge sandwich selection and fresh bread baked on site. Most menu items land on the pricier side, but you can't beat the chicken salad sandwich with walnuts and cranberries. Don't forget to try a health bar crunch cookie for a satisfying end to your lunch break. For home-style sandwiches at lower prices, stop into The Prime Deli to fill up on a steak and cheese sub piled high with bacon and onions. Locals love to have hearty sandwiches, including the chicken cutlet, delivered to work, and breakfast fanatics can get their eggs and bacon fix any time of day. When the sun sets, locals head downtown for their favorite drinks and entertainment. Be sure to check out The Gaff to listen to live music while sipping on craft beer and scarfing down a bowl of free popcorn. Parking can be tough to find during the weekend, so drive down to Chestnut Street to snatch an affordable metered space.

If you're commuting to Boston, hop on Interstate 95 from a freeway entrance just south of the neighborhood for a quick drive. Enjoy plenty of free parking throughout Roberts, but expect meters and paid lots throughout the downtown area. For a quick ride into downtown, feel free to call Uber or a local taxi service, such as Cool Ride Taxi.

The Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority dispatches buses to the Roberts neighborhood and university area with several stops on South Street. You can also take the MBTA commuter rail from the Roberts/Brandeis Station on South Street for a fast trip to downtown Waltham. Bicycle enthusiasts find no bike lanes along the neighborhood streets, but the quiet residential areas and bike trails on campus make for a safe ride. You can always walk to the deli, but keep in mind that most errands can't be accomplished on foot.

Although the Roberts neighborhood has no public parks of its own, you have plenty of nearby green spaces at you fingertips. Take your dog for a walk along the ample sidewalks, or head over to Fox Park to explore the wetlands along the Charles River. Locals come here to hop in their kayaks for a relaxing cruise. Go for your morning jog around the Braindeis University campus, or take your kids to play at Cedarwood Playground.

Although you'll find a mixture of upscale homes and more affordable apartment complexes throughout the neighborhood, the overall cost of living in Roberts falls a little below average for the Boston metro area. Expect to pay around $1,500 to $1,800 for a one-bedroom apartment. Taking the bus into downtown Waltham costs around $2.10, while gas prices tend to hover 11 percent above the national average.

Although a few markets and shops grace Roberts' remote streets, most of your shopping opportunities await in central Waltham. There, you can find rows of charming antique shops, gift shops, book stores and a few fashion boutiques alongside all your basic amenities.

Living up to its name, More Than Words provides more than just used books at rock-bottom prices; it gives hope to at-risk youth. The shop provides employment opportunities and other programs to the young adults who need them most, so you can feel good about every purchase. Grab a coffee while you browse CDs, DVDs and books from every genre. Keep an eye out for special events, such as Dollar Days.

Head to Aalok Fashion to get your eyebrows done or simply browse the exotic collection of Indian clothing. Discover a beautiful spread of jewelry, including wedding bangles, nose rings and sari pins, or pick up a stylish sari for a day on the town. Be sure to show the staff your student ID for a special discount on eyebrow threading.

You can pick up some beer and wine at the local Village Market, but you need to drive downtown for most of your groceries. Check out Waltham Indian Market for spices and imported goods, or browse the unique selection of foods at La Chapincita Market. Don't forget to stop by the Waltham Farmers Market to buy fresh berries, coffee, bagels and more