Walk down Franklin Street in Watertown and you'll notice it immediately. The vibe changes. It is a weirdly specific part of the Greater Boston area that manages to feel both incredibly quiet and surprisingly connected. Specifically, 67 Franklin Street Watertown MA has become a point of interest for people looking to escape the skyrocketing costs of Cambridge without sacrificing the "walk to coffee" lifestyle.
Honestly, finding a place to live in Watertown is a headache right now. Prices are up. Inventory is low. You’ve probably spent hours scrolling through Zillow or Apartments.com only to find "luxury" units that look like cardboard boxes. 67 Franklin Street isn't that. It’s a multi-family residence that sits in a pocket of the city where people actually know their neighbors.
Why Location Matters at 67 Franklin Street Watertown MA
Location is a buzzword, but here it's about the commute. If you work in the Seaport or downtown Boston, you know the Mass Pike is a nightmare. Living at 67 Franklin Street changes that dynamic. You're basically a stone's throw from Newton Corner and the Express Bus.
You can get to the city in twenty minutes. Sometimes fifteen if the traffic gods are smiling.
But it’s not just about getting away from home. Watertown Square is within walking distance. You’ve got the Charles River Reservation right there for running or biking. It’s the kind of spot where you can grab a sandwich at a local deli and actually find a park bench that isn't crowded with tourists. Most people don't realize how much the proximity to the Galen Street hub matters until they’re trying to catch a bus in a snowstorm. 67 Franklin Street puts you right in that sweet spot where you have options.
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The Real Deal on the Property Layout
Let's talk about the actual building. This isn't a high-rise. It’s a traditional Watertown multi-family structure. That means high ceilings. Hardwood floors. Thick walls that actually block out the sound of your neighbor’s TV.
Usually, these units feature spacious layouts—think 2-bedroom or 3-bedroom configurations. They often come with dedicated dining rooms, which is a rarity in the newer "modern" builds where the kitchen just bleeds into the living room. At 67 Franklin Street Watertown MA, you get actual rooms. Separation of space. It feels like a home, not a dormitory.
Many of these older Watertown homes have been updated, but they keep the character. You’ll see crown molding and built-in china cabinets. It’s that classic New England aesthetic that people pay a premium for in Somerville, but here, it's just part of the architecture.
What People Get Wrong About Watertown Living
Everyone thinks Watertown is just "West Cambridge." It’s not. It has its own identity.
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Living at 67 Franklin Street means you’re part of a community that’s a mix of long-time residents and young professionals. There’s a certain grit and authenticity here. You aren't surrounded by sterile glass towers. Instead, you have local favorites like Arax Market for incredible middle-eastern spices or Deluxe Town Diner for a Saturday morning breakfast that actually feels like a neighborhood tradition.
The parking situation is also a massive plus. If you’ve ever lived in Brighton or Allston, you know the "Space Saver" wars of winter. At 67 Franklin Street, you typically have off-street parking. That alone saves you about ten hours of stress per year.
Understanding the Market Value
The real estate market in Watertown has been on a tear. According to recent data from the Warren Group and local MLS listings, property values in the 02472 zip code have seen steady appreciation. This isn't just a place to rent; it's a place where the dirt beneath the building is incredibly valuable.
Investors look at 67 Franklin Street Watertown MA and see stability. Why? Because the demand for housing near the new Arsenal Yards development is spilling over into these residential side streets. You get the perks of the high-end retail and dining at Arsenal Yards—Roche Bros, the Majestic 7 cinema, City Works—without having to live in the middle of a construction zone or a shopping mall.
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The Logistics: Schools, Parks, and Utilities
If you have kids, or are planning to, the school system is a major draw. Watertown has been investing heavily in its infrastructure. The new Hosmer Elementary and the renovations across the district are a testament to that. Franklin Street is tucked away enough that kids can actually ride bikes, but close enough to the main arteries that you aren't isolated.
- Public Transit: The 57, 504, and 52 buses are your lifelines.
- Green Space: Victory Field is nearby for track, tennis, and turf sports.
- Groceries: You’re caught between the Stop & Shop on Pleasant Street and the newer, shinier options at Arsenal.
One thing to watch out for in these older buildings is the heating. Most are gas-heated. You want to check if the windows have been replaced recently. Older double-hung windows can be drafty in a New England January. It’s worth asking the landlord or the owner about the insulation levels in the attic, especially in a two-family or three-family setup like this one.
The Verdict on 67 Franklin Street Watertown MA
Is it worth the hype?
Yeah, probably. If you value space and a sense of "neighborhood" over a 24-hour concierge and a gym you’ll never use, then 67 Franklin Street is a goldmine. It represents the best of what Watertown used to be and what it's becoming. It’s reliable. It’s sturdy.
It’s home.
Living here means you’re making a trade. You’re trading the flashiness of a downtown condo for the quiet dignity of a tree-lined street. You’re trading a tiny studio for a place where you can actually host a Thanksgiving dinner. For most people in the current economy, that’s a trade they’d make in a heartbeat.
Next Steps for Prospective Residents
- Check Local Listings: Keep an eye on the MLS for 02472. Units in this specific area move fast—often within 72 hours of hitting the market.
- Walk the Neighborhood: Visit at 6:00 PM on a Tuesday. See what the parking looks like. Listen to the noise levels. It’ll give you a real sense of the daily grind.
- Verify Utilities: Before signing anything, ask for the last twelve months of heating bills. These older Watertown homes are beautiful, but they can be expensive to keep warm if they haven't been weatherized by Mass Save.
- Explore Arsenal Yards: Drive five minutes down the road to see what your weekend life would look like. Having that level of retail proximity changes the math on whether the rent is "fair."
- Review the Title: If you're looking to buy, ensure there are no easements or shared driveway disputes, which are common in these older, tightly-packed Watertown lots.