I would suggest looking at Belmont, too, but I think there might have been (or still is) an ordinance about serving alcohol at establishments. Maybe another poster could clarify.

Belmont’s very close in, and has a great school system.

Anonymous wrote:South End https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/n/south-end-boston-ma/

I lived in the North End.

North End is wonderful.

Arlington, in the Jason Heights area. This house is an easy/quick bus ride to the Alewife T station and a ten-minute walk to Arlington Center.

https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/34-Gray-St_Arlington_MA_02476_M39347-52922?view=qv

This one is in the same general neighborhood but closer to Menotomy Rocks Park. It's in the Kensington Park historic district.

https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/15-Kensington-Rd_Arlington_MA_02476_M46161-36010?view=qv

Here's one that's already renovated.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/344-Marlborough-St-Boston-MA-02115/189954753_zpid/

If you are willing to gut renovate, this would be amazing.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/232-Clarendon-St-Boston-MA-02116/2079046890_zpid/