Commonwealth Gardens Apartments

When most people hear of apartments or houses in Allston, reactions usually involve a sympathetic "oh..." followed by a look of slight disdain. Yet, 1139 offers a rare living experience for tenants. The building, privately owned by Dyan, is kept in pristine and CLEAN conditions despite its age. The apartments are set up well and she has a strict set of house rules that prevent the place from turning into an normal off-campus student apartment building. She cares deeply for her tenants and... goes as far as providing free furniture or heavily discounted options to prevent bed bugs from entering the building. I've had a wonderful time living at 1139 and just signed a lease for a third year. My only critic is that we cannot put air conditioning units on the windows of the apartment. Something about the antiquity of the window frames not being able to handle the weight. It makes sense. OH and this place as probably the best elevator you'll go into. It's an old early 20th century elevator--all open air--very cool. Read More

This is a great apartment (one floor in a building with 3 units) in terms of space - two bedrooms, a foyer and dining room, large living room, eat-in-kitchen with adjacent pantry, and spacious balcony as well. Small downsides include the fact that there is no dishwasher or central air.

Neighborhood is good - there are a lot of college students, which can lead to some ambient noise late at night, especially on the weekends. The apartment includes an off-street parking spot, which is great,... though it's generally relatively easy to find a parking spot on the street with a resident permit. 5 minute walk to the B-line and 66 and 57 buses, so very accessible to public transportation. Read More