One of the most noticeable trends in Boston development right now is how many projects are blending retail, residential, and community use into a single footprint. And while the phrase “mixed use” may sound like zoning jargon, its impact on how we actually live is anything but boring.

When housing is stacked above local retail and foot traffic flows through well-designed public space, something shifts. It becomes easier to grab your morning coffee on the way to the T, to run into your neighbors without planning it, and to live in a way that feels more connected and more efficient. That’s why the most interesting new projects in Boston are small but strategic, and this week, we’re spotlighting two of them.

Charlestown: Grocery Backed Community Living in Hood Park

A three story building is now being proposed at 15 Supertest Street in Charlestown, directly adjacent to the upcoming hotel and residential development at 25 Supertest. The new project would bring 24,000 square feet of grocery anchored retail to the ground level, paired with 18 family sized residential units above. The homes are designed as off site IDP units that fulfill the affordability requirement for the neighboring 25 Supertest project, which will include hotel rooms, apartments, and access to a new green space through the Hood Green initiative.

This is part of a much larger push to reimagine Hood Park as a more livable, connected neighborhood. Once dominated by warehouses and industrial space, the area is transforming into a new hub for mixed use development, public amenities, and family friendly living. A well located grocery store is more than a convenience. It is a cornerstone for walkability, quality of life, and housing value.

Brighton: A New Chapter for a High Visibility Corner

Over in Brighton, developers are reimagining the familiar corner of Washington Street and Parsons Street, currently home to a long standing Dunkin. The site will soon be replaced with a six story building featuring 19 new two bedroom condos and ground floor retail, continuing a wave of neighborhood reinvestment that began with the nearby One Gartland project.

That project, now under construction, is already drawing attention. Steel is going up on a 16 unit building that will include a new outpost for Stoked Pizza, plus additional commercial space. It’s one of several pieces in the puzzle that is Doyle’s redevelopment, with renderings, video, and community engagement efforts already in motion. According to the Adams & Co. team, buyer interest is growing rapidly and this corridor is quickly becoming one of Brighton’s most exciting areas to watch.

What This Means for Boston Homeowners, Buyers, and Investors

These developments may be modest in scale, but they signal something bigger. Across the city, we’re seeing renewed demand for walkable, mixed use living, especially in neighborhoods that can support both daily convenience and long term livability. Buyers are prioritizing access to local services, green space, and community feel over raw square footage. And for investors, projects like these often lead to appreciation in surrounding home values as new infrastructure and retail draw attention and foot traffic.

Homeowners nearby may also benefit. When a grocery store moves into the neighborhood or when a high visibility corner gets a thoughtful redesign, the ripple effects are real. Nearby properties become more attractive, commercial corridors gain momentum, and the area becomes more desirable not just for buyers, but for the people already living there.

If you’re holding property in Charlestown, Brighton, or surrounding neighborhoods, this is a great moment to get strategic. Whether you’re thinking about upgrading your current space, considering a long term hold, or just curious about how nearby development may impact your home value, we’re always happy to talk through it.

Want the inside scoop on what’s coming next? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. We’re tracking dozens of local developments every month and the smartest moves are the ones made with a clear view of what’s ahead.