$399,900
85 Brainerd Road, Unit 211, Allston
Square footage 1,150
Condo fee $448 per month
Bedrooms 2
Baths 2 full
2009 taxes $2,600
Last sold for $287,000 in 2000
PROS Steps from both Commonwealth and Harvard avenues, this pet-friendly condo has its own cozy balcony off the dining room, but thefireworks viewing is from the common roof deck. The large livingroom is open to the dining area and kitchen, which has a breakfast-bar island and plenty of cabinet space. Both bedrooms - one with ensuite bath - are huge, and there's an in-unit laundry and onedeeded parking spot. The building has a common courtyard and apopular outdoor pool, and it's only a short walk to a local sportsclub. CONS The unit needs updating. CONTACT Dan Gorfinkle, RE/MAXUnlimited, Brookline, 617-820-8085, dangorfinkle.com
$429,000
501 Shawmut Avenue, Unit 5, South End
Square footage 635
Condo fee $265 per month
Bedrooms sleeping alcove
Baths 1 full
2009 taxes $3,861
Last sold for $215,000 in 2000
PROS This studio, with beamed cathedral ceiling and exposedbrick, was renovated to maximize every inch of space. Its small butefficient kitchen has a breakfast bar, and the main living area islarge enough for a desk and dining table as well as couches andchairs, with built-in storage in the bay window. The sleeping area,beneath the eaves, has a double closet, but the real gem is theadorable 15-by-7-foot balcony, with views toward the river. Theplace also comes with roof rights, though no deck has been built.CONS It's a fourth-floor walk-up. CONTACT William Patterson,Coldwell Banker, Cambridge, 857-829-2449,cambridgerealty.citymax.com
$645,000
10 Museum Way, Unit 1624, Cambridge
Square footage 1,046
Condo fee $660 per month
Bedrooms 2
Baths 2 full
2009 taxes $2,919
Last sold for $619,000 in 2005
PROS This condo has spectacular views from every window: theMuseum of
Science, Charles River, and downtown Boston on one side, and allthe way to the Somerville hills on the other. The main living spacehas plenty of room for a dining table, and the small kitchen is wellplanned. Both bedrooms are large enough to include an office area,and there's an in-unit washer-dryer. The building is close to two Tstops and has doormen, valet parking, and a concierge, as well as afitness center with pool. CONS There's no private outdoor space.CONTACT Henry Aime Amar, Coldwell Banker, Cambridge, 617-504-5913,nemoves.com
