I live in Oak Sq and find that the bus routes are very helpful and reliable. They run early in the morning and late at night if you’re heading into town to see friends, for an appointment or just because.

The 64 bus runs from Oak Sq Brighton thru Central Sq and ends at Kendall Sq

The 65 bus runs from Brighton center to Brookline, Longwood and ends at Kenmore

The 57 bus runs from Watertown to Kenmore sq via Washington st/ Cambridge st, Brighton Ave, and Comm Ave. This bus is a great option to kenmore/ downtown and is faster than the green line imo

The 501 bus is an express bus starting in Brighton Center that goes on the pike to Copley, theater and financial district

The 504 bus is the same express bus as the 501, however this bus only picks up in Newton corner if you need to get downtown via Brighton. (Take the 57 from Brighton center and transfer to the 504 in Newton corner)

Good luck!