Brookline
Parked in Boston’s backyard, Brookline’s more urban feel nurtures a thriving array of small businesses and a grass-roots arts scene.
- StateMassachusetts
- CountyNorfolk
- Population60,383
The town of Brookline truly combines the best of urban and suburban living. Nestled within the boundaries of Boston and bordering six of the city’s neighborhoods, this leafy and walkable enclave is known for its tree-lined streets, manicured lawns, and elegant Victorian mansions. But it only takes a trip to Washington Square or Coolidge Corner—home of world-class restaurants and shopping—to be reminded that you’re in a vibrant metropolitan area. Brookline is served by two branches of the MBTA’s Green Line trolley system, which explains why roughly 30% of residents commute to work via public transportation. And workers aren’t the only ones who have it good. Brookline is a terrific place to grow up—Brookline High School earned the GreatSchools College Success Award in 2021 and 2022—and to grow old, as organizations like Brookline Senior Center and Brookline Adult and Community Education help seniors socialize, learn new skills, and continue to feel like part of the community. —Ken Partridge
Town information
| Median sale price for single family residences (2022) | $930,061 |
| Median household income | $122,386 |
| Racial breakdown | Black: 3.1%, Asian 17.4%, Hispanic 6.7%, White, non-hispanic: 66.8% |
| U.S. racial breakdown | Black: 13.6%, Asian: 6.1%, Hispanic: 18.9%, White, non-Hispanic: 59.3% |
| Sharecare Community Well-Being Index Score (out of 100) | 80 |
| District high school graduation rate | 95% |
| Number of quality family medicine doctors (rated 3.5 or higher) per 100,000 households, within 25 miles | 25 |
| Number of quality nursing homes per 100,000 households, within 25 miles | 46 |