With a unique history and a suburban feel despite being urban, Brook Farm is one of the most unique neighborhoods in the greater Boston area. Originally founded as a utopian society guided by transcendentalist principles, over two hundred years have passed—but the beauty of the area makes it easy to see why it was chosen as a utopia. “Some of the streets there are just gorgeous,” says Linda Burnett, real estate agent with Insight Realty Group and longtime resident of the area. “They rival the fanciest streets in all of New England.” With its unique personality and access to everything Boston has to offer, Brook Farm is worth considering for those looking for a spot of serenity.
West Roxbury
Classic New England style and charm
Thanks to the suburban vibes of this urban area, residents are able to stretch out much more than they could just about anywhere in Boston. And with the local history of the neighborhood being as unique and established as it is, there are a number of unique styles of houses—from split-levels to bungalows, colonial revivals to Cape Cods. The majority of the homes were built throughout the 20th century, and range in price from $400,000 to $1 million.
Stay close or head to Boston
Shopping-wise, the Hancock Village outdoor mall offers chain restaurants like Bertucci’s for those times residents want to go out for a meal. Local ice cream maker J.P. Licks is right next door, for those after-dinner deserts. Star Market and Roche Bros. serve as the neighborhood’s two main grocery stores. Further into West Roxbury, residents can hit up one of the area’s iconic local joints, Corrib Pub.
Community spirit is strong in Brook Farm
Events in Brook Farm are as charming as the area itself. Every other year, the town’s Evening Garden Club does floral arrangements outside of the library. The local YMCA is also active, doing a lot of community outreach and putting on events all year round. “The community is very active and engaged,” says Burnett. “The people who live there love it—and they like to celebrate it.”
Get prepared at Another Course to College
Students in West Roxbury begin their education at the Patrick Lyndon Pilot School, a unique academic institution that serves K-8th grade. Afterward, students finish up at nearby Hyde Park’s Another Course to College—a magnet high school. According to Niche, these two schools scored grades of B-minus and C-plus, respectively. As the name suggests, Another Course to College is highly dedicated to ensuring that their students are as college-ready as possible—down to making applying for college a requirement for graduation.
Escape the city noise
After safely crossing the VFW Parkway, neighbors can visit the park that’s also called Brook Farm—the actual site of the 1840s transcendentalist commune. Next to Brook Farm proper is Millennium Park, which has sweeping vistas, swings and playground equipment, a sports facility and a multi-use field. There’s another nearby play area call the Hynes Playground which has a toddler play area, a playground for older kids and spots for softball and basketball games.
City life, rural style
The neighborhood boasts easy access to the commuter rail, as well as the VFW and West Roxbury parkways, making commuting to and from anywhere in Boston simple. With downtown itself just over 10 miles from the neighborhood, residents are never far from the heart of the action—even if it feels like they’re in their own little slice of serenity.
Written By
Laura Finaldi
Photography Contributed By
Anhella Sanchez
Video By
Edward Pokoj
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Agents Specializing in this Area
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Nakema Arrington
Nakema Arrington
Advisors Living - Canton
(781) 209-6088
34 Total Sales
1 in West Roxbury
$927,777 Price
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Robb Cohen Team
Robb Cohen Team
Engel & Volkers Boston
(781) 622-9049
20 Total Sales
1 in West Roxbury
$865,000 Price
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Ted Cormier Leger
Ted Cormier Leger
Coldwell Banker Realty - Franklin
(857) 353-6639
34 Total Sales
1 in West Roxbury
$285,000 Price
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Saul Sanchez
Saul Sanchez
Citylight Homes LLC
(857) 297-3387
59 Total Sales
1 in West Roxbury
$840,000 Price
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Alexander Koziakov
Alexander Koziakov
Compass
(781) 417-5576
80 Total Sales
4 in West Roxbury
$435K - $579K Price Range
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Stockman Farrar Group
Stockman Farrar Group
Responds QuicklyBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Commonwealth Real Estate
(781) 208-5870
71 Total Sales
1 in West Roxbury
$675,000 Price
Schools
Source:
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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Parks in this Area
Brook Farm
- Picnic Area
- Trails
- Parking Lot
Millennium Park
- Bike Trails
- Boating
- Picnic Area
Piemonte Park
- Trails
Hynes Field
- Baseball/Softball
- Basketball
- Playground
Allandale Woods
- Trails
- Parking Lot
- Hiking
D. Blakely Hoar Sanctuary
- Trails
- Hiking
Hancock Woods I
- Trails
- Hiking
Transit
Airport
General Edward Lawrence Logan International
23 min drive
Train
Highland
Train
West Roxbury
Bus
Lasell St & Temple St
Bus
Centre St & Corey St
Bus
Opp 650 Vfw Pkwy
Bus
Weld St & Alward Rd
Bus
Weld St & Corey St
Crime and Safety
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | West Roxbury | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 2 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 1 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 1 | 4 |
| Robbery | 3 | 4 |
| Burglary | 3 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 4 |
| Larceny | 4 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 3 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
West Roxbury Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in West Roxbury, Boston sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in West Roxbury, Boston over the last 12 months is $270,000, down 42% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$327,900
Median Sale Price
$270,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$390,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$989,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$270,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
133
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-42%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$307
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
4,251
Number of Homes for Sale
16
Median Year Built
1935
Months of Supply
1.40
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,704
Below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,441
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,215
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
708
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,662
Open Houses
-
Saturday, Aug 910:30am - 12pm
-
Thursday, Aug 74:30 - 6pm
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
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Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
12,108
Median Age
48
Population Density
7 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
25.6%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$122,563
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$153,789
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.8%
College Graduates
70%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
41.1%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
72.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
53''
Average Winter Low Temperature
19°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
10''
Area Factors
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
66
/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
42
/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Oak Hill
Gorgeous homes line the streets of this neighborhood underneath oak trees
South Brookline
Striking estates on large lots under 10 miles from Boston
Bellevue Hill
Peaceful suburban living in West Roxbury
Roslindale
Primarily residential neighborhood in Boston with a vibrant community center
Upper Washington-Spring Street
Quiet neighborhood home to the historic Roxbury Latin School
Riverdale
Accessible and park-filled suburban island bordering Boston.
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