Brookline is a picturesque suburban town nestled in the folds of Newton and Boston neighborhoods. The town was annexed from Boston and incorporated in 1705; it eventually became a streetcar suburb in the 1800s. Also known as the birthplace of John F. Kennedy, the residential enclave has extensive green spaces, a highly rated public school system, and lively urban districts such as Coolidge Corner.
Today, Brookline has a population of about 63,000, and the median household income is $130,600, higher than the state average. With over 80% of the community having a bachelor’s or higher degree, most of the workforce is concentrated in the education, medical and science sectors. Top employers include Boston University, Boston Children's Brookline and Mass General Brigham Urgent Care – Brookline. The town has many synagogues and is considered a cultural center for Greater Boston’s Jewish community. There is also a growing Asian presence in town, making up approximately 19% of Brookline’s population.
Coolidge Corner in Brookline is a bustling neighborhood with great public transportation.
Brookline offers an expansive list of higher-ed such as the prestigious Boston University.
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From condos in historic brick rowhouses to single-family mansions
The median home price in Brookline is around $1,010,000, more than twice the national median. Up until recently, the town had a series of zoning laws that limited new housing developments, including restricting the height of the properties and the construction of multi-unit residences. While these ordinances helped preserve Brookline’s historic architectural character and contained the town’s population density, the restrictions on housing supply led to skyrocketing home prices and have made the town unaffordable for many people who work in Brookline.
Condominiums, most of which were converted from apartment buildings, are concentrated around Beacon Street and in more urban communities such as Coolidge Corner and Brookline Village. Queen Anne and Colonial Revival mansions are spread throughout the town, but are more frequently seen in suburban districts such as South Brookline.
Condo units in Victorian-era brick row houses may start in the $400,000s, and penthouse condominiums in luxury new buildings may easily reach over $3 million. While a few single-family homes may be under $1 million, most start at $1 million, and grand estates can reach eight figures. Townhouses range from $900,000 to $3 million, and multi-family properties on the north side can fall between $1.5 million and $4 million.
Large renovated Colonial style homes can be found along many streets around Brookline.
Brookline is home to Condo Buildings of all sizes and price ranges.
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Brookline has one of the best public school systems in the state
Public Schools of Brookline is rated the No. 2 Best School District in Massachusetts by Niche and scores an overall A-plus . Serving over 7,000 students, the district offers eight pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade schools, and all students go on to Brookline High School. The Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity system gives students in surrounding Boston areas the chance to attend schools in Brookline.
Boston University has several campuses and buildings in Brookline, and the town is surrounded by major higher education institutes, including Boston College, Harvard University and Emmanuel College.
Brookline High School in Brookline received an overall score of A+ on niche.
Just outside of Brookline lies the prestigious Harvard University.
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Public parks are frequented and loved by children and families
Brookline has nearly 50 parks, playgrounds and sports fields. Notably, The Country Club, the nation’s first private club founded in 1894, has facilities for swimming, skeet shooting, hockey and paddle tennis, three nine-hole courses and is an important social venue for residents. Popular parks include Olmsted Park, which is a gathering place for outdoor concerts and community events, and Larz Anderson Park, featuring a skating rink, a dog park and athletic fields.
The climate varies from hot, humid summers to snow-heavy winters, with year-round rain or cloudy days.
Residents of Brookline enjoy the 2024 Solar Eclipse at Amory Playground.
Enjoy an afternoon stroll in Olmsted Park just outside of Brookline.
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From international markets to yoga studios and dog groomers
Most grocery stores are in Coolidge Corner, ranging from Trader Joe’s and Stop & Shop to specialty markets such as H Mart and The Butcherie. The town’s restaurants are concentrated along Harvard and Beacon Streets, including kosher eats, upscale sushi spots, authentic Asian places and New American eateries.
On the weekends, people can catch a classic film rerun at the town’s hallmark, Coolidge Theater, which first opened its doors in 1933, or head to Puppet Showplace Theater for a show. Brookline Booksmith, the city’s staple independent bookstore for over 40 years, is the go-to spot for residents to pick out their next read.
Check out the latest releases at the historic Coolidge Corner Theater in Brookline.
Stop into Brookline Booksmiths in Brookline and peruse the exceptional collection.
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Festivals and events that celebrate the community
Brookline Day is the town’s annual community celebration that usually takes place in September, featuring live music, games and prizes, food and fun activities for families. Other celebrations include a spring festival and the Coolidge Corner Arts Festival, which has been a tradition for 45 years.
Transportation options and nearby hospitals
Conveniently located 4 miles outside of Boston, Brookline is accessible via the MBTA buses and the Green Line subway trains. Massachusetts Route 9, which turns into Boylston Street in Brookline, is an east-west bound highway that passes through the town and goes from Boston to Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Boston Logan International Airport is about 10 miles away.
Mass General Brigham Urgent Care – Brookline and Boston Children's Brookline are right in Brookline. The town also sits next to Longwood Medical Area, which is home to prominent institutions such as Brigham and Women's Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
Crime data from recent years
According to Brookline’s police department, 172 violent offenses and 495 property crimes were reported in 2023, both lower than the previous year.
On average, homes in Brookline, MA sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Brookline, MA over the last 12 months is $1,700,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Bill Gehan launched his real estate career in 2006 following a 22-year tenure in retail, where he served as Vice President and Divisional Merchandise Manager at Filene's. His corporate background equips him with exceptional professionalism, negotiation expertise, analytical insight, and market knowledge. He has worked alongside some of Boston’s top developers, assisting in the acquisition of properties for redevelopment. His involvement has included advising on floor plans, finishes, pricing strategies, and ultimately guiding the successful sell-out of completed projects.
Bill focuses on delivering superior client service through clear communication and strategic pricing. He prides himself on responsiveness and accessibility, always available to address client needs. A Back Bay resident for over three decades, Bill is deeply engaged in the local community. He has previously served on the Board of Trustees for the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, and committees with the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay and the Greater Boston Association of Realtors. Bill is also a graduate of Boston College’s Carroll School of Management.
Recent Client Testimonials:
"Bill Gehan helped us navigate both a sale of a condo in Back Bay and the purchase of another, larger one in the same neighborhood on a very tight schedule. He did so with great skill, efficiency and good humor. Bill also had a wide range of contacts – painters, movers, repair people – which proved invaluable as we transitioned from one place to the other. His attention to detail was outstanding, as was his response time. But what really sets him apart are his kindness and integrity. We are very happy in our new home, but should we need assistance again Bill would be the first person we would call."
"Bill Gehan assisted in the sale of our Marlborough Sheet condo. He is a consummate real estate professional. Bill has excellent insight into both sellers and buyers.He is is very particular about details and most importantly he knows how to close the deal. Once we had a buyer the transaction moved smoothly through the process with Bill guiding it along at every step. Bill embodies the two most important aspects in a good broker, honesty and integrity - something that can not always be said of the real estate profession. "
"Being an out-of-town buyer we needed to have a real estate professional that was not only an expert in the Back Bay market but also one that would be willing to provide the extra effort needed to support us as out-of-town clients. We found that in Bill Gehan. We made 2 trips to Boston to see real estate options before making a purchase. Bill spent as much time as needed to show us the various options and also educated us on the market. Once we made an offer he also supported us all the way through closing. We strongly recommend Bill as a real estate professional."
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
