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About Brookline, MA

About Brookline, MA

A peaceful residential community next to Boston

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.

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Coolidge Corner in Brookline is a bustling neighborhood with great public transportation.
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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.

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Large renovated Colonial style homes can be found along many streets around Brookline.
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Brookline is home to Condo Buildings of all sizes and price ranges.
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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.

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Residents of Brookline enjoy the 2024 Solar Eclipse at Amory Playground.
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Enjoy an afternoon stroll in Olmsted Park just outside of Brookline.
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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.

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Brookline High School in Brookline received an overall score of A+ on niche.
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Just outside of Brookline lies the prestigious Harvard University.
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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.

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.

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Check out the latest releases at the historic Coolidge Corner Theater in Brookline.
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Stop into Brookline Booksmiths in Brookline and peruse the exceptional collection.
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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.

Christina Xu
Written By
Christina Xu
Colin Gee
Photography Contributed By
Colin Gee
Alex Jacobsen
Video By
Alex Jacobsen

Neighborhood Map

Brookline Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$1,217,500
Median Sale Price
$1,127,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$3,247,500
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$2,750,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$877,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
1%
Last 12 months Home Sales
454
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
$3
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$854

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes for Sale
162
Months of Supply
4.30

Average Home Value



Source: Public Records

Top Schools in Brookline, MA

Source:

Best Public Elementary Schools

Amos A. Lawrence School
#1 Amos A. Lawrence School
A+
Niche
9
GreatSchools
Pierce School
#2 Pierce School
A+
Niche
9
GreatSchools
William H. Lincoln School
#3 William H. Lincoln School
A+
Niche
9
GreatSchools
Florida Ruffin Ridley
#4 Florida Ruffin Ridley
A
Niche
9
GreatSchools
John D. Runkle School
#5 John D. Runkle School
A
Niche
9
GreatSchools
Memorial Spaulding Elementary School
#6 Memorial Spaulding Elementary School
A
Niche
9
GreatSchools
Baker School
#7 Baker School
A
Niche
8
GreatSchools
Bowen School
#8 Bowen School
A
Niche
8
GreatSchools
Heath Elementary School
#9 Heath Elementary School
A+
Niche
7
GreatSchools

Best Public Middle Schools

Amos A. Lawrence School
#1 Amos A. Lawrence School
A+
Niche
9
GreatSchools
Pierce School
#2 Pierce School
A+
Niche
9
GreatSchools
William H. Lincoln School
#3 William H. Lincoln School
A+
Niche
9
GreatSchools
Florida Ruffin Ridley
#4 Florida Ruffin Ridley
A
Niche
9
GreatSchools
John D. Runkle School
#5 John D. Runkle School
A
Niche
9
GreatSchools
Baker School
#6 Baker School
A
Niche
8
GreatSchools
Oak Hill Middle School
#7 Oak Hill Middle School
A
Niche
8
GreatSchools
Heath Elementary School
#8 Heath Elementary School
A+
Niche
7
GreatSchools
Michael Driscoll
#9 Michael Driscoll
A
Niche
7
GreatSchools

Best Public High Schools

Newton South High School
#1 Newton South High School
A+
Niche
10
GreatSchools
Brookline High School
#2 Brookline High School
A+
Niche
8
GreatSchools

Best Private Schools

Beaver Country Day School
#1 Beaver Country Day School
A+
Niche
Maimonides School
#2 Maimonides School
A+
Niche
The Park School
#3 The Park School
A+
Niche
Dexter School
#4 Dexter School
A
Niche
Mount Alvernia Academy
#5 Mount Alvernia Academy
A
Niche
New England Hebrew Academy
#6 New England Hebrew Academy
St. Mary of the Assumption Elementary School
#7 St. Mary of the Assumption Elementary School
Torah Academy
#8 Torah Academy

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Agent Spotlight

Jackie Rose
(508) 273-8877
Real estate isn’t just about properties—it’s about people. I focus on building strong relationships founded on trust, transparency, empathy, open communication, and market expertise. Before starting my full-time real estate career, I was a sales executive and manager for 15+ years in the digital advertising industry. I bring a wealth of sales skills and industry knowledge to maximize your property's exposure. I combine a passive and active approach to marketing your property. The active approach is having the technology of Homes.com and MLS Syndication to help you find buyers that are actively looking for properties like yours. My passive approach is picking up the phone and calling the surrounding neighborhood and other top agents to get your property noticed by those who aren't necessarily actively looking. You never know; your property could be the perfect opportunity for someone in the area to share with friends and family and possibly choose their future neighbor! Call, text, or email me any time to get started.
I look forward to hearing from you!
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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.