Brookline,MA Neighborhood Guides
Neighborhoods in Brookline, MA – Data, Lifestyle & Local Insights
Neighborhood Map
Exploring the Best Neighborhoods in Brookline, MA
Brookline, MA, is a charming town just outside Boston that boasts a rich blend of history, culture, and vibrant community life. Known for its beautiful streets, top-notch schools, and proximity to city amenities, the best neighborhoods in Brookline offer something for everyone—whether you’re a young professional, a family, or someone looking for a quiet retreat. From bustling commercial areas to serene residential pockets, Brookline's neighborhoods showcase a unique mix of urban convenience and suburban comfort. If you’re curious about what makes each area special, the Brookline neighborhoods map is a great tool to start exploring!
Demographic Insights & Community Composition
Brookline’s neighborhoods are wonderfully diverse, both culturally and demographically. Coolidge Corner, one of the most popular areas, attracts a mix of young professionals, students from nearby Boston University, and longtime residents. The presence of several higher education institutions nearby influences the community vibe here, creating a lively yet welcoming atmosphere. Meanwhile, neighborhoods like Chestnut Hill tend to have more established families and older residents, drawn by excellent public schools and spacious homes. This mix of demographics contributes to a dynamic community fabric that values inclusivity and engagement.
Lifestyle Variety: What Different Areas Offer
Each neighborhood in Brookline has its own distinct lifestyle offerings. For example, Washington Square is known for its quaint, village-like feel and locally owned shops, while Brookline Village boasts an energetic downtown area with trendy cafes, bars, and boutique stores. Those who love green spaces will appreciate the Brookline Reservoir area, which offers beautiful parks and walking trails perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re craving a night out at a popular restaurant like Zaftigs Delicatessen in Coolidge Corner or a peaceful afternoon in Larz Anderson Park, there’s a neighborhood in Brookline perfectly suited to your tastes.
Crime, Safety & Neighborhood Stability
Safety is a key priority for many considering a move to Brookline. The town consistently ranks among the safest in the Greater Boston area, with neighborhoods like Pill Hill known for their calm, residential streets and low crime rates. Community efforts and neighborhood watch programs are active throughout the town, helping maintain a sense of security and stability. This safety contributes to the overall appeal of Brookline neighborhoods and supports a strong sense of community among residents.
The Structure, Culture & Personality of the City’s Neighborhoods
Brookline's neighborhoods each have a unique personality that reflects their history and residents. For instance, the historic homes lining the streets of the Longwood neighborhood tell stories of the town’s past, while the thriving arts scene in Coolidge Corner adds a modern, creative flair. The town’s cultural diversity shines through in its festivals, farmers' markets, and community events that celebrate everything from local heritage to international traditions. This blend of old and new, quiet and lively, shapes a town that’s both deeply rooted and forward-looking.
Brookline Demographics
Best Neighborhoods
| Hood | Med. Age | Have Kids | Home Price | Med. Income | Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emerson Garden | 34.3 | 30.1% | $1,199,500 | $153,106 | 6.7 |
| High Street Hill | 39.9 | 24.7% | $1,040,725 | $148,393 | 7.1 |
| Chestnut Hill | 41.6 | 33.6% | $1,331,869 | $185,681 | 7.5 |
| Fisher Hill | 36.8 | 36.8% | $1,538,167 | $189,958 | 8.0 |
| Central Village | 40.4 | 22% | $1,082,720 | $134,231 | 8.2 |
| Aspinwall Hill | 35.2 | 17.4% | $1,284,930 | $149,971 | 8.6 |
| Corey Hill | 42 | 14.9% | $1,131,300 | $126,035 | 8.8 |
| Griggs Park | 36 | 17.2% | $1,173,920 | $134,743 | 9.6 |
| Lawrence | 32.9 | 22.8% | $1,177,763 | $119,305 | 10.5 |
| Longwood | 30.6 | 22.6% | $1,345,033 | $115,169 | 12.3 |
Brookline neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in Brookline—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in Brookline, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.
Crime in Brookline
| Crime |
Reported |
Brookline /100k |
MA /100k |
National /100k |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 0 | 0.0 | 1.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 3 | 4.7 | 27.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 10 | 15.6 | 36.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 51 | 79.5 | 249.3 | 256.1 |
| Total Violent Crime | 64 | 100 | 315 | 359 |
| Burglary | 55 | 85.8 | 130.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 503 | 784.4 | 876.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle Theft | 16 | 25.0 | 105.5 | 258.8 |
| Total Property Crime | 574 | 895 | 1,112 | 1,760 |
| TOTAL CRIME | 638 | 995 | 1,427 | 2,119 |