Brookline Photo

Chestnut Hill, Brookline,MA

Neighborhood Data
Proximitii Score score
? /100
Amenities Score Amenities Score Locked
Transit Score Transit & Commute Score Locked
Schools Score Schools Score Locked
Health & Safety Score Health & Safety Score Locked
City Crime Score Crime (City) Score Locked
Location Crime Score Crime (Location) Score Locked
Economy Score Economy Score Locked
Housing Score Housing Score Locked

If you’re considering a move to the northwestern part of Brookline, MA, Chestnut Hill is a neighborhood that truly combines charm with convenience. Known for its beautiful, tree-lined streets and a mix of historic and modern homes, Chestnut Hill offers a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to families, young professionals, and retirees alike. One of the standout features of this neighborhood is the Chestnut Hill Reservoir, a lovely spot for walking, jogging, or simply enjoying nature. The neighborhood also boasts several parks and green spaces, making it easy to maintain an active lifestyle while soaking up the fresh air and scenic views.

For those who love shopping and dining, Chestnut Hill shines with its vibrant commercial areas, particularly along Boylston Street. Here you’ll find The Street Chestnut Hill, a popular open-air shopping center filled with an array of shops, restaurants, and cafes. Whether you’re looking for unique boutiques, familiar brands, or delicious eateries, this area has something to satisfy every taste. Additionally, Chestnut Hill is home to parts of Boston College, which adds a lively, collegiate energy to the neighborhood along with cultural and sporting events that residents can enjoy. The combination of retail, dining, and academic life creates a dynamic community hub within the neighborhood.

Getting to Downtown Boston from Chestnut Hill is quite straightforward, making it an excellent choice for commuters. Depending on your mode of transportation, Downtown Boston is typically just a 15 to 25-minute drive away, while public transit options like the Green Line provide a convenient and eco-friendly way to reach the city center. This proximity means residents can enjoy the peaceful, suburban feel of Chestnut Hill while still having quick access to all the cultural, professional, and entertainment opportunities that Boston offers. For anyone relocating, Chestnut Hill offers a balanced lifestyle with plenty of local charm and easy city access, making it a truly special place to call home.

Chestnut Hill Demographics

Population 8,744
Density (People/sqml.) 3,471
Median Age 41.6
Married Couples
53%
53% of the population of Chestnut Hill aged 16 years and older are married.
Have Kids
34%
34% of the population aged 16 years or older have children.

In Chestnut Hill, 34% of residents aged 16 and older are married, which is notably higher than the national average. This could point to a more settled, community-driven neighborhood where long-term residents and homeowners are common. It’s the kind of place where stability, and a close-knit atmosphere make it especially appealing to families and couples looking to put down roots.

With only 34% of people over 16 having children, you can expect an easygoing environment that tends to attract residents seeking a quieter lifestyle. The atmosphere here leans more toward adult-oriented living. Without the constant rhythm of school schedules or kid-centered events, the community maintains a slower, more relaxed pace. This makes it especially appealing to singles, couples, and empty nesters who appreciate tranquil streets, and recreation on their own terms.

Age Breakdown

Chestnut Hill neighborhood age breakdown chart

Chestnut Hill demographic details provide a clearer picture of what life is like in the neighborhood, offering insight into its character, community, and overall lifestyle. With a population of 8,744, the number of residents who reside in Chestnut Hill is about average in size compared to other Brookline neighborhoods, striking a perfect balance between energy and tranquility. It’s large enough to offer plenty of amenities, activities, and a vibrant local scene, yet small enough to maintain a welcoming community feel and a more relaxed pace of life.

Chestnut Hill has a population density of 3,471, which strikes a balanced feel when compared to other Brookline neighborhoods. The area offers just the right mix of activity and breathing room, creating a community that’s lively yet comfortable, with easy access to amenities and everyday conveniences.

With an average age of 42, you're likely to find a well-balanced community where multiple generations live side by side. This mix of age groups contributes to a neighborhood atmosphere that’s both active and welcoming, offering a blend of fresh perspectives and long-standing community values.

Crime in Chestnut Hill

Crime Safety Index Score Locked 1 2 3 4 5

 

Total Crime Incidents
Try for free within 1 mile
Score Locked per 100k people

Types of Crime

Chestnut Hill neighborhood crime breakdown chart

Chestnut Hill Crime Map

The Chestnut Hill crime map provides an in-depth look at crime rates throughout the community, using block group data to reveal both safer pockets and places with more frequent incidents. By visualizing these patterns, the crime map helps residents and newcomers alike better understand the dynamics of neighborhood safety. It’s worth noting that higher-crime areas on the map aren’t always indicative of danger — spots near busy commercial centers, transportation hubs, or popular attractions may naturally show more reports due to increased activity.

Housing

? /10
Home Price $1,331,869
Median Rent $2,926
People/Household 2.6

Home Price Breakdown

Chestnut Hill neighborhood home price breakdown chart

Rent vs Own

Rent 34% Own 66%

Year Moved In

Before 2010 54% After 2010 46%

Types of Homes in the Area

Market Trends

Year-over-Year Home Prices YoY data

 

Housing costs often reflect the desirability and overall character of a neighborhood. In Chestnut Hill, home prices come in around $1,331,869, which is higher than many other areas. This elevated pricing points to a sought-after location with strong demand, well-maintained properties, and access to premium amenities that contribute to a higher quality of life. Historical home price trends and appreciation rates in Chestnut Hill can serve as a window into the neighborhood’s economic strength and future potential. By understanding how the market has performed in the past, buyers and investors can better evaluate whether the area offers promising opportunities for growth and long-term value.

With an average rent price of $2,926, rental rates in Chestnut Hill are higher than many other neighborhoods. This reflects the area’s desirability and strong demand, often accompanied by well-maintained properties, premium amenities, and a high quality of life.

Walkability & Lifestyle

Coffee Shops

Starbucks
Coffee Shop
min.
min.
Blue Blottle
Coffee Shop
min.
min.

Entertainment

Longyear Museum
Museum
min.
min.
Showcase SuperLux
Cinema
min.
min.

Food & Drink

Vineripe grill
Restaurant
min.
min.
Mandarin Gourmet
Restaurant
min.
min.

Groceries

Finagle a Bagel
Bakery
min.
min.
Bagel Table
Bakery
min.
min.

Parks

Dane Park
Park
min.
min.
West Roxbury Parkway
Park
min.
min.

Shops

Salon Lison
Beauty
min.
min.
Kosmima Fine Jewelry
Fashion
min.
min.

Getting Around

Transit Stops

Newton St @ Grove St
Bus Stop
min.
min.
Newton St @ Grove St
Bus Stop
min.
min.

Transit Stations

Chestnut Hill
Transit Station
min.
min.
Chestnut Hill
Transit Station
min.
min.

Health & Safety

Medical Facilities

CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
min.
min.
Mass General Brigham Healthcare Center
Clinic
min.
min.

Health Care

Hammond Pond Dental Group
Dentist
min.
min.
The Smile Institute
Dentist
min.
min.

Safety

Fire Department Station Number Six
Fire Station
min.
min.
Brookline Fire Department
Fire Station
min.
min.

Top Rated Schools

Name Category Grades Rating
Brookline Early Education Program At Putterham
194 Grove Street, Chestnut Hill, MA
Elementary School PK - PK School Score
Newton South High
140 Brandeis Rd, Newton Centre, MA
High School 9 - 12 School Score
Brookline High
115 Greenough Street, Brookline, MA
High School 9 - 12 School Score
Memorial Spaulding
250 Brookline Street, Newton Centre, MA
Elementary School KG - 5 School Score
Heath
100 Eliot Street, Chestnut Hill, MA
Elementary School PK - 8 School Score
Apple Orchard School
282D Newton St, Brookline, MA
Elementary School PK - KG School Score
Yeshiva Ohr Yisrael High School For Boys
325 Reservoir Rd, Chestnut Hill, MA
High School 9 - 12 School Score

Education Level Achieved

Education is a key factor in understanding the character and opportunities within a community like Chestnut Hill. School ratings here reflect important indicators such as academic performance, graduation outcomes, and standardized testing, while NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) scores offer a valuable national comparison to gauge how local schools measure up. Looking at the overall education level of residents in Chestnut Hill can also provide meaningful insight into the neighborhood’s focus on learning and long-term growth, helping families choose a community that aligns with their educational goals.