Living in Brookline, Massachusetts

Brookline sits immediately west of Boston, making it one of the closest and most desirable suburbs to the city. Despite being its own town, it feels urban-ish because it blends directly into Boston’s neighborhoods and is woven into the MBTA Green Line transit network. Many people describe Brookline as a place where you can enjoy suburban schools and safety while living just minutes from downtown Boston and Fenway Park.

Its population of around 63,000 gives it a town feel, but it operates more like a small city. You’ll find a mix of apartment buildings and historic homes, and social, walkable commercial districts like Coolidge Corner and Brookline Village. For many families and professionals who are reluctant to surrender completely to the 'burbs, Brookline offers a nifty mix of quiet neighborhoods, excellent schools, and green spaces paired with the convenience of urban living and a quick train ride to Boston.

Living in Brookline means living in walkable neighborhoods with parks, shops, and restaurants nearby. The town has an interesting mix of historic architecture and modern housing. Coolidge Corner is the hub for dining, shopping, and the landmark Coolidge Corner Theatre. Families also love the numerous playgrounds and well-maintained green spaces at locations such as Larz Anderson Park and Brookline Reservoir Park. For these reasons, Brookline is featured in LookyLOO's Guide to Most Family-Friendly Cities in the U.S.

The community is diverse and highly educated, with a strong sense of civic involvement. Most residents choose Brookline for its amazing suburban amenities (safety, great schools, green spaces) and city convenience.

Brookline is close to major job hubs in Boston and Cambridge. Many residents commute to downtown Boston or to universities and hospitals in the Longwood Medical Area, which borders the town. Public transit makes this easy, with Green Line subway stops running through several neighborhoods.

Some professionals also work locally in education and healthcare, or in small businesses that are springing up in the commercial areas. Brookline offers the rare chance to live in a suburban setting while keeping a short, predictable commute into Boston.