Welcome to Brookline

Surrounded by greenery, Brookline is a haven for nature-lovers with a tight local community. The town has thriving small businesses and a grassroots arts scene, with all the attractions of Boston and Cambridge just next door.

Key Details

Attributes

runner's paradise, local culture, families, academic, dog friendly, young professionals

NEIGHBORHOOD OVERVIEW

Commute Times
South Station 28m by train, 18m by car
North Station 27m by train, 20m by car
Boston Commons 17m by train, 15m by car
Harvard Square 25m by train, 17m by car
Nearest Transit
  • GLB-02
  • GLC-02
  • GL D-02
Boundaries
Nearby Neighborhoods Fenway, Back Bay

Around the Block

Brookline:
A thriving, socially-minded town surrounded by greenery.

Brookline is a welcoming community just west of Boston’s city limits. Surrounded by nature preserves and parks, the town offers myriad opportunities to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. Residents are known for their dedication to building a strong, cross-generational community, making Brookline a place where people of all ages and backgrounds enjoy the charm and culture the town has to offer. The high quality of life means those who settle in Brookline are likely to stay for many years to come.

Neighborhood Block

What to expect:
Spacious homes and quick commute times.

Brookline homes offer ample space, inside and out. From hanging up art on wide-open walls to planting vegetable gardens in the backyard, Brookliners make the most of the room they have. Since Boston and Cambridge are right next door, Brookline is a top-choice for commuters working in technology, education, medicine, and greater Boston’s other flourishing industries.

Neighborhood Block

The lifestyle:
Deeply connected to nature and neighbors.

With four multi-acre nature sanctuaries and miles of walking and jogging paths, Brookline residents revel in the natural world. They make a point to swing by the Thursday farmer’s market and snag a crisp head of lettuce grown on Brookline’s own hydroponic farm. Connections to neighbors come naturally too, whether that takes the form of striking up a conversation over a strong cup of coffee at Café Fixe, suggesting a good read while in line at Brookline Booksmith, sharing a bowl of homemade pasta at Pomodoro, or toasting a craft brew at Washington Square Tavern.

Neighborhood Block
Neighborhood Block Neighborhood Block

Unexpected appeal:
Established community for everyone, from teens to furry friends.

Brookline is home to extraordinary enrichment centers for many age groups. Young adults have a home at the Brookline Teen Center to build robots, play parkour, or hold band practice. Retirees fill their days with yoga classes, guided hikes, and art exhibits organized by the town’s senior center. Residents often volunteer at these centers, when they’re not honing their own creative practice making ceramics at the Brookline Arts Center or perfecting a plié at the Brookline Ballet School. The town is especially desirable for dog owners; the community has been active in establishing pet playgrounds, and their Green Dog program created 14 off-leash dog parks for furry friends to frolic in.

Neighborhood Block

The market:
Roomy condominiums, historic single-family homes, and generous rental options.

Condominiums in Brookline were designed with family living in mind—larger units abound, though smaller homes for singles and couples can also be found. Many buildings are historic and under four stories tall, so single family homes and walk-up units are common. Brookline has restrictions on overnight parking for public streets, so be sure to secure a space for every vehicle.

Neighborhood Block
Neighborhood Block Neighborhood Block
Neighborhood Block

You'll fall in love with:
Weeknights at Coolidge Corner and weekends in the fresh air.

One of the town gems is Coolidge Corner Theatre, a resplendent art-deco style cinema that features a mix of old classics, blockbuster hits, and independent flicks on it’s ever-changing marquee. Sports fans and trivia champs gather at the Coolidge Corner Clubhouse on game night. From Saturdays spent strolling past rare cars on the expansive lawn at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum and sharing tapas on the patio at Barcelona Wine Bar to Sundays spent exploring Lost Pond Sanctuary or training for the marathon with the town running club, leisure days in Brookline are all about playing in the open air.

Neighborhood Block

Other Neighborhoods in Greater Boston to Explore