Commute
High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.
Crime
With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.
Employment
The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Schools
High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.
Cost Of Living
Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.
Brookline is a medium-sized city located in the state of Massachusetts. The city has a population of 60,923 residents. With a population density of 9,012 people per square mile, Brookline is well above the nation's average density level. At 71%, the majority of the Brookline population is White; this is followed by 17% Asian and 3% Black. In Brookline, only 50% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Brookline your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 29 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Brookline, Massachusetts. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Brookline and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, commute, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Massachusetts and national averages.
The livability score in Brookline is 85 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 98th percentile of all cities across America. Clearly, Brookline is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Another exciting tidbit, is that Brookline ranks better than 90% of all US cities! For each of the livability categories, we see that Brookline ranks very well for crime (A+) and education (A+). There are some categories that Brookline does not rank well for, including: cost of living (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.
Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Brookline shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 100 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Brookline, the unemployment rate stands at 2.3%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Brookline, the average school test scores reached an impressive 76%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Brookline an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Brookline. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Brookline are affordable. The median home price for Brookline homes is $1,806,065, which is 189.3% higher than the Massachusetts average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Brookline, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 10.5, which is 78% higher than the Massachusetts average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Brookline | Massachusetts | National |
| Average one way commute | 29min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 30.7% | 71.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 4.5% | 7.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 26.8% | 9.9% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 5.3% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 16.2% | 4.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 14.8% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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