Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Brookline, MA
Considering a move to Brookline, MA? With a population of over 63,000 and a vibrant, diverse community, Brookline is known for its top-rated public schools and high educational attainment—over 82% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The city offers quick access to Boston, a median home price of $1.25 million, and average rents around $2,825. Residents enjoy low violent crime rates (95 per 100k), efficient public transit, and a pleasant New England climate with 56% sunny days. Explore Brookline’s outstanding schools, healthcare, and quality of life as you plan your next move!
Demographics - Brookline, MA
Demographics - Brookline, MA
Brookline is home to about 63,000 residents, with a high population density and a median age of 35.9 years. The community is diverse, with significant Asian and non-English speaking populations, contributing to its vibrant cultural atmosphere.
Population:
63,191
Density:
9,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.9
Gender Ratio:
89 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
21.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
72.6%
Black:
3.4%
Asian:
16.8%
Others:
7.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Brookline, MA?
Living in Brookline comes with a high cost of living index of 187.5, driven largely by a median home value of $1.25 million and average rents nearing $2,825. Expenses for groceries, utilities, and transportation are also above national averages, reflecting the area’s affluent status.
Median House Value:
$1,250,000
Gross Rent:
$2,825
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,540
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,130
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
187.5
Grocery:
135.7
Housing:
285.0
Utilities:
115.9
Transportation:
138.2
Health Care:
118.3
Miscellaneous:
112.0
Crime
Is Brookline, MA a safe place to live?
Brookline enjoys a notably low violent crime rate of 95 per 100,000 residents, offering a strong sense of safety. While property crime is more common, with a chance of 1 in 75, the city remains one of the safer communities in the Greater Boston area.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
95
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,325
Crime Index:
1,420
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,050
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 75
Weather
What is the weather like in Brookline, MA year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons, with winters dipping to the low 20s (°F) and summers reaching mid-80s. The area receives about 44.5 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 56% of the year, making for pleasant New England weather.
Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
38°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
63°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Brookline’s households are highly educated and prosperous, with median family incomes around $157,000 and over 82% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. A third of residents use public transit and average commute times are about 29 minutes, reflecting the city’s urban connectivity.
Median Income:
$56,000
Household Income:
$122,356
Family Income:
$157,000
Per Capita Income:
$71,251
Income Male:
$84,600
Income Female:
$61,800
Poverty Rate:
9.6%
Non English Speakers:
21.4%
Rent:
$2,825
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
33.4%
Commute Time:
29.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.8%
Bachelors or More:
82.7%
Education
How are the schools in Brookline, MA?
Brookline is renowned for its outstanding public schools, such as Brookline High School, with low student-teacher ratios and strong academic performance. The city is also close to leading universities like Boston University and Northeastern, making it an ideal location for families and students alike.
Public Schools
Name:
Brookline High School
Street:
115 Greenough St
Phone:
617-713-5003
Students:
2,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.3
Name:
Devotion School
Street:
345 Harvard St
Phone:
617-879-4400
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Private Schools
Name:
Maimonides School
Street:
34 Philbrick Rd
Phone:
617-232-4452
Students:
470
Colleges
Name:
Boston University
City:
Boston
State:
MA
Distance:
1 mile
Students:
36,000
Name:
Northeastern University
City:
Boston
State:
MA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
28,000
Healthcare
Brookline offers excellent healthcare access, with 5.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly universal health insurance coverage. Major hospitals, including Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Boston Children’s Hospital, provide comprehensive medical services nearby.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center – Brookline (Ambulatory)
Address:
1180 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02446
Phone:
(617) 667-7000
Type:
Ambulatory & Specialty
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Boston Children's Hospital (Nearby)
Address:
300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115
Phone:
(617) 355-6000
Type:
Children's Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
5.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.2%
Health Care Index:
81.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Brookline, MA?
The housing market in Brookline is competitive, featuring a median home price of $1.25 million and average two-bedroom rents of $3,200. About 48% of homes are owner-occupied, and vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, indicating strong demand.
Median Home Price:
$1,250,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$3,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
48.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Brookline residents are served by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located nearby in Boston. Services and resources are accessible online or by phone, streamlining vehicle registration and licensing needs.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
136 Blackstone St, Boston, MA 02109
Phone:
1-857-368-8000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.