Brookline, Massachusetts, September 15, 2025
News Summary
Brookline, located just west of Boston, has been ranked as the top community in the U.S. for overall quality of life. This recognition comes from an evaluation of 856 communities, citing low crime rates, excellent healthcare access, and high-quality education as key factors contributing to this achievement. Other Massachusetts towns also ranked highly, showcasing the state’s commitment to maintaining vibrant and healthy communities.
Brookline — Brookline, a town just west of Boston, was ranked the top community in the United States for overall quality of life in a nationwide evaluation of 856 communities. The ranking placed Brookline ahead of other Massachusetts municipalities and credited the town for low crime, strong healthcare access, high-quality education, and moderate commute times.
Top-line findings
The evaluation identified Brookline as the highest-rated community for quality of life based on a composite of measures that included crime rates, availability and quality of healthcare, school quality, air quality, infrastructure, the job market, and average commute times. Six Massachusetts cities and towns appeared in the top 25 for quality of life: Brookline at #1, Newton at #2, Malden at #5, Cambridge at #7, Somerville at #21, and Boston at #22. The state overall ranked ninth-best among states in the same assessment.
Key details supporting Brookline’s ranking
- Population and demographics: Brookline has about 63,000 residents and a median age near 34.
- Income and employment: Median household income is approximately $144,602, well above the national median of $79,466. The unemployment rate in Brookline is under 3%, lower than the national average of 4.5%.
- Housing and cost: Renters typically pay around $2,300 per month. Homeownership sits at about 54%, with the remaining 46% of households renting.
- Commute and transit: Average commute time for residents is about 28 minutes. Several Brookline neighborhoods, including Coolidge Corner, Brookline Village, and Longwood, are accessible via the MBTA Green Line.
- Education and community services: Local public schools have top ratings and the town received high marks for nightlife and diversity in community surveys. Parks, public safety, and family-friendly services are noted strengths.
How Brookline compares regionally
Brookline’s top placement in the national quality-of-life ranking highlights a strong regional showing for Massachusetts, which placed six communities in the national top 25. The concentration of neighborhoods with strong schools, accessible transit, and employment opportunities contributed to this performance. Brookline’s proximity to downtown Boston, combined with a reputation for a calm, private atmosphere, was cited as a key attraction for residents seeking both convenience and quieter residential neighborhoods.
Neighborhoods and accessibility
Brookline contains several distinct neighborhoods widely used by residents and visitors alike. Coolidge Corner, Brookline Village, and Longwood serve as hubs for shopping, dining, and transit connections. The MBTA Green Line provides direct service to downtown Boston, supporting the town’s role as a residential choice for people who work in the city but prefer a suburban setting.
Quality-of-life components
The quality-of-life index measured multiple components beyond basic demographics. These included school quality, healthcare access, air quality, infrastructure reliability, and the local job market. Brookline scored highly across these areas, especially for education and healthcare access, which are central to the town’s family-friendly reputation.
Context and implications
Higher median income and lower unemployment in Brookline reflect a robust local economy and job market that outperform national averages. These strengths help drive demand for housing and contribute to the town’s cost profile, including relatively high rents compared with many parts of the country. The balance of public services, transit access, and recreational spaces—along with strong school ratings—help explain why many residents rate the town as both busy and quiet, friendly, and private.
Frequently Asked Questions
What made Brookline the top-ranked community for quality of life?
Brookline scored highly across multiple measures used in the national evaluation, including low crime, strong access to healthcare, high-quality schools, good air quality and infrastructure, and a favorable job market. Average commute times and transit access also supported the ranking.
How many communities were evaluated in the ranking?
The assessment reviewed 856 communities nationwide to develop the quality-of-life standings.
Which other Massachusetts communities ranked highly?
Alongside Brookline, Massachusetts communities in the top 25 included Newton, Malden, Cambridge, Somerville, and Boston.
What are typical housing costs in Brookline?
Renters in Brookline typically pay around $2,300 per month. Median household income is about $144,602, and roughly 54% of residents own their homes while 46% rent.
How accessible is Brookline to downtown Boston?
Brookline is adjacent to Boston and connected by the MBTA Green Line, with neighborhood hubs such as Coolidge Corner, Brookline Village, and Longwood providing transit options and local services.
Quick facts table
| Fact | Brookline | National comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Population | Approximately 63,000 | Varies by city |
| Median household income | $144,602 | National median $79,466 |
| Unemployment rate | Under 3% | National average 4.5% |
| Median age | 34 | Varies |
| Average commute time | 28 minutes | Varies |
| Typical rent (monthly) | About $2,300 | Varies widely by market |
| Homeownership rate | 54% | Varies |
| Top neighborhoods | Coolidge Corner, Brookline Village, Longwood | — |
| Transit | MBTA Green Line access | — |
| State ranking | Massachusetts ranked 9th overall | 50 states ranked |
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Additional Resources
- Patriot Ledger: Massachusetts Communities Ranked
- Travel + Leisure: Best Place to Live in USA
- WBZ News Radio: Brookline Rated Best Place to Live
- Boston Agent Magazine: Brookline Named Best Place to Live
- Google Search: Brookline Massachusetts
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