July 13, 2025

Brookline Named Best Place to Live in Boston Area

News Summary

Brookline has been ranked as the top metro-area town to live in the Boston region, according to a Stacker report based on various living conditions. The report considered factors such as cost of living, education rate, housing, public schools, and crime rates. Following Brookline in the rankings are Cambridge, Lexington, Belmont, and Newton, all receiving high grades. Despite challenges in housing affordability, Brookline offers a vibrant community with a diverse population and excellent public services, making it an attractive destination for families and individuals alike.

Brookline Recognized as Best Place to Live in the Boston Area

Brookline has been ranked as the best metro-area town to live in the Boston region according to a recent report by Stacker, which utilized data from Niche. This ranking is based on an analysis that considers 15 weighted factors, including cost of living, higher education rate, housing, public schools, diversity, and crime rates.

In the rankings, Brookline is followed closely by cities such as Cambridge, Lexington, Belmont, and Newton, all of which received an A+ grade from Niche. Notably, Cambridge recently was highlighted in another report as the number one place to live in Greater Boston by Boston Magazine. Furthermore, Niche recognized Cambridge as the best city to live in the entire nation in 2023.

Assessment Criteria and Rankings

The rankings produced by Stacker utilize a variety of factors to create an overall score for each town. Among these are the availability and quality of public schools, which received an A+ for Brookline, marking it as a family-friendly environment. Additionally, Brookline scored highly in categories like nightlife and diversity. However, it received lower ratings in terms of housing affordability and cost of living. The median home value in Brookline is approximately $1.2 million, with median rent reported at $2,804.

At the lower end of Stacker’s ranking is Westwood, positioned at number 25. Other towns that fell into the bottom ranks include Medway (24th), Sherborn (23rd), and Groton (22nd). Despite their lower rankings, these towns still received grades of A or higher from Niche, indicating that they have many qualities that residents may find appealing.

Demographics and Community Life in Brookline

Brookline boasts a population of approximately 62,822 people, with about 54% of residents being homeowners and 46% renters. The town is celebrated for its urban feel, diverse neighborhood, and plethora of dining and entertainment options, contributing to a vibrant community atmosphere. Residents report enjoying a calm environment while still having good access to downtown Boston, enhancing the appeal of living in Brookline.

Testimonials from Brookline residents often highlight the town’s parks, safety, and overall quality of life as key factors that attract families and individuals alike. The presence of recreational space and amenities also contributes to the town’s appeal, making it a desirable place to live for those who value a rich community life.

Conclusion and Broader Context

Niche evaluates neighborhoods across the United States using various data sources, including the U.S. Department of Education and resident surveys. The objective of these evaluations is to provide a comprehensive look at what different communities have to offer based on critical living conditions. The recognition of Brookline as the best place to live in the Boston area reflects a growing trend in urban living preferences, where factors such as quality education, public safety, and recreational opportunities play increasingly significant roles.

Overall, Brookline is positioned not only as a top contender in the Boston area but also as a model for communities across the country looking to improve their livability while maintaining a diverse and vibrant resident base.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER

BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.

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