Brookline Real Estate

Brookline is one of Boston's most desirable suburbs to live in. With its rich history, grand homes, vibrant town centers and active community involvement, the Town of Brookline attracts a diverse mix of professionals, many of whom work in the neighboring City of Boston. Brookline began in the 1630's as a collection of settlements in the “Muddy River” farmlands west of Boston. By 1705, residents petitioned for independence from Boston and incorporated as the Town of Brookline. The local government, led by a board of selectmen is still in place today. Residents here are decidedly proud of their distinct independence from Boston which surrounds the town like a horseshoe. Many prominent figures from the history of the region and the nation have resided in Brookline over the centuries. Most notable is President John F. Kennedy whose birthplace is a historical site in the town.

The 55,000 residents in this town live both in close proximity and spread out. There are stately apartment and condominium buildings along the town's main avenues, and suburban streets of impressive homes, fronted by wide, manicured lawns. Route 9, which leads west out of Boston, crosses Brookline and along this street is a great deal of commercial activity from high-end shops, large retailers, ethnic restaurants and professional offices. Business also centers in a number of town centers. Coolidge Corner with its landmark clock tower and Brookline Village are both pedestrian-friendly public spaces of quaint shops, delicatessens, restaurants and cafes. Other shopping and business venues include: Washington Square, Chestnut Hill/ Putterham, JFK Crossing and St. Mary/ Lower Beacon Street. Perhaps as a nod to its agricultural past, the town hosts a farmer's produce market once a week on Centre Street through the summer and autumn.

Civic participation is strong in Brookline where residents take part in numerous active neighborhood associations. Additionally there is a historical society committed to preserving the town's past.

Brookline's public school system is among the best in the state. Many comfortable families forgo sending their children to private schools and instead send them to one of Brookline's nine public school locations. Even so, there are still several religious and non-denominational private schools in the town as well.

Brookline is well-served by roads and rapid transit. Massachusetts Turnpike Route 90 is accessible just north of town and routes 30 and 9 run through Brookline. There is also bus and street car service from Boston on several regular lines.

An abundance of condominium townhouses are an affordable alternative to a high-end real estate market. Condos start at $200,000 for a small unit and the average condo costs $500,000. Single family homes begin at $500,000 and rise quickly to over $1 million. More sumptuous estates cost as high as $9 million.

Find out how much Real Estate is Worth:

Before your house is put on the market, your real estate agent meets you to review your comparative market analysis to help you accurately price your house.

In the meantime, use our online tools to get general information about sales activity in your neighborhood.

Boston, North & West

Boston, South & East

What's the Weather in Brookline, MA?