Brookline

Highly walkable and rich in transit, Brookline, the birthplace of John F. Kennedy, is considered one of Massachusetts’ most desirable neighborhoods. Minutes from Boston, this suburb offers a mix of urban bustle and small-town charm, plus plenty of history and a range of architectural styles. Eight local historic districts are represented here, many of the area’s single-family homes within those districts protected by Brookline Preservation Commission approval. But there’s also a mix of posh condos, apartments, and attached residences that house the community’s almost 60,000 residents.

Filled with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural institutions, Coolidge Corner is this neighborhood’s nucleus. Walking tours school visitors on Brookline’s landmarks, architecture, and notable residents—of which there are many. Conan O’Brien, Larry Bird, Tom Brady, and Barbara Walters have all called Brookline home.

The school system is highly rated, there is an expansive system of parks and open spaces, and the neighborhood contains a good portion of Frederick Law Olmstead’s Emerald Necklace, a 1,100-acre chain of parks. The Larz Anderson Auto Museum houses the country’s car collection, and there’s a sanctuary pond in Amory Park. A Cherry Blossom Festival, Bike Parade, and free summer concert series are just a few of Brookline’s seasonal celebrations.

Home to a long list of politicians, celebrities, and musicians, Brookline is perhaps best known for its family-friendly environment. According to the 2010 Census, the bulk of the neighborhood’s residents were married couples with a median age of 34. Considered a residential zone for students at nearby Harvard Medical School and Boston University, Brookline has been listed as the town with the most doctoral degree holders in America.  

If you’re hungry for Spanish-centric small plates and good wine, Barcelona Wine Bar is a must-see. Zaftigs, which serves classic deli fare and all-day breakfast, is also a Brookline gem, as is The Publick House, a lively beer hall with an expansive brew list, and Tasca, a romantic and charming spot for tapas, traditional Spanish entrees, sangria, and flamenco shows. Burro Bar serves stuffed tacos and a lot of tequila, while OTTO Pizza throws all kinds of comfort food on a slice—think mashed potatoes, cranberries, and tortellini.

There is also a community theater, an International Paper Museum, and a municipal golf course. Residents shop small at several popular shops, boutiques, and book stores.

Visitors and residents alike frequent Coolidge Corner, which is centered at the intersection of Beacon and Harvard Streets. Here, you’ll find coffee shops, pharmacies, and a few retail chain stores. Washington Square, located one mile from Coolidge Corner, is another neighborhood shopping hub—this one featuring a number of eateries and outdoor sidewalk terraces.

Brookline is home to 12 public schools, serving a little over 7,800 students. With an average student/teacher ratio of 12:1, the top-ranked public schools in the Brookline School District include: