A charming Boston suburb filled with friendly people (and cute dogs!) on every corner.
There’s a LOT to love about Brookline. The town (estimated 60,000 residents) is home to many historical homes which preserve its old New England vibe. It is the birthplace to John F. Kennedy and home of the Frederick Law Olmsted’s landscape architecture office, where Boston’s Emerald Necklace and New York’s Central Park were designed. It’s the perfect place to live at any life stage – because of its walkability, safety, notable food, and vibrant community feel. It’s also the perfect place to raise a family because of its access to incredible public schools, summer camps, and family-friendly activities.
A+ for Academics
Brookline has eight K-8th grade “neighborhood” schools that are all equally sought-after. The K-8th model reduces the number of difficult transitions and enables older kids to mentor and read to younger kids. Children are released at 2:30pm normally and at 1:40pm on Fridays, allowing lots of time after school for extracurricular activities. Children here have many sports to choose from through Brookline Recreation, and it’s common to see children wearing their different colored soccer jerseys as you walk around town on a Saturday. If art is more your child’s thing, they can choose to participate in drama productions at ArtBarn or learn to play musical instruments through Brookline Music School.
For the older kids, Brookline High School is #4 in the state according to Niche for 2019. It’s statistically ranked among the top handful of MA schools, and for good reason. Students who get their education here are prepared for young adulthood, equipped with critical thinking skills and a sense of purpose. Part of the school district’s mission is to help students develop the knowledge needed to pursue a productive and fulfilling life.
In addition to the public schools, Brookline is home to some of MA’s most reputable private schools, including Dexter Southfield and The Park School. Dexter Southfield even offers free public telescope night where their students and volunteers provide tours and engaging talks about the big, vast sky around us. During the summer months, there are great options for kids to continue learning and growing. Some of the best camps in the area are: Beaver Summer Camp, Nobles Day Camp, Brimmer and May Camp, and the Brookline Tennis Academy.
Photo: Burro Bar
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What’s for Dinner?
Whether you want to grab a quick bite after soccer practice or do something swanky for date night, Brookline has it all. The multiple sub-pockets within the town all have something delicious to offer. In Coolidge Corner, Zaftigs is a popular Jewish delicatessen with an epic brunch menu and good coffee. While in Brookline Village, check out Pomodoro for Italian, and be sure to stop by the ATM, as they only accept cash. In this neighborhood you can also find pizza joints, a very comfortable scene at Orinoco for Latin food, and the best sandwich ever (the Turkey 1000) at Cutty’s. In Washington Square, you won’t want to pass up the make your own Bloody Mary bar at Barcelona, and the newest hot spot in town is the Burro Bar. With delicious Mexican eats and a lively crowd, it’s perfect for girls’ night. If you’d prefer to cook fresh food at home, you can grab a CSA share at Allandale Farm or hit up the local Farmer’s Market on Thursdays in Coolidge Corner.
Photo: Coolidge Corner Movie Theater via Pinterest
Bikes, Taxis, Buses, and More
One of the biggest draws to Brookline is how easy it is to get around. The public train in Boston, the T, runs right through the town at multiple stops. The bus is another great option, especially since you can look up when it’s coming on a very user-friendly app. The 66-bus line runs along Harvard Avenue, a bustling street with shops and amenities such as Trader Joe’s, Starbucks, local boutiques, Brookline Booksmith, and the Coolidge Corner movie theater. Brookline really works to keep its cyclists safe – an extensive list of guidelines for cars and bikers alike is listed on their town website. This site is super thorough and features information like how to pay a parking ticket, find taxi services, or report a concern.
Brookline and Beyond
Brookline is home to Larz Anderson Park, 61 acres of greenspace with walkways, a pond, a shaded playground, an outdoor ice skating rink, and a vintage automobile museum located in the old carriage house. In the spring and fall, kids will play town sports here. In the summer, the hill offers a wonderful view of downtown Boston to catch the fireworks, and in the winter, there is a great hill for sledding. Every season offers a different experience to its visitors.
You can even play golf in this urban city. The Putterham Golf Course recently built a brand new driving range, and kids and adults can take lessons from the pros here!
Being so close to Boston attractions adds to the town value and makes Brookline a truly special place to live. The Red Sox play at historic Fenway Park just minutes away. Local universities hold events, such as reasonably priced theater at Wheelock College and sporting events at Boston University. Take in the culture of a nearby museum, like the Isabella Stewart Gardner or the Museum of Fine Arts. Be sure to check out the MFA on the first Friday evening of each month with friends, for the added excitement of music, tapas, and cocktails.
Walking through the beautiful streets of Brookline will be a simple adventure in itself. You’ll love the charming homes, welcoming neighbors, and endless places to explore.
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