Any discussion of the best places to live in Boston would be incomplete without mentioning Brookline and Newton. While not part of the city proper, these independent municipalities are close - Brookline is immediately to the southwest of the city proper, Newton just to the west of Brookline. Both have excellent schools and strong real estate markets. Both offer extremely high standards of living … but very different lifestyles. So which one might be right for you?
Brookline
If you’re attracted to the “Boston vibe” - walkable, active lifestyle, busy and exciting - Brookline has it. The urban density reminds you of the city center, but with an upscale residential twist. Coolidge Corner grew up as a streetcar suburb of Boston, and along with Washington Square, maintains Brookline as a pedestrian-friendly hub of cafés, restaurants, and boutique stores.
Brookline is a cultural nexus of the region in its own right. History buffs flock to the John F. Kennedy National Historic Site, the preserved home where JFK was born. Film buffs venture to Coolidge Corner Theater, a beloved arthouse cinema screening both indies and classics. At Larz Anderson Park you can find neighborhood folks taking in the beautiful skyline views of Boston any night of the week.
Brookline is a popular choice for elite professionals and academics who value the activity, excitement, and a no-car lifestyle that the Greater Boston area is famous for.
Newton
Newton is a breath of fresh air for residents who value space, greenery, and peace over urban hustle. This is what comes to mind when we think of “suburbs” - spacious single-family homes spread out over tree-lined streets, children playing in parks, dogs frolicking in expansive yards.
Newton is often described as a “city of villages,” the suburban landscape punctuated by dining and shopping locus points like Newton Centre, West Newton, and Chestnut Hill. From the neighborhoods and green spaces grow the strong sense of community and shared values that keep Newton distinct.
The crown jewel of Newton Culture is Crystal Lake. Right by Newton Centre, residents and out-of-towners alike descend on the lake in fair weather to swim, fish, and take in pastoral views. The Jackson Homestead, a celebrated stop on the Underground Railroad, houses the Newton History Museum.
Bottom Line
There’s no bad choice between Brookline and Newton. It just depends on what you’re looking for. Upscale walkable urban lifestyle? Brookline is your spot. Peace, nature, and family values? Newton all the way. Fortunately, their location adjacent to each other means that whatever you choose, the best of both worlds is never far away.
FAQ
Q: What are the homes like in Brookline and Newton?
A: Brookline follows the classic metro trend of historic Brownstones, condos, two-family, and three-family homes, scattered with smaller single-family homes. Brookline contains some of the most antique housing stock in Boston, many homes having grown up around the original streetcar suburb plan.
Newton has far more suburban single-family homes, with a sprinkle of townhomes and condos. There are many more owners than renters, giving it a grounded family-friendly feel. Many of the homes are historic colonials, Tudors, Victorians, and Cape Cods, but you will also find newer-builds, like The Beacon, a luxury condo development built in the contemporary farmhouse style and listed by Sarkis Team. Insider Note: If you like The Beacon, act fast - it’s almost sold out!
Q: What are home prices like in Brookline and Newton?
A: Brookline median home prices currently sit around $1.3M, representing a range that includes condos from the $600k-$1.5M range, townhouses in the $1.2-$2M range, and single-family homes in the $2M-$6M range. You can find up-to-date Brookline listings at the Sarkis Team Brookline Listings.
Newton homes can be more affordable per square foot, but with larger single-family homes predominating the median price ticks up a little to $1.5M. Prices can range from condos north of $600k to Tudor houses north of $3M and beyond. You can find up-to-date Newton listings at the Sarkis Team Newton Listings.
Q: What is the commute like to Boston from Brookline and Newton?
A: Both Brookline and Newton offer reasonable commutes to Boston, but the characters are very different. Befitting its urban nature, Brookline is well-served by local public transit. Multiple MBTA Green Line branches run through Brookline. Closer to Boston than Newton, the T ride from Brookline to downtown Boston is about 30-45 minutes. If you want to be able to walk to the T stop and step off the train at Boston Common, Brookline doesn’t disappoint.
Newton is not as well-served by local public transit. It’s farther from Boston, with fewer stops within walking distance, a more car-dependent town overall. What it does have is easy access to the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) for a quick drive into town. It also offers multiple commuter rail stops, which residents can plan their house hunt around if they want a train commute to Boston.