Brookline, MA

Brookline, Massachusetts

Introduction to Brookline, Massachusetts

Brookline, Massachusetts, in Norfolk county, is 3 miles SW of Boston, Massachusetts. The town includes numerous distinct neighborhoods and areas. It's also known for upscale stores and village pubs and numerous large estates. It's bordered on three sides by the city of Boston and is regarded as a commuter suburb. Brookline includes a large number of Russian immigrants and a prominent Jewish culture.

The town is home to a large number of professionals and academics and is known for its liberalism. It features one of the oldest country clubs in the United States. The community is recognized for having excellent schools. President John F. Kennedy was born in Brookline.

Brookline History

The first European settlements were established during the early 1600's and the area was known as the Hamlet of Muddy River. In 1705 it was incorporated as Brookline. The name was given due to the brooks that established the town borders with the former towns of Roxbury and Brighton which are now included in the city of Boston. Throughout the years, the citizens of Brookline have refused to let their town become part of Boston. The Brookline-Boston annexation debate of 1873 resulted in the city keeping its independence from Boston.

The railroad arrived during the middle of the 19th century. A large portion of the city was developed as a streetcar suburb which included numerous apartment buildings made from bricks. During the 19th century the town was popular for summer homes for Boston's wealthy citizens.

Brookline Attractions

• The Edward Devotion House is regarded as one of the oldest colonial buildings in the city.
• The Country Club is an exclusive sporting club and features a well known golf course and has hosted the U.S. Open on several occasions.
• Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site.
• Larz Anderson Park features the Larz Anderson Auto Museum and a one-room school house from the colonial era.
• The John F. Kennedy National Historic site was the birthplace of President Kennedy. It features household furnishings, numerous photographs and a variety of mementos.
• St. Aidan's Church is the location where John F. Kennedy was Christened and the Kennedy family were parishioners. The church has been closed.
• Coolidge Corner is a popular retail area which includes cafes and theaters and features the historic S.S. Pierce Building as well as the Coolidge Corner Theatre.
• The Longyear Museum features exhibits on the life of Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science.
• Brookline Village is an historic area and includes numerous restaurants.
• Washington Square includes notable restaurants and taverns.
• Matt Murphy's Pub is regarded as one of the best Irish pubs in the area.

Brookline Activities

The town includes numerous parks. The Larz Anderson Park includes an outdoor skating rink and is popular for sledding. Residents enjoy the entertainment and professional sports located in the Boston area.

Higher Education

The city is home to Newbury College, New England Institute of Art, Pine Manor College and parts of Boston University.

Brookline Transportation

The city is served by the Logan International Airport located in Boston. The city includes light rail service.

High Points

Brookline strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Massachusetts):

Category	Trophy
College Educated Adults (vs. Peers)	Top 1%
Public Transportation Use (vs. Peers)	Top 1%
Well-Paid Single Women (vs. Peers)	Top 1%
Well-Paid Single Men (vs. Peers)	Top 3%
Walking and Biking to Work (vs. Peers)	Top 4%
Median Family Income (vs. Peers)	Top 5%
Racial Diversity (vs. State)	Top 6%
Low Property Crime (vs. Peers)	Top 12%

Comparative Profile of Brookline, MA

Comparing Brookline to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Massachusetts (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Well-Paid Single Women
Female Share of the Population
Well-Paid Single Men
Senior Citizens
Racial Diversity
Age of the Population
Children Under 5 Years Old
Male Share of the Population

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Portion of People Married
Average Household Size

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
College Educated Adults
Median Family Income
People in Middle Class or Better
People Above Poverty

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Public Transportation Use
Working at Home
Walking and Biking to Work
Short Commute Times

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
People Living Alone
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
Seasonal and Vacation Housing
Housing Recently Built
Affordability of Rents
Affordability of Property Taxes

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Property Crime

Brookline Almanac

Brookline Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Brookline Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, Brookline, its neighborhoods, and/or surrounding areas are also referred to as:

Note that not all alternate names are acceptable for use in US Post Office addresses.

Nearby Cities and Towns

Brookline Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

Starbucks in Brookline

Brookline High Schools (2004)

BROOKLINE HIGH
115 GREENOUGH STREET
617-713-5003
Serves 1,925 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 11.8

Brookline Colleges

Click school name for a detailed profile.

Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis

Holy Cross School of Theology

Newbury College-Brookline

The Art Institutes

(List of All Massachusetts Colleges)

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