As both a Brookline real estate agent and a parent of four children in the Brookline Public Schools, I’ve seen firsthand what makes this town so special — and it’s gratifying, though not surprising, to see Brookline once again ranked #1 in Greater Boston by Niche for 2025–2026.
Families have always been drawn to Brookline for its mix of small-town warmth and big-city access, but the foundation of our community’s success has always been its exceptional public schools.
Brookline Public Schools: Excellence Across the Board
According to Niche, Brookline earned an A+ overall grade, with top marks in academics, teacher quality, college preparation, and extracurricular activities.
As a parent, I see this every day — inspiring teachers who know each child, administrators who listen, and a curriculum that blends academic rigor with creativity and compassion. My own children have thrived here in very different ways — from music and robotics to writing and debate — and that breadth of opportunity is what sets Brookline apart.
Even in the small areas where the district scored slightly lower, such as food or diversity, Brookline continues to invest, evolve, and grow. The system’s constant self-improvement is one of its quiet strengths.
How the #1 Ranking Shapes the Real Estate Market
When families consider moving to Brookline, schools are almost always the first topic of conversation. And it’s no coincidence that the strength of our school district goes hand-in-hand with one of the most stable and competitive housing markets in Massachusetts.
According to MLS data for 2025 (Year to Date), Brookline’s market remains exceptionally strong:
Single-Family Homes
- Listings: 99
- Average Living Area: 3,959 sq. ft.
- Average List Price: $3,224,484
- Average List Price/Sq. Ft.: $803
- Average Days on Market (DOM): 53
- Average Days to Offer (DTO): ~40
- Average Sale Price: $3,131,447
- Average Sale Price/Sq. Ft.: $794
Condominiums
- Listings: 324
- Average Living Area: 1,469 sq. ft.
- Average List Price: $1,216,560
- Average List Price/Sq. Ft.: $829
- Average Days on Market: 42
- Average Days to Offer: 31
- Average Sale Price: $1,214,197
- Average Sale Price/Sq. Ft.: $830
These numbers tell a clear story: demand remains extraordinarily strong across all property types.
Even with higher interest rates, Brookline buyers are confident — driven by the assurance that a home here is not just a place to live, but a long-term investment in quality of life and education.
Why Families Are Willing to Pay a Premium
As an agent, I see families stretch their budgets for Brookline because they view it as a complete ecosystem — not just top schools, but safety, culture, and convenience.
As a parent, I understand that instinct deeply.
Strong public schools create generational value: they anchor property prices, attract engaged residents, and ensure steady demand regardless of national trends. A top-ranked school district acts as both a safety net and a multiplier for home values.
Life Beyond the Numbers
What makes Brookline truly exceptional is that academic strength is matched by lifestyle and community. Our parks, playgrounds, and village centers feel like extensions of the school system itself — places where families meet, children play, and neighbors stay connected.
Walkable streets, cultural diversity, access to Boston’s hospitals and universities — it all combines to make Brookline one of the most desirable and enduringly livable towns in New England.
The Bottom Line
Brookline’s #1 school ranking isn’t just a badge of honor — it’s a reflection of a community that continually invests in excellence. That same energy drives our real estate market, where education, equity, and enduring value intersect.
