Brookline Ranks Among America’s Safest and Wealthiest Communities

Brookline’s inclusion among the top 50 safest and wealthiest communities in the U.S. validates what residents already know — this is one of the most desirable places to live in the country.

Brookline has always had a special place on the map of Greater Boston. Now, it has national recognition to match: Brookline has been named one of the top 50 safest and wealthiest places to live in the United States, according to a new study by GoBankingRates.

While neighboring towns like Lexington (#2) and Winchester (#3) topped the national charts, Brookline proudly secured its own position in the top 50 at #48, a ranking that confirms what residents and homebuyers have long known: Brookline offers an exceptional blend of prosperity, security, and quality of life.

Why Brookline Made the List

The ranking analyzed communities nationwide using income levels, crime statistics, and housing values. Here’s how Brookline stood out:

Affluence with Accessibility
Brookline’s median household income hovers around $140,000, and its per-capita income is nearly $95,000—figures that put it among the most affluent communities not only in Massachusetts but in the country.
Safety in the City’s Backyard
Brookline enjoys remarkably low crime rates for a community that borders Boston. Residents benefit from both the vitality of city life and the peace of a safe, suburban environment.
A Strong Housing Market
Brookline homes consistently command high demand and retain value, thanks to its unbeatable mix of historic charm, leafy streets, top schools, and walkable neighborhoods.

What Makes Brookline Truly Unique

Unlike many suburbs on the list, Brookline offers something rare: the feel of a close-knit town with the energy of city living. Stroll down Harvard Street in Coolidge Corner, take in the brownstones of Brookline Village, or enjoy the green expanses of Jamaica Pond and Larz Anderson Park—you’ll see why buyers from around the world are drawn here.

Brookline is also home to:

World-Class Schools – Some of the best public schools in Massachusetts, plus proximity to Boston University and Harvard Medical School.
Cultural Richness – Museums, synagogues, libraries, and restaurants that reflect Brookline’s diversity and heritage.
Convenience – Steps from the MBTA Green Line and minutes to Boston hospitals, Fenway Park, and Logan Airport.

What This Means for Homeowners and Buyers

For homeowners, Brookline’s national recognition only strengthens property values and validates the investment you’ve made in this incredible town.

For buyers, the message is clear: Brookline is not only a lifestyle choice—it’s a wealth-preserving, future-building decision. Whether you’re looking for a classic Victorian, a contemporary condo, or a historic estate, you’re investing in one of the safest and most prosperous communities in America.

Final Word

Brookline’s ranking is more than just a number—it’s a reflection of the community’s strength, character, and enduring appeal.

As someone who has dedicated my career to Brookline real estate, I see this recognition as further proof of what I already know: there’s simply no better place to call home.

Illustration of a red house under a magnifying glass with a handshake over a signed document, surrounded by autumn trees and Boston landmarks including the State House dome, Zakim Bridge, and a T train, symbolizing Brookline real estate and home inspections.

New Massachusetts Home Inspection Law Takes Effect: What Brookline Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

A sweeping new home inspection law taking effect October 15, 2025, will dramatically reshape the home-buying process across Massachusetts. Enacted as part of the 2024 Affordable Homes Act, the regulation ensures that every buyer has the right to a professional home inspection before purchasing a residential property — and makes it illegal for sellers or agents to pressure buyers into waiving that right.

The change comes after years of record competition in the housing market, when “no-inspection” offers became common as buyers sought to gain an edge in bidding wars. State officials say the new rules are designed to restore fairness, transparency, and consumer protection in real estate transactions.

Illustrated Brookline scene with a person holding a golden #1 trophy in front of a red-brick school, the Coolidge Corner Theatre, and the “T” sign, surrounded by families walking along a sunny, tree-lined street.

Brookline Schools Ranked #1 Again

Brookline once again tops Niche’s 2025–2026 rankings as the #1 public school district in Greater Boston — and it’s easy to see why. As both a local agent and parent of four in the Brookline Public Schools, I see every day how exceptional teachers, diverse programs, and a supportive community make this an extraordinary place to raise a family.

That same excellence drives Brookline’s real estate market, where single-family homes now average $3.13M and condos $1.21M, with homes selling in just over a month. Strong schools continue to anchor home values, attract long-term residents, and define Brookline as one of Massachusetts’ most sought-after towns to live, learn, and grow.

Stylized celebratory illustration of two silhouetted business leaders facing each other with a golden city skyline, upward growth arrow, and radiant background symbolizing Compass’s merger success.

Compass’s Journey: From NYC Startup to Industry Leader

In just over a decade Compass has evolved from a single Manhattan office into the nation’s No. 1 residential brokerage, expanding coast-to-coast through more than twenty strategic acquisitions—including Pacific Union, Alain Pinel, and @properties/Christie’s—that added thousands of top agents and tens of billions in annual sales volume. Backed by over $1.5 billion in venture funding and a 2021 IPO, the company blended a technology-first platform with an agent-centric culture to redefine how homes are bought and sold. That relentless growth now culminates in Compass’s planned $1.6 billion merger with Anywhere Real Estate, a move that will unite over 340,000 professionals and position Compass to shape the next era of residential real estate.

Collage illustration celebrating Brookline and Newton, MA—Green Line trolley, Coolidge Corner streetscape, leafy homes, Charles River with kayakers, farmers’ market, and a gold ribbon emblem—rendered in warm greens and golds, no text

Brookline Tops the Nation for Quality of Life

When U.S. News & World Report released its latest “Best Places to Live for Quality of Life” rankings, Brookline, Massachusetts, claimed the #1 spot in the entire country. For residents, this comes as welcome validation of what they experience daily: a town where excellent schools, cultural vitality, and walkable streets create a lifestyle that consistently outshines national peers. For homebuyers and sellers, the ranking adds another layer of urgency to an already competitive housing market.