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.

Clean collage-style illustration of Brookline housing development, showing a crane, mid-rise apartment buildings, and a traditional house in muted teal and beige tones.

Brookline Faces New Wave of 40B Projects Amid Housing Pressure

Brookline’s affordable housing share has slipped below the state’s 10% threshold, giving developers new leverage under Chapter 40B. “We’re likely going to get three or four, maybe even six, new 40B applications this fall,” warned Planning Director Kara Brewton. Already, Oak Hill has revived its six-story plan at 429 Harvard Street, a 103-unit Chestnut Hill project is tied up in court, and City Realty has floated a massive Route 9 40B if commercial talks stall. With local control weakened, Brookline’s development battles are shifting from zoning boards to the state—and, in some cases, to the courts.

Dramatic duotone illustration with distressed figures holding their heads, black apartment buildings, and justice scales against a red and orange backdrop.

Broker’s Definitive Guide to Massachusetts’ New Rental Fee Law

A seismic shift is coming to the Massachusetts rental market. On August 1, 2025, a new law, championed by Governor Maura Healey, will fundamentally change how real estate brokers are paid. The long-standing practice of tenants paying the fee for the landlord’s agent will end. The new rule is simple: whoever hires the agent, pays the agent.

For a high-cost market like Brookline, where renters already face immense financial pressure, this change is monumental. This definitive guide deconstructs the new legislation, offering a strategic playbook for listing agents, tenant representatives, landlords, and renters. We’ll explore the critical compliance deadlines, the new “rules of the road” for representation, and the likely market impacts, from rising rents to the end of “co-broking” as we know it. This is your essential resource for navigating the new era of renting in Massachusetts.

Urgent duotone illustration of Brookline town hall and apartment buildings, with a landlord and tenant facing off amid floating documents and a large junk fee receipt.

Massachusetts’ New “Junk Fee” Regulations: What Brookline Landlords Need to Know

Beginning September 2, 2025, Massachusetts landlords will be subject to new regulations requiring full transparency in rental pricing. Under the state’s expanded consumer protection rules, all advertised rents must clearly disclose the “Total Price” a tenant will pay—including all mandatory fees and charges—before collecting any personal information. While originally designed to curb hidden fees in hotel and ticketing industries, the rules explicitly apply to rental housing. Brookline landlords should review their advertising and lease practices now to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties under Chapter 93A.

Urgent duotone illustration of Coolidge Corner Theatre and nearby apartments engulfed in flames, with silhouetted firefighters battling the blaze.

Two Coolidge Corner Fire Incidents in March

Two residential fires in Brookline—on Craig Place and Stedman Street—have sparked concern among local homeowners and buyers. As a real estate expert focused on Coolidge Corner, I’m breaking down what these incidents mean for property values, safety awareness, and the future of Coolidge Corner real estate.