Brookline, Massachusetts Relocation Guide

The Brookline community enjoys a unique reputation as an urban/suburban community of 59,200 residents in a geographic area of just over five square miles. It is only 4 miles west of Boston, which surrounds it like a horseshoe. Its proximity to the city, combined with its long tradition of excellent public schools, continually attracts families to Brookline. Once a relatively homogeneous community, the racial/ethnic profile of the town has changed over the past fifteen years to a more diverse population that enriches our community. Described by The Boston Globe as a "prime reflection of the new demographic revolution," Brookline counts among its citizens many African-Americans, Asian-Americans, and recent immigrants from Russia and other Eastern European countries. The town is characterized by an unusual mix of multifamily property, single-, 2-, and 3-family houses, and large estates. In addition, Brookline has a significant amount of affordable housing. The community places a high value on the preservation of historic buildings, neighborhoods, and green spaces, as well as on its elected Town Meeting form of government, which represents the interests of an active and highly involved citizenry.

Brookline is an attractive suburb with a unique mixture of busy streets and scenic landscapes. It has upscale shops, village pubs, gracious apartment buildings and large estates, and is home for legions of academic and scientific professionals who work at the nearby medical centers in Boston. Among its many unusual resources, Brookline has its own working farm, the oldest country club in the nation, a town golf course, the home in which John F. Kennedy was born, a magnificent park on a hillside overlooking Boston, a marvelous transportation museum, and numerous neighborhood parks and playgrounds scattered throughout the Town. Its major retail centers, like Coolidge Corner and Brookline Village, are bustling pedestrian-oriented shopping areas with a variety of shops - antique stores, coffee shops, bookstores, fresh fruit and vegetable markets, delicatessens and restaurants.

Along with offering both a city atmosphere and a feeling of being in the country, there is a wonderful mix of people in Brookline: elderly, minorities, immigrants from many lands, young families and college students. With its good schools (both public and private), good transportation (several branches of the MBTA Green Line traverse the Town), and good government, Brookline is a choice spot in which to reside or establish a business.

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Buying Your First Home

• Buying Your First Home - Making The Right Move

• Buying vs. Renting

Buying A Second Home

• Buying A Second Home - Living The Dream

• Ready To Be A Landlord? - Finding A Great Rental Property

Tips For Every Buyer

• Key Factors For Making A Good Investment

• Getting The "Real Scoop" On The Houses You're Looking At

• Next-Door Nightmares

• How To Negotiate To Your Advantage

• Why You Need A Good Home Inspection

• Should You Buy A “Fixer-Upper”?

• Home Warranties - Five Facts To Consider

• RESPA - The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act

Financing Tips

• Saving For A Down Payment

• What Are They Talking About?

• Get The Scoop On Your Credit Report

• Eliminate Your Mortgage

After You Buy

• Finding A Place For Everything

• Homeowner's Survival Kit

• 10 Repairs You Can Do Yourself

• Decorating On A Budget

• Home Security Dos And Don'ts

• Homeowner's Insurance

Building & Remodeling Tips

• How To Talk To A Contractor

• Five Simple Steps To A Beautiful Bath

• Kitchens: What's Hot?

• Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Windows

• Raise Your Home's IQ

Tax Advantages

• Can You Deduct The Cost Of Home Improvements?

• Tax Advantages And Restrictions For Homeowners

• The Ins and Outs Of Home Offices