The majority of people living in Brookline actually work in Boston, but prefer the feeling of town life to the bustling city. This has led to a unique housing situation compared to many towns of similar size in the area. Whereas most towns have a lot of single family homes, there are a huge number of apartments in Brookline -- from high-rises to small complexes. So you'll have a lot of choices when trying to find an apartment rental in the area, and you can have as many bedrooms (and roommates) as your heart desires.
The most important thing when planning to rent an apartment of any size Brookline is budget. Indeed, even by Massachusetts guidelines, Brookline is an expensive neighborhood. Because of this, you’ll find many boutiques and eateries in the area, excellent neighborhood management, and close proximity to downtown Boston. Residents of Brookline love the city, and there’s little turnover in single-family homes.
Great apartments are hard to come by, so be sure to have all your paperwork in order before you begin your search--you may need to move quickly. Referrals from your employer, information from your previous landlord, and financial documentation are usually necessary. Proof of employment, credit score information, pay stubs, and bank statements are also essential for most rentals.
Frankly, all of Brookline is wonderful, but some places are more popular among residents, while other areas are more affordable. Here's a brief description of the various parts of Brookline, with relative price ratings.
Saint Paul Street: Situated in north Brookline, this is the best of the best, filled with high-rise apartments. If you can get a place here, you’ll have easy access to downtown and amazing views of the city.
Westbrook Village: A comfortable and popular part of town full of single family homes. Leasing a 3-bedroom home or a small multi-family property is possible, but there are fewer apartments here than other parts of Brookline.
Hellenic College: Filled with historic houses, this old neighborhood is a fantastic snapshot of old style architecture. Because of the unique homes here, this area is expensive, even for Brookline standards.
Boylston St.: This is the most renter-friendly place in Brookline, with low-rises full of 1 to 2 bedroom apartments. Students, young people, and first-time Bostonians love this part of Brookline.
Brookline Village: Another affordable neighborhood, Brookline Village always has a few empty units at the small apartment complexes and high-rise apartments that comprise the community.
Brookline occupants love their charming and calm old neighborhood. Even compared to all the incredible options located in downtown Boston, it’s an amazing area to pass time, study, and have fun. You’ll find sports bars, traditional pubs, extravagant cafes, upscale department stores, and dance clubs in Brookline.
For those who are hoping for a more residential experience in Brookline, there are many parks, restaurants, and venues in the area that focus on the culture and history of the neighborhood. Brookline also has incredible schools, and for that reason, is especially popular among families with children of all ages.