Brookline Vs. Newton: Which Neighborhood is Right for You?

Brookline Vs. Newton

Which Neighborhood is Right for You?

Brookline Vs. Newton Which neighborhood is right for you? Actually, it’s not a very tough question. If you are looking for a new home in the Greater Boston area, you might be wondering which neighborhood is the best fit for your lifestyle, budget, and preferences. Two of the most popular and desirable suburbs in the region are Brookline and Newton, both of which offer many advantages and attractions for home buyers. But how do they compare? And which one should you choose? Let’s dive in what Brookline Vs. Newton has to offer.

Brookline

A Charming Town with a Vibrant Culture.

Town of about 63,000 residents, located in Norfolk County, bordering six of Boston’s neighborhoods. It is known for its historic landmarks and neighborhoods, such as Coolidge Corner, Brookline Village, and Chestnut Hill, where you can find elegant mansions and brownstones. Home of many cultural and educational institutions, such as the John F. Kennedy National Historic Site, the Larz Anderson Auto Museum, and Boston University.

Brookline has a diverse and cosmopolitan population, with many ethnic restaurants, shops, and festivals. It also has a strong sense of community, with many civic organizations, volunteer opportunities, and local events.

        Some of the BENEFITS of living in Brookline are:

• Easy access to Boston: Well-connected to the city by public transportation, with several subway stations on the Green Line and bus routes. You can also drive to downtown Boston in about 15 minutes via Route 9 or the Massachusetts Turnpike.
• Excellent schools: Brookline has a highly rated public school system, with nine elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. It also has several private schools, such as the Park School, the Dexter Southfield School, and the Maimonides School.
•  Abundant green spaces: It has over 50 parks and playgrounds, covering about 15% of its land area. You can enjoy nature and recreation at places like Larz Anderson Park, Brookline Reservoir Park, Olmsted Park, and the Emerald Necklace.
• High quality of life: A safe and friendly town, with a low crime rate and a high median income. It also has a variety of amenities and services, such as libraries, health centers, senior centers, and farmers markets.
  

  Some of the DRAWBACKS of living in Brookline are: 

•  High cost of living: Brookline is one of the most expensive towns in Massachusetts, with a median home price of over $1 million. The property taxes are also high, at about 1.2% of the assessed value. You might have to compromise on space or location to find an affordable home in Brookline.
• Limited parking: Strict parking regulations, especially overnight parking. You might have to apply for a permit or pay for a garage space if you own a car. You might also have difficulty finding parking spots near popular areas or during peak hours.
• Traffic congestion: Brookline can get very busy during rush hours or special events. You might encounter delays or detours when driving or taking public transportation. You might also have to deal with noise and pollution from the traffic.

Newton

 A Suburb with a City Feel.

With about 89,000 residents, located in Middlesex County, bordering seven other municipalities. It is composed of 13 villages, each with its own character and charm. Some of the most well-known villages are Newton Centre, Newton Highlands, Newton Corner, West Newton, and Chestnut Hill (which is shared with Brookline).

Newton is also known for its excellent educational opportunities, including its public schools, its numerous private schools, and colleges, such as Boston College, Lasell University, and Mount Ida College. A diverse and affluent population, with many professionals, families, and retirees. It also has a rich history and culture, with many historic sites, museums, and arts venues.

          Some of the BENEFITS of living in Newton are:

• Spacious homes: Counting with a variety of housing options, ranging from single-family homes to condos to apartments. You can find homes with large yards, gardens, and pools, as well as homes with modern features and amenities. The median home price in Newton is about $1.25 million, which is slightly higher than Brookline, but you might get more space and value for your money.
• Great schools: Top-notch public school system, with 15 elementary schools, four middle schools, and two high schools. It also has several private schools, such as the Fessenden School, the Newton Country Day School, and the Solomon Schechter Day School.
• Plenty of activities: Newton has a lot to offer for entertainment and recreation. You can shop and dine at places like The Street at Chestnut Hill, Newton Centre, and West Newton Square. You can enjoy nature and sports at places like Cold Spring Park, Cutler Park Reservation, and Crystal Lake. You can also explore the arts and culture at places like the Newton Free Library, the Newton Cultural Center, and the New Art Center.
  

  Some of the DRAWBACKS of living in Newton are:

•  High taxes: A high property tax rate, at about 1.4% of the assessed value. You might also have to pay higher income taxes and sales taxes than in other cities or towns.
• Lack of diversity: This neighborhood is predominantly white, with about 80% of its population identifying as non-Hispanic white. You might not find as much ethnic or cultural diversity as in Brookline or Boston.
• Distance from Boston: Newton is farther away from Boston than Brookline, with an average commute time of about 28 minutes. You might have to rely on driving or taking the commuter rail to get to the city, as the subway does not reach Newton. You might also have to deal with traffic and tolls on the highways.
  

  Conclusion: Brookline Vs. Newton: Which Neighborhood is Right for You?

  Both Brookline and Newton are attractive and desirable neighborhoods to live in, with many pros and cons. The best way to decide which one is right for you is to visit them in person and see for yourself what they have to offer. You can also consult with ME! your local Real Estate expert who can help you find the perfect home for your needs and preferences.

  Buying or selling a home in Brookline or Newton?

  Please contact me today!  I am a local real estate expert who knows these markets like the back of my hand. I can help you find the best deals, negotiate the best terms, and guide you through the whole process with ease and professionalism. I hope you enjoyed this blog post and found it helpful. Please feel free to share it with your friends and family who might be looking for a new home in the Greater Boston area. And don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more tips and insights on real estate. Thank you for reading!