Boundaries:
North: just south of Commonwealth Avenue, Boston
East: the west side of the Riverway and Jamaicaway, Boston. Boundary then jags west to St. Pauls Ave. on the west side of Jamaica Pond.
South: Norfolk and Middlesex County line, Newton
West: Allston, Brighton
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 surrounded on three sides by Boston. 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.