Apartments to rent in Brookline, Massachusetts

Brookline is generally safer than nearby Boston neighborhoods, with lower violent-crime rates and most incidents concentrated in commercial corridors or occasional residential burglaries. The Brookline Police Department reported an overall modest decline in total reported crime in recent annual reports but noted an uptick in residential burglaries in a recent year — typical of suburban/urban-adjacent communities where thefts and property crimes are the most common issues. Routine precautions (secured entrances, well-lit streets, and awareness around door/window security) are recommended.

Overview

Brookline blends urban convenience with suburban calm: walkable shopping and dining nodes (Coolidge Corner, Brookline Village), top-rated public schools, strong transit links to downtown Boston via the MBTA Green Line, and a mix of apartment buildings, triple-deckers and larger single-family homes. Rents are above the national average but reflect proximity to jobs (Longwood Medical Area, universities) and highly rated schools.

Key Features

• Walkable village centers: Coolidge Corner and Brookline Village offer abundant shopping, restaurants and transit access.
• Excellent schools: Public schools in Brookline consistently rank well in regional comparisons.
• Parks & culture: Larz Anderson Park, local historic sites and active community programming give Brookline local character.

Housing Snapshot

• Predominantly renter + owner mix: apartments, condos, two- and three-family homes.
• Higher-than-average rents for the Boston region; strong demand near Green Line stops.
• Limited on-street parking in many areas — consider garage parking costs if you drive.