Brookline is hailed as one of the best suburbs in the country, but it is much more than a suburb of Boston. Though both Boston and Brookline are comprised of designated neighborhoods – 23 in Boston and approximately 19 in Brookline – the unique characteristics of these neighborhoods are very different. When you are looking for Brookline luxury apartments, it’s a good idea to take the time to explore each area.

A Sampling of Brookline Neighborhoods

Chestnut Hill

Chestnut Hill is partially in Brookline, partially in Brighton, and partially in Newton. The scenery is beautiful because Chestnut Hill is not one hill; there are several small hills that rise above the Chestnut Hill Reservoir. This is the location of the Chestnut Hill Shopping Center and the Mall at Chestnut Hill, making this Brookline’s shopping destination. This is also the location of Boston College and its Collegiate Gothic buildings that lend an air of elegance to the surroundings. This is a scenic location for Brookline apartment complexes.

Aspinwall Hill

Aspinwall Hill was named after Dr. William Aspinwall, who bought the land in 1788. This is another of Brookline’s hilly and verdant areas. Tucked between Corey and Fisher Hills, it’s a delightful place to look for Brookline luxury apartments. Beacon Street attracts shoppers with its adorable shops, businesses, and restaurants. It’s also close to Beaconsfield and Washington Square Green Line MBTA stops. Go to the top of the hill in Schick Park to enjoy the beauty of this area.

Brookline Village

Brookline Village will give you a taste of old Brookline combined with a major commercial hub. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places and contains Brookline’s major civic buildings including the library.

Buttonwood Village

Buttonwood Village is home to Allendale Farm, the last remnant of the colonial farms in the Boston area. The owners are committed to respecting the health and sanctity of the land; they produce vegetables that are not tainted by herbicides, pesticides, or depleted soil. This might be the most delicious of the Brookline neighborhoods!

Corey Hill

Corey Hill, with Corey Hill Park at its summit, is one of the best places in the greater Boston area to watch the sunset; the park rises 260 feet above sea level. The paths and trails that crisscross Corey Hill provide a scenic thoroughfare connecting Brookline. When you need to travel, this neighborhood is served by the Green Line C branch.

Pill Hill Historic District

The Pill Hill Historic District might have an amusing name, but it owes its title to its location near the Longwood Medical Center. However, before that name, it was referred to as High Street Hill. It has a well-deserved place on the National Register of Historic Places. The home of abolitionist Samuel Philbrick which is located here was a stop on the Underground Railroad.

Putterham

Putterham, though small and situated between South Brookline and Chestnut Hill, is an important part of Brookline history. Putterham School is a one-room schoolhouse built in 1768 and is now a museum. Surrounded by the lush greenery of Larz Anderson Park, it is one of Brookline’s main attractions.

Coolidge Corner

Coolidge Corner is where you can shop in modern stores while immersing yourself in the more ornate architecture of the past. The S.S. Pierce Building is a charming Tudor-style structure, and a Bank of America branch is housed in an Art Deco building.

JFK Crossing

JFK Crossing is named in honor of our 35th president, John F. Kennedy. President Kennedy was born on Beals Street and grew up in Brookline. The house at 83 Beals Street has been restored and is now a National Historic Site; tours of the house and neighborhood are available. The lovely shade trees in the area provide an arboreal canopy that provides a touch of warmth to the neighborhood.

Fisher Hill

Fisher Hill is famous for being next to the gorgeous greenery of Fisher Hill Reservoir. It’s also called Brookline Hill, Henshaw Hill, and Mount Vernon. Fisher Hill is named for one of its earliest settlers, Francis Fisher. The streets in this neighborhood are lined with tall, lush trees giving the area a park-like atmosphere.

Shopping

Brookline has the stores you need for necessities, but it also has some interesting stores for enjoyable browsing. Boston General Store has items that are both amusing and useful. Consider jelly sandals or an original duck head umbrella. Cadeau Boutique adds splashes of color and playfulness to clothes and home décor. Henry Bear’s Park was presented with the Best Boston Toy Store award in 2024. So, come in and hug a Jellycat. Mint Julep is not a drink; they offer trendy yet sophisticated clothing. After a hard day of shopping, you need to treat yourself, and in Brookline that means Meet Point Patisserie. Be adventurous and try a shaksuka sandwich.

Dining

For exceptional Italian food, people in Brookline rave about Bottega di Capri. They have a large menu with an array of sauces to choose from. The Abbey is a neighborhood bar that offers a wide selection of small plates and has daily specials that keep people returning. For something a little more exotic, try Merai Thai food. Dolma Mediterranean Cuisine is a great sampling of Turkish delicacies. And when nothing else but a nice, crunchy taco will do, Bartaco is the place. Brookline might be a small area, but it is a foodie’s paradise.

Entertainment

Jazz clubs are not just for big cities. Post Underground has a mission to bring great music to everyone – admission is free. Come to trivia night at Coolidge Corner Clubhouse, a sports bar with a huge menu of traditional American eats. Puppet Showplace Theater has performances for all age groups and even offers workshops to create your own theater performances. Many people don’t think of libraries for entertainment, but the Public Library of Brookline has some wonderful programs. Wisdom Café is one of the series that has guest speakers on a wide range of topics. The Joan and Edgar Booth Theater offers state-of-the-art productions in an award winning, architecturally advanced building.

Rental Options

Though Brookline is surrounded by Boston neighborhoods, it maintains a unique town atmosphere and has all the luxuries one would expect. The presence of ample foliage surrounding buildings and the availability of parking make this an ideal place to put down roots. Many luxury apartments provide spectacular views of the Charles River, parks, and the Boston skyline. Some of the buildings have yards, patios, and pools. There are many choices, but one thing they have in common is their convenient locations and transportation options.

Transportation

Residents in Brookline have access to the C and D branches of the MBTA Green Line and the B branch which runs along the northern border. Since there are many parking spaces, residents often use their cars.

Green Spaces

Griggs Park provides 4.17 acres of trails and includes a picturesque pond. Larz Anderson Park is landscaped, waterscaped, and forested. It is 64 acres of natural beauty. A serene body of water greets you in Brookline Reservoir Park and offers paths to conveniently view the scenery. Coolidge Park provides residents with a place to play, and Fisher Hill Reservoir Park provides a beautiful 10 acres of breathing space.

After reading this, it’s obvious that Brookline is a great place to live. Wander the neighborhoods, play in the parks, try the variety of foods, and enjoy the shops. The perfect luxury apartment is waiting for you in this incredible Boston suburb.