Let the numbers do the talking.
Beacon Hill, MA vs Brookline, MA
Beacon Hill, MA vs Brookline, MA: What the data shows
Beacon Hill, MA is in Beacon Hill, MA while Brookline, MA is in Brookline, MA — both in the same state. On home prices, Brookline, MA is the more affordable option at $1,140,600 median — $533,200 less than Beacon Hill, MA's $1,673,800. WYLT rates Beacon Hill, MA as “Settle here” — an excellent place to put down roots — and Brookline, MA as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Beacon Hill, MA has Low violent crime and Low property crime. Brookline, MA has Low violent crime and Low property crime. On environmental risk, Beacon Hill, MA has Low flood risk and Brookline, MA has Low flood risk.
Beacon Hill, MA is the more walkable neighborhood. Beacon Hill, MA scores 100/100 (exceptionally walkable) versus Brookline, MA's 86/100 (very walkable). For families weighing school quality, both neighborhoods have the same school rating — Beacon Hill, MA rates 7.5/10 and Brookline, MA rates 7.5/10.
| Category | Beacon Hill, MA | Brookline, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Settle here | Good for now |
| Median Price | $1.67M | $1.14M ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $3K ✓ Lower rent | $3K |
| Median Income | $170K ✓ Higher income | $117K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Low ✓ More stable |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 100/100 ✓ More walkable | 86/100 |
| Transit Score | 60/100 ✓ Better transit | 39/100 |
| Bike Score | 65/100 ✓ More bikeable | 51/100 |
| Commute | 4 min ✓ Shorter commute | 12 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | A | A |
| Violent Crime | Low | Low |
| Property Crime | Low | Low |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Best for | High‑earning professionalsRemote workers who value downtown proximityRetirees seeking low crime and walkability | FamiliesWorking professionalsStudents and academics |
Bottom line
If you're a high-earning professional, remote worker, or academic looking for downtown Boston proximity with quality schools, Beacon Hill is the stronger choice for you. However, if you're a family or working professional on a tighter budget, Brookline is a more affordable option that still offers great schools and convenience to Boston. Overall, Beacon Hill's luxury amenities come at a price, while Brookline's solid quality of life is worth the cost for many, but not at the same premium.
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