Let the numbers do the talking.
Brookline, MA vs Cambridge, MA
Brookline, MA vs Cambridge, MA: What the data shows
Brookline, MA is in Brookline, MA while Cambridge, MA is in Cambridge, MA — both in the same state. On home prices, Cambridge, MA is the more affordable option at $1,027,300 median — $121,100 less than Brookline, MA's $1,148,400. WYLT rates Brookline, MA as “Settle here” — an excellent place to put down roots — and Cambridge, MA as “Settle here” — an excellent place to put down roots.
Brookline, MA has the stronger safety profile of the two. Brookline, MA has Low violent crime and Moderate property crime. Cambridge, MA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Brookline, MA has Low flood risk and Cambridge, MA has Low flood risk.
Cambridge, MA is the more walkable neighborhood. Brookline, MA scores 18/100 (car-dependent) versus Cambridge, MA's 100/100 (exceptionally walkable). For families weighing school quality, both neighborhoods have the same school rating — Brookline, MA rates 7.5/10 and Cambridge, MA rates 7.5/10.
| Category | Brookline, MA | Cambridge, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Settle here | Settle here |
| Median Price | $1.15M | $1.03M ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $3K | $3K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $133K ✓ Higher income | $117K |
| Price Volatility | High | High |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 18/100 | 100/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 26/100 | 60/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | 25/100 | 80/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 17 min | 11 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | B ✓ Safer | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Best for | Families with childrenProfessionals commuting to BostonAffluent buyers | Tech professionalsStudentsYoung families |
Bottom line
If you're a high-income earner or have a family with children, Brookline may be the better choice, given its even faster Boston commute and slightly stronger community feel. For young professionals, tech workers, or students, however, Cambridge is the way to go, with its unbeatable walk score and shorter commute. Ultimately, if you need a fast and walkable lifestyle, Cambridge's slightly lower homes prices don't outweigh its other benefits.
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