Let the numbers do the talking.
Brookline, MA vs Quincy, MA
Brookline, MA vs Quincy, MA: What the data shows
Brookline, MA is in Brookline, MA while Quincy, MA is in Quincy, MA — both in the same state. On home prices, Quincy, MA is the more affordable option at $513,300 median — $635,100 less than Brookline, MA's $1,148,400. WYLT rates Brookline, MA as “Settle here” — an excellent place to put down roots — and Quincy, MA as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Brookline, MA has the stronger safety profile of the two. Brookline, MA has Low violent crime and Moderate property crime. Quincy, MA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Brookline, MA has Low flood risk and Quincy, MA has High flood risk.
Quincy, MA is the more walkable neighborhood. Brookline, MA scores 18/100 (car-dependent) versus Quincy, MA's 71/100 (very walkable). For families weighing school quality, both neighborhoods have the same school rating — Brookline, MA rates 7.5/10 and Quincy, MA rates 7.5/10.
| Category | Brookline, MA | Quincy, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Settle here | Good for now |
| Median Price | $1.15M | $513K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $3K | $2K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $133K ✓ Higher income | $86K |
| Price Volatility | High | Moderate ✓ More stable |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 18/100 | 71/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 26/100 | 58/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | 25/100 | 40/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 17 min ✓ Shorter commute | 19 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | B ✓ Safer | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Air Quality | Good ✓ Cleaner air | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Best for | Families with childrenProfessionals commuting to BostonAffluent buyers | Young professionalsPublic transit usersFamilies with kids |
Bottom line
Brookline is the better choice for families and professionals who can afford its high price and can tolerate low walkability; it offers top‑rated schools and a very short commute to Boston. Quincy offers more affordable housing, higher walkability and similar school quality, but buyers must weigh flood risk and rising prices. If budget and walkability are priorities, Quincy is the better fit; if you need the best schools and the quickest commute and can pay the premium, Brookline is the better pick.
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