Let the numbers do the talking.
Brookline, MA vs Jamaica Plain, MA
Brookline, MA vs Jamaica Plain, MA: What the data shows
Brookline, MA is in Brookline, MA while Jamaica Plain, MA is in Jamaica Plain, MA — both in the same state. On home prices, Jamaica Plain, MA is the more affordable option at $729,600 median — $411,000 less than Brookline, MA's $1,140,600. WYLT rates Brookline, MA as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Jamaica Plain, 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 Low property crime. Jamaica Plain, MA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Brookline, MA has Low flood risk and Jamaica Plain, MA has Low flood risk.
Brookline, MA is the more walkable neighborhood. Brookline, MA scores 86/100 (very walkable) versus Jamaica Plain, MA's 67/100 (somewhat walkable). For families weighing school quality, Jamaica Plain, MA has the higher school rating — Brookline, MA rates 7.5/10 and Jamaica Plain, MA rates 7.6/10.
| Category | Brookline, MA | Jamaica Plain, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Good for now |
| Median Price | $1.14M | $730K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $3K | $2K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $117K ✓ Higher income | $115K |
| Price Volatility | Low ✓ More stable | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 86/100 ✓ More walkable | 67/100 |
| Transit Score | 39/100 ✓ Better transit | 33/100 |
| Bike Score | 51/100 ✓ More bikeable | 40/100 |
| Commute | 12 min ✓ Shorter commute | 16 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | A ✓ Safer | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good ✓ Cleaner air | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.5/10 | 7.6/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | FamiliesWorking professionalsStudents and academics | Young professionalsFamilies with childrenPet owners |
Bottom line
Both Brookline and Jamaica Plain offer excellent options for those seeking a convenient commute to Boston and decent schools, but the winner for families with children or young professionals on a tighter budget is likely Jamaica Plain. Brookline's steep cost of living and parking challenges may outweigh its benefits for those who aren't willing or able to make the investment. If you can afford the price tag, Brookline's walkability and short commute to Boston may be a better choice.
Share this comparison