Let the numbers do the talking.
Brookline, MA vs Medford, MA
Brookline, MA vs Medford, MA: What the data shows
Brookline, MA is in Brookline, MA while Medford, MA is in Medford, MA — both in the same state. On home prices, Medford, MA is the more affordable option at $669,600 median — $471,000 less than Brookline, MA's $1,140,600. WYLT rates Brookline, MA as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Medford, 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. Medford, MA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Brookline, MA has Low flood risk and Medford, MA has Low flood risk.
Brookline, MA is the more walkable neighborhood. Brookline, MA scores 86/100 (very walkable) versus Medford, MA's 58/100 (somewhat walkable). For families weighing school quality, Brookline, MA has the higher school rating — Brookline, MA rates 7.5/10 and Medford, MA rates 7.4/10.
| Category | Brookline, MA | Medford, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Good for now |
| Median Price | $1.14M | $670K ✓ 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 | 58/100 |
| Transit Score | 39/100 | 50/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | 51/100 | 60/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 12 min | 10 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| 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 | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.5/10 ✓ Better schools | 7.4/10 |
| Best for | FamiliesWorking professionalsStudents and academics | FamiliesCommutersProfessionals |
Bottom line
Brookline offers the higher walk score, slightly better schools, and a very short Boston commute, but its home prices are almost double Medford’s. Medford provides a more affordable entry point and still a 10‑minute ride to Boston, though it requires a car for many errands. Choose Brookline if you value walkability and can stretch your budget; pick Medford if price and moderate convenience
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