Let the numbers do the talking.
Brookline, MA vs Waltham, MA
Brookline, MA vs Waltham, MA: What the data shows
Brookline, MA is in Brookline, MA while Waltham, MA is in Waltham, MA — both in the same state. On home prices, Waltham, MA is the more affordable option at $677,700 median — $462,900 less than Brookline, MA's $1,140,600. WYLT rates Brookline, MA as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Waltham, 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. Waltham, MA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Brookline, MA has Low flood risk and Waltham, MA has Low flood risk.
Brookline, MA is the more walkable neighborhood. Brookline, MA scores 86/100 (very walkable) versus Waltham, MA's 9/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Waltham, MA has the higher school rating — Brookline, MA rates 7.5/10 and Waltham, MA rates 7.9/10.
| Category | Brookline, MA | Waltham, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Good for now |
| Median Price | $1.14M | $678K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $3K | $2K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $117K | $118K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Low ✓ More stable | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 86/100 ✓ More walkable | 9/100 |
| Transit Score | 39/100 ✓ Better transit | 17/100 |
| Bike Score | 51/100 ✓ More bikeable | N/A |
| Commute | 12 min ✓ Shorter commute | 27 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 | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.5/10 | 7.9/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | FamiliesWorking professionalsStudents and academics | commuters to Bostonfamilies seeking strong schoolsmiddle to upper income households |
Bottom line
For families and those seeking walkability, Brookline may be the better choice due to its excellent schools and very walkable streets, despite the higher cost of living. For commuters to Boston who prioritize stability and safe, family-friendly environment, Waltham is a more affordable option with solid schools, though it offers limited walkability. Ultimately, Brookline's convenience to Boston and high livability makes it the more valuable long-term investment for those who can afford it.
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