Brookline, Prince St. area in particular (Everett: apartment, violent crime, high school)

[synaesthetist]

Hi everyone,

So my boyfriend grew up in Brookline (near Brookline Village, closer to the Walgreen's area) and spent almost all of his time in the Village or in Coolidge Corner. We have a good grasp on Brookline as a whole, I just had some specific questions about the Prince St/Chestnut St/Cypress St. area.

Are most of the residents families or older couples? It sort of seemed that way when we went to look at the apartment. We're a young couple (23, 24) and while we have lots of friends in the city, I'd love to meet some young people nearby. Especially since we plan to live there for at least 2 years, probably longer.

Are there any organized sports in the area? I'd love to find a soccer league or even a consistent pick-up game. I know that the high school also had an Ultimate Frisbee team and would love to play that as well.

How is the area during the winter? Do people tend to shovel? Is the parking situation OK if people are just visiting during the day and not staying overnight? (We're well aware of the overnight parking rules)

One thing I really, really love about the area is all the green we'll be surrounded by, but it also makes me slightly nervous (in Everett, our parks tended to be where the most dangerous things happened at night). Given that my boyfriend is the only person I've ever known to be mugged and he was mugged at the Brookline Village T-stop, is there ever anything shady going on in these parks? Could I go for a run around 9pm and be good? I'm talking specifically about places like the Cypress St. Playground since it's right across from the train station, the Brookline Reservoir and the Jamaicaway?

Also, how safe would the walk to JP be going up Chestnut, Perkins, cutting across the Jamaicaway to get to the Centre St. area? Would that be a very bad idea for a female to do alone at night? Would it be safe with a friend?

OK, I'm done asking a million questions (especially when they're questions that my boyfriend should theoretically be able to answer, given that he grew up there...sigh). Thanks in advance!

[synaesthetist]

Bump. I'm mostly interested now in how safe walking through the Jamaicaway is at certain times of night. Would after 10 be OK? Or should it be avoided after dark? Thanks!

[jlyang]

Hi,
I haven't heard of violent crimes being committed there nor does it look that sketchy when I drive by late at night.
That being said, the area by the Jamaicaway along Jamaica Pond is a very popular place for car thieves, so it is not 100% crime-free either. So, probably better not to walk around there late at night if possible.

Hope this helps!

Originally Posted by synaesthetist

Bump. I'm mostly interested now in how safe walking through the Jamaicaway is at certain times of night. Would after 10 be OK? Or should it be avoided after dark? Thanks!