Brookline, Ma. (Boston, Newton: to rent, condos, houses)

[Debra H]

My husband and I are thinking of moving to Brookline. We are attracted to its close proximity to Boston, good public transportation, etc. Are there any other good areas that are walkable so you don't need a car? We are looking to buy a single family house.Thanks for any feedback you can provide.

[maggiekate]

Originally Posted by Debra H

My husband and I are thinking of moving to Brookline. We are attracted to its close proximity to Boston, good public transportation, etc. Are there any other good areas that are walkable so you don't need a car? We are looking to buy a single family house.Thanks for any feedback you can provide.

check out west roxbury, roslindale, and newton

[smarty]

Try Jamica Plain (another part of Boston) also. Even Brighton has some houses (many 2 families) available.

[Debra H]

Thanks for your responses. Is a car a necessity in Brookline or Newton?

[smarty]

Originally Posted by Debra H

Thanks for your responses. Is a car a necessity in Brookline or Newton?

Necessary or not depends on you. My assumption is you work in Boston. That means you can take public transportation (subway) into Boston. Then, the next question is what else do you need a car for?

Grocery shopping? You can take public transportation or call a taxi in Brookline (or even have them deliver). For Newton, depending on which part of Newton, I would say it may be easier with a car (but necessary?).

Then, going out of town to a beach. For the one or two day a week, you may want to rent? Again, having a car is easier. Necessary? Probably not.

[joand3132]

Brookline is not part of Boston and the school systems are drastically different since JP is part of Boston. If you have children and need a good school system..... the two are not comparable.

[shiver]

Single family homes in Brookline are VERY expensive. Think 700K on the lower end. You didn't mention your housing budget so you may already know, but if not, something to be aware of. There are a lot of condos in Brookline too; especially near the T which are more reasonable. But it's still a pricey area. Parts of Brookline are very urban while other parts are very residential. If you live in near the T, you may not need a car depending on where you work, etc., but if you're farther out, you'll want/need a car else you'll be stuck.

[shiver]

Eh, just realized this thread is from 2006