Brookline vs. Arlington (Boston, Cambridge, Newton: fit in, apartments, renters)

[ice_cream_eyes]

Any thoughts on Brookline vs. Arlington for a young family? I am a young mom - I enjoy being in an urban, culturally rich setting. And also I need to be close to the city for work.

I like both places because they are close to the city and have good schools for my kids. However, I'm wondering if I would feel out of place in Brookline? It seems like it has a lot more wealthy families. So I'm not sure if I would fit in. But maybe there would be lots of renters like myself of more modest means as well?

[brightdoglover]

The "wealthy families" are in the more suburban parts of Brookline, largely. I love the area around Coolidge Corner- not that it's particularly affordable, but there are certainly a lot of apartments, renters, and of course is right on the Green Line on Boylston St.
Brookline schools are certainly far far superior to Arlington, and the overall neighborhood(s) is quite urbane, well educated, and so on. Arlington is a very quiet, safe place to live, with very good access to the bus to Harvard Sq./Red Line (or down Mass. Ave into Boston). The schools aren't overly applauded, but I'm sure they're quite adequate. A lot of educated people live in Arlington to raise their kids, having been priced out of Cambridge. I suspect rentals would be somewhat cheaper in Arlington, but I haven't looked at Brookline for some time.
Good luck- either town had very major pluses going for it.

[jlyang]

Hi,
I live in Brookline/Coolidge Corner, and would safely say that there's no need to feel out of place here if you're not of means! It truly runs the whole socioeconomic spectrum here (both in terms of adults and children), and all income levels are well represented, esp. in the schools. Many of the renters here are grad students/postdocs/medical residents who don't have big incomes. Walking down the street or going to most stores/restaurants here, you won't be hit with the sense that this is a "wealthy" area and anyone is out of place.

Deleaded rental apts (for children 6 and under) are in limited supply, so in that respect, renting here with kids is not easy.

Good luck!

[hiddenboston]

Brookline generally has a more urban feel than Arlington, and while Brookline has a number of wealthy areas, it also has working-class and middle class sections, too, and lots of renters. In fact, I'd say it's one of the most diverse towns both culturally and economically in the Boston area.

Arlington is mostly middle class, though there are wealthy pockets and a large working-class area around East Arlington. It is not as culturally diverse as Brookline, but is a very nice town to live in, in my opinion.

[ice_cream_eyes]

Thanks!! I actually got an apartment in Brookline today! I'm pretty excited. I have always wanted to live in a more urban area, and the schools seem outstanding. We'll have a bit less space than we would out in the 'burbs but there are parks, the T, and all kinds of other stuff right outside the door.

[PeaG]

Yes, I know this thread is four years old! I was just wondering how this worked out for the OP, since we're considering a similar move (and are comparing it to our current experience in Arlington). Hope you're still around!

[mplo]

Originally Posted by PeaG

Yes, I know this thread is four years old! I was just wondering how this worked out for the OP, since we're considering a similar move (and are comparing it to our current experience in Arlington). Hope you're still around!

Brookline is a cool place, and, to be honest, I prefer Brookline over Arlington for a number of reasons:

A) It's got a much more urban feel to it than Arlington, plus it's within a stone's throw of downtown Boston

B) Even though Brookline's technically not part of Boston, one gets the feeling of being in Boston, if one gets the drift.

C) Brookline has much more extensive and better public transportation than Arlington.

D) It's much more diverse than Arlington, with a much, much better school system (if you've got kids.)

However, I think that the part of Brookline (South of Route 9) that abuts with Newton feels a bit too suburban and too plush for my tastes.

But it all depends what you want. Brookline's Coolidge Corner has a wonderful movie theatre that plays all kinds of movies, great bookstores, and other stuff. A whole different flavor from Arlington, contrary to what other people say or think. Just my personal opinion. Hope I've been of some help here.

[PeaG]

Thanks for the reply! Out of curiosity, on what basis do you say that the schools are "much, much better?" On sites like GreatSchools, the Brookline schools are ranked in the 8-10 range (an 8 for the high school), and Arlington's ranked 7-10 (a 7 for the high school). I know those sites are mostly based on test scores, and I'd love to know what better way to find out the real details about the inner-workings of various school systems. I currently live in Arlington, and my friends with children here (mostly Elementary level) seem very happy with the schools.

[Brave Stranger]

Originally Posted by PeaG

Thanks for the reply! Out of curiosity, on what basis do you say that the schools are "much, much better?" On sites like GreatSchools, the Brookline schools are ranked in the 8-10 range (an 8 for the high school), and Arlington's ranked 7-10 (a 7 for the high school). I know those sites are mostly based on test scores, and I'd love to know what better way to find out the real details about the inner-workings of various school systems. I currently live in Arlington, and my friends with children here (mostly Elementary level) seem very happy with the schools.

A lot of people are going by "past history". Arlington "was" a classic middle of the road middle class town. Home to a lot of cops, firefighters & teachers.....these days, not so much. The Arlington school system has improved by leaps & bounds over the past 10 to 12 years. Almost every school in the town has been rebuilt & a high income demographic has moved in and changed much of the way education is serviced in Arlington. This has been a very rapid change, and many folks just don't know what's been going on over there.

[NickL28]

Originally Posted by jlyang

Hi,
I live in Brookline/Coolidge Corner, and would safely say that there's no need to feel out of place here if you're not of means! It truly runs the whole socioeconomic spectrum here (both in terms of adults and children), and all income levels are well represented, esp. in the schools. Many of the renters here are grad students/postdocs/medical residents who don't have big incomes. Walking down the street or going to most stores/restaurants here, you won't be hit with the sense that this is a "wealthy" area and anyone is out of place.

Deleaded rental apts (for children 6 and under) are in limited supply, so in that respect, renting here with kids is not easy.

Good luck!

really?? Maybe back in 2008 but really that isn't true today. The average income in Brookline is over $100,000. I don't even think you can find a studio to rent for less than $2500 a month. Not sure about Arlington but I see more BMW's & Lexus SUV's in Brookline on Beacon street than say Hondas. I drive a 2008 Honda Civic with around 40,000 miles on it -- probably too low class for Brookline & Newton