News Summary
Brookline and Cambridgeport, two neighborhoods just outside Boston, have secured spots in Niche’s top 50 best places to live in America for 2025. Brookline ranks 14th, known for its vibrant atmosphere and quality schools, while Cambridgeport follows closely at 22nd, offering a lively urban vibe. Both neighborhoods attract young professionals and families alike, with notable housing values and rental statistics that reflect their desirability. With accolades also awarded to other Massachusetts neighborhoods, these areas showcase community charm and livability.
Brookline and Cambridgeport Shine Bright in National Living Rankings
When it comes to finding that perfect place to call home, two charming neighborhoods just outside of Boston are turning heads and making waves! Yes, we’re talking about Brookline and Cambridgeport, both of which have snagged a coveted spot in the top 50 best places to live in America for 2025. This impressive ranking comes straight from Niche, an organization that dives into data to help folks figure out where they might want to settle down.
How Were They Ranked?
So, how does Niche come up with these rankings? Well, there’s a whole lot of number crunching involved! They looked at over 50,000 suburbs, city neighborhoods, and towns across the U.S. — and with that many places to consider, you can imagine the data sources are as diverse as the neighborhoods themselves! Criteria included everything from crime rates to public school quality, cost of living, job opportunities, and all those local perks that make life sweeter.
The Highlights: Brookline Takes the Lead
Stepping into the spotlight, Brookline is proudly strutting in at an impressive No. 14 on the national list! This town is buzzing with life, boasting a population of 62,822 people who enjoy that delightful blend of urban and suburban vibes. Residents can wander through a delightful mix of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and tranquil parks that call for afternoon strolls or weekend brunches with friends.
Brookline doesn’t just shine in entertainment; its public schools are highly regarded, making it a wise choice for families. Young professionals are flocking to the area, drawn in by what the town has to offer. Niche has given Brookline an overall grade of A+, but while that’s fantastic, there are a few areas for improvement, especially when it comes to crime and safety with a B grade, housing at C+, and a C for cost of living.
If you’re eyeing a spot in Brookline, be prepared for the housing market to run a bit on the steeper side — the median home value is around $1.2 million, with median rent sitting at $2,804. Interestingly, about 54% of residents here are renters, while 46% own their homes.
Cambridgeport: A Close Second
But wait, there’s more! Just a hop, skip, and a jump away, Cambridgeport has landed at No. 22 on the list. This vibrant neighborhood is home to around 13,438 residents, and it’s known for its lively urban atmosphere similar to Brookline. With countless bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks, there’s never a dull moment. Like Brookline, Cambridgeport also features highly rated public schools and attracts plenty of young professionals.
In terms of housing, the median home value in Cambridgeport is just above $1 million, and if you’re looking to rent, expect to pay around $2,683 a month. Notably, about 67% of folks in Cambridgeport are renters, compared to 33% who own their homes.
Other Notable Mentions in Massachusetts
Brookline and Cambridgeport aren’t alone in their accolades. Other Massachusetts suburbs that made the top 100 include the Riversides neighborhood in Cambridge at No. 56, Cambridge overall claiming No. 77, Wellington-Harrington at No. 88, and Agassiz rounding out the list at No. 99.
Conclusion
As the world keeps changing, it’s refreshing to see these beloved Boston areas celebrated for their community charm and livability. With each colorful neighborhood offering its unique flair, it’s no surprise that Brookline and Cambridgeport have made such a splash in the national rankings. Keep your eyes peeled for updates on this delightful story that continues to unfold!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Boston 25 News
- Wikipedia: Best places to live in the United States
- NBC Boston
- Google Search: Best Places to Live in America
- Boston.com
- Google Scholar: Best Places to Live in Boston
- Boston Magazine
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Real estate market
- Patch
- Google News: Boston suburbs best places to live
