Travel + Leisure: I Live on the East Coast and This Its Best Family Destination—and It Was Named the No. 1 Place for Quality of Life
Just four miles outside of Boston, Brookline manages to feel both tucked away and completely connected.
This little suburb routinely tops livability ranking surveys and was recently named the No. 1 place to live in the U.S. for quality of life in 2025 by U.S. News & World Report. It has the kind of classic New England setting most people dream of—tree-lined streets, historic brownstones, and a steady, lived-in rhythm—but it doesn’t feel sleepy or removed.
“My family loves Brookline for its walkability and charming neighborhoods. It’s unique to have a small-town feel in an urban environment with great access to Boston,” says Chris Mutty, executive director of the Brookline Chamber of Commerce.
That connection to the Cradle of Liberty is part of the appeal. The Green Line of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA—the train system also known as the “T”) runs straight through town, making it easy to slip into Boston and back again. Its easy accessibility has helped shift Brookline from a purely residential enclave into somewhere people are actively choosing to spend time. It’s also moved well beyond its historic reputation. You can still stop by the John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site (the birthplace of the former president), but there’s more going on now—especially when it comes to where to eat. The food scene has quietly become one of the most interesting in Greater Boston, with a mix of long-standing neighborhood spots and newer openings, from casual coffee counters to strong international restaurants. The arrival of Iris Hotel, a boutique stay with a clean, contemporary feel, gives people a reason to stick around a little longer rather than head straight back to Boston.
Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Brookline, Massachusetts.
