The New England City Rated #1 In The Country For Quality Of Life
Ask 100 people to describe a city with a high quality of life, and you'll probably get a hundred different answers. Some people just want a small space in a walkable neighborhood, prizing the ability to run a couple of errands and take the kids to the park without ever having to own a car. Others will point to indicators like safety, access to top schools, a thriving economy, or ample green spaces. And we all know the person who claims that all you need for a great quality of life is the ocean and year-long sunshine — even though buying a house by the beach isn't always a breeze.
This year, when U.S. News & World Report crunched its quality of life stats, one winner emerged — Brookline, Massachusetts. While there may not be a universal descriptor of a high quality of life, analysts can still rely on data to determine which cities outperform the others in areas like accessibility of quality healthcare and education, city infrastructure, average commute time, the air quality and environmental risk of the area, and just how satisfied the town's inhabitants are with their day-to-day life. Here's why Brookline landed in first place.
Quality of life in Brookline
Just west of Boston, Brookline is known for top-rated public education, a rich history, and charm. The town offers a blend of city and suburb that many people crave. It's a short drive from Boston, where there are tons of options for things like fun experiences, job opportunities, and access to quality healthcare. But being a bit outside the hustle of a big city, there's more room to slow down, enjoy the outdoors, and take in experiences like the farmer's market or a local pub.
If you're looking to move for more affordable housing, though, Brookline probably wouldn't be your first choice. The town's average housing and renting costs are significantly higher than the national average. But the rest of Brookline's benefits outweigh the pricey homes, allowing it to beat out competitors like Austin, Houston, Palo Alto, and New York City on its road to the crown.