Brookline Takes Top Spot in Greater Boston Livability Rankings for 2026

Where would you go in Massachusetts to find the best place to live in the state? 

Boston magazine partnered with research firm DataJoe's CityScore to find out. Their research ranked 141 towns and cities within the Greater Boston region. Brookline topped the list.

Writing for Boston magazine, Brittany Jasnoff explains the background behind Brookline's selection. The median single-family home price is around $2.725 million with a broad, high score across housing, safety, mobility, health care, entertainment, diversity, education, and employment. "While the brownstones of Coolidge Corner and the historical Gothic Revival single-families of Cottage Farm remain highly desirable, the town is seeing some fresh additions, including a senior-living development and a 12-unit luxury townhome project on Fisher Hill."

Here's a look at the communities that claimed the top five spots in the rankings:

Newton ranks second, with a median home price of nearly $1.91 million. Strong schools, resident amenities, and ongoing housing development support the community.

Wellesley is highlighted for escalating prices, top-tier schools, expanding luxury condo options, and new elementary schools. The median single-family home price in Wellesley is $2,211,303.

Growth in Cambridge is propelled by strong demand and rising prices driven by innovation and a vibrant cultural scene. The median single-family home price in Cambridge is $2,521,708.

Lexington finishes in the top five. This community is recognized for its excellent schools and ongoing infrastructure and housing development to accommodate newcomers. The median single-family home price in Lexington is $1.9 million.