Which U.S. city has the highest quality of life? Brookline, Massachusetts—a leafy Boston suburb blending top safety, education, and green spaces.
Nestled in the Northeast, Brookline offers walkable neighborhoods and proximity to Harvard. Recently, it topped U.S. News 2025-26 Best Places to Live for suburbs.
Quality of life rankings guide relocations, investments, and family choices amid rising remote work. U.S. Census Bureau data shows Brookline's 2023 population at 63,280 with median household income of $169,300—double the U.S. average.
Know about the U.S. city with the highest quality of life, Brookline, MA—Boston's safe, green suburb! Discover rankings, amenities, population stats, and why it tops livability lists in our detailed guide.
Which U.S. City has the Highest Quality of Life?
Brookline, MA holds the highest quality of life in U.S. rankings for 2025-26.
U.S. News & World Report crowns Brookline #1 suburb for desirability, value, and net migration. Numbeo 2026 Quality of Life Index ranks it among top U.S. spots with scores near 190 for safety and healthcare. Low crime, A+ schools, and Emerald Necklace parks seal its lead.
Factors include 92% homeownership affordability relative to peers and 95% resident satisfaction per local surveys.
What is Brookline, MA Famous For?
Brookline thrives as Boston's upscale enclave with historic prestige and natural beauty.
Home to John F. Kennedy's birthplace (1917), it boasts Larz Anderson Park and Coolidge Corner theaters. Fenway Park borders it, drawing Red Sox fans. The medical hub near Longwood Area hosts top hospitals like Brigham and Women's.
Brookline invented the first subway outside London in 1920. Walk Score of 89 makes it ultra-walkable.
Is Brookline a Nice Part of Boston?
Yes, Brookline is a premier, safe suburb seamlessly integrated with Boston.
Encircled by Boston proper, it offers urban access without downtown chaos. Crime rate 40% below national average; 65 parks cover 15% land.
| Metric | Brookline | Boston Avg | U.S. Avg |
| Safety Score | 85/100 | 65/100 | 55/100 |
| Schools Rating | A+ | B | C |
| Walk Score | 89 | 83 | 45 |
| Median Home | $1.4M | $850K | $320K |
| Commute Time | 27 min | 33 min | 26 min |
Brookline, MA boasts America's highest quality of life through safe streets, elite schools, and green havens near Boston. U.S. News 2025-26 #1 suburb delivers walkability and prestige for families and pros. From JFK's birthplace to Emerald Necklace trails, it proves suburbs can outshine cities—explore Brookline for your dream spot!
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