Brookline

Brookline is a residential community in Norfolk County that sits on roughly 7 square miles (18 square kilometers) wedged between several Boston neighborhoods. The Muddy River and other green corridors form the natural boundaries with the neighboring city.

The settlement originally carried the name Muddy River when founded in 1638 and gained status as an independent town in 1705. In 1873, residents voted to remain separate rather than merge with Boston.

The Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site preserves the legacy of landscape architecture with original design plans and documentation from the 19th century.

The community uses a town meeting system where elected representatives decide on local matters, similar to other small towns across Massachusetts. Visitors find residential streets lined with single-family homes and small commercial districts along main roads.

This community is the most populated place in Massachusetts that still governs itself as a town, even though its population exceeds that of many official cities across the state. This form of government allows more direct citizen participation than typical in larger cities.

Location: Norfolk County

Inception: 1638

Elevation above the sea: 15 m

Part of: Greater Boston

Shares border with: Boston, Newton

Website: https://brooklinema.gov

GPS coordinates: 42.33167,-71.12167

Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:01