What is RightSizing? Well, it’s our term for downsizing.
There comes a time when where someone lives is too much. It could be too much space, too much upkeep, too much yard, just too much in some way for their life.
For many people, the dream of RightSizing includes an elevator, garage parking and outdoor space. What makes Brookline different from Boston is the existence of buildings that meet these needs that aren’t “new high-end luxury buildings” that can cost multiple millions of dollars.
Another reason people clamor for Brookline is that it offers a combination of the urban lifestyle (Coolidge Corner, Washington Square, Brookline Village) with tree lined streets and plenty of parks and open spaces within a few minutes of just about everywhere. There numerous shops, restaurants of so many culinary flavors and boutiques that will appeal to those with the most discerning tastes.
What can you expect to pay in Brookline? Depends where you want to live. Coolidge Corner is the most expensive area followed by Washington Square, Brookline Village and then towards the Cleveland Circle Area.
The following is a chart of sales for 2 bedroom units in elevator buildings to give you an idea of what the very basic may cost (reach out to us for how we interpret the chart/data). As your requirements inctease, so does the price!
The following are some of the buildings/associations:
100 Saint Paul
100 Saint Paul is a 5-unit association located between Stearns Road and Longwood Avenue adjacent to Coolidge Corner. Built in 2006, this building offers garage parking, elevator, outdoor space in the and additional storage which is very hard to come by.
123 Sewall Ave Condos
123 Sewall is a larger complex consisting of 40 units that was built in 1970. Located between Marshall Street and Saint Paul it’s just moments to the heart of Coolidge Corner and Longwood Playground. Unlike many places, most units have some outdoor space, primarily a small balcony. Typical of the building built in the 1960’s and 1970’s, the ceiling height is a little over 7ft and rooms tend to be boxy with not much character. There is an elevator in the building and most units have garage parking.
41 Centre Street
Basically in the heart of Coolidge Corner, 41 Centre Street was built in 1984 with 40 units. The construction is more typical of the buildings from the 1970’s with lower ceilings compared to today’s new construction. The good news is that it does have an elevator and what we would call a “rock star” location. It is deemed a low-rise since it’s only 4 floors. It does have covered parking for most units but not garage parking, it has carports instead but at least it’s covered! Other amenities include: pool, patio, clubroom, and bicycle storage room. It has a common room laundry. Rentals are not allowed in the building.
36 Longwood Condominiums
Finished in 2018, 36 Longwood consists of 7 luxury residences. Most of the units are exceptionally large, offer gas cooking and private elevator access. Of course, there is in unit laundry! Essentially in the heart of Coolidge Corner you are moments to everything. Most of the units include 2 car parking.
50-60 Longwood Condominiums
Primarily known as 50-60 Longwood, this 2 tower complex built in 1975 is located at the corner of Saint Paul and Longwood Avenue and has 175 units in total. What many people like is that this is one of the few complexes that, when on higher floors, offers you Boston skyline or surrounding area views. Some of the amenities include: in-ground swimming pool, security desk, laundry facilities, community and exercise room. What’s even more comforting for todays residents and buyers is that the buildings and common space underwent a massive renovation and upgrade over a several year period which included it’s 4 elevators, replacement of much of the exterior brick, many of the windows, repairs to balconies and replacement of balcony railings. Even common area plumbing was replaced! Unlike many buildings, which are much older, 50-60 Longwood will give you some piece of mind due to many of the capital improvements that have been made.
55 Station Street Condominiums
Located at the corner of Kent Street and Station Street, this 6 unit building, built in 2006, is very easy to identify from it’s turret designed end fully utilizing the triangular end of the lot. Situated in the heart of Brookline Village it’s conveniently located right by the Brookline Village T stop. There is an elevator and garage parking under the building. The units themselves are modern, have high ceilings, in-unit washer/dryer as well as gas fireplaces which are not commonly found.
64 Sewall Avenue Condominiums
Typically referred to as 64 Sewall, this is small intimate complex was built in 2002 and consists of 8 units. Besides having garage parking, units have either a balcony or deck in addition to gas fireplaces and high ceilings. Finishes, when these were built were very nice but some units have been updated since then.
70 Sewall Avenue Condominiums
70 Sewall was originally a Queen Anne style home designed by Julius Schweinfurth, a prominent architect from the late 1800’s/early 1900’s. This home was completely renovated in 2011 and added to transforming it into a 7 unit association with garage parking and elevator. Most units have additional storage too. Located in the heart of Coolidge corner, you are just steps to everywhere.
70-80 Park Street Condominiums
Known just as 70-80 Park and located between Auburn and Vernon Streets, this complex was originally built in 1961 and consists of 73 units in 2 buildings. The fabulous thing about this association is that when it was originally built it had substantially green space next to the complex that is still there today. Many of the units offer serene tree top views that many people love. Laundry is in common laundry rooms and not allowed in the units. Of course, 70-80 Park does have garage parking and elevators.
Beacon Place Condominiums
Located at the corner of Saint Paul and Beacon Street, Beacon place was built in 1975. A typical building of brick and cement, consisting of 40 units, the units have average ceiling heights and rooms are slightly boxy. The location is terrific giving quick and easy access to the T, Coolidge Corner and the Longwood Medical area. There is no outdoor space or washer dyers in the units (laundry room) but there is garage parking and central air. Many of the 2 bedroom units do offer 2 baths which is highly sought after.
Beaconsfield Towne House Condominiums
120 Beaconsfield is ideally located giving quick and easy access to both the C and D lines of the T in addition to being right by the newly renovated Waldstein Playground. This building was originally a parking garage that was converted in 1979. There are 31 units in the complex, many being duplex layouts. It offers unique living space for those looking for something a little different in Brookline but it’s not a mass appeal. There is garage parking, central air and most units do have extra storage that come with them.
The Brook House Condominiums:
The Brook House consists of 4 buildings at the corner of Washington Street and Pond Avenue. Not necessarily visually appealing from the street, it is an award-winning association for a complex of its size in an urban environment. Most of the staff have worked there for years. The draw of the complex is its location: moments to Longwood Medical Area, across the street from the D line of the T and seconds to the E line and just across the street from Olmsted Park. Although there are no in-unit washer and dryers there are large clean laundry rooms with plenty of machines in each building. The complex offers: 24-hour security, outdoor pool, gym, paddle tennis, tennis courts and club room. Residents love that most units have their own balcony or outdoor space. Of course, there are elevators and garage parking. The building addresses in the complex are 33 Pond Street, 77 Pond Street, 99 Pond Street and 44 Washington Street which consist of a total of 763 units but it doesn’t feel that big.
Brookline Village Lofts
Located at 74 Kent Street where Station Street and Kent Street merge together, this complex is also know as The Village Lofts. Incredibly convenient, it’s right across from the Brookline Village T stop and seconds from the heart of Brookline Village. Built in 2004, with a total of 21 units, this is one of the more modern complexes of its size in Brookline with elevators, garage parking and in-unit washers and dryers. The penthouse units have private roof decks and views of the city and/or surrounding areas.
Coolidge Tower:
Not a glamorous building but it is what we call a “rock star” location. Known primarily as its address, 20 Stearns, this building was built in 1967 and converted to condos in 1987 with 35 units. There is garage parking but not all units have it but most units do have a balcony offering outdoor space which is treasured by many people! It’s not sexy but offers much of what everyone wants. Rooms are decent size but ceiling height is typical of the era of construction.
Corey Hill Condominiums:
Built in 1984, Corey Hill Condominiums is located at 50 Winchester Street by the corner of William Street. Aesthetically pleasing, built of traditional brick on the exterior it is essentially in the heart of Coolidge Corner. Corey Hill Condominiums has 34 units and a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms which is not normally found in Brookline. Better yet, almost all of the 2 bedroom units are 2+ bath. Interiors of the units vary in finishes but the unit layouts and ceiling height are typical of 60’s and 70’s construction, not exceptionally high. There is garage parking, central air and a garden area in the complex.
Crystal Tower Condominiums
Crystal Towers, which everyone just refers to as the address, 20 Stearns, was built in 1977 and consists of 30 units. It does have a pool which many people enjoy in summer, elevator and garage parking. These 3 items rarely come together in the Brookline area. Although the units offer standard ceiling heights for the era in which it was built units have good windows offering plenty of natural sunlight.
Cypress Street Lofts
Cypress Street Lofts is one of the newer, larger projects in Brookline which was completed in 2003 (yes, that is new for Brookline) with 76 units. It’s a full service amenity building in Brookline Village adjacent to the T and borders both Cypress and Street and Boylston Street. Not only does it have a security desk/concierge, garage parking, elevator but the units are open and modern with pretty good ceiling height and gas cooking. There are lots of windows in the units as well so with garage parking, AC and elevator it’s always a desirable spot. There are 2 buildings, 110 and 112 Cypress Street and to the surprise of many, the 3rd building at 323 Boylston is a separate association since it was built as a second phase of the project. 323 Boylston consists of 29 Units.
Hammond Pond Place
Hammond Pond Place is situated in Chestnut Hill, Brookline at 321 Hammond Pond Parkway. Built in 2013 and not being in the heart of Brookline enabled the units to be more spacious than those found in and around Coolidge Corner, Washington Square or Brookline Village. Offering all of todays modern amenities in the units, people love being close to all the shopping and restaurants at the Chestnut Hill Mall, The Street and some of the other plazas very nearby. Additionally, Shaws super market is down the street. Consisting of 27 units, what is nice is that this complex in a 10 minute walk or so to the T and in addition to elevators, in-unit laundry and garage parking, has an exercise room. Most units have 2 car garage parking which is rarely found in Brookline but easier to find as you move towards the towns outer limits.
Hammondswood at Chestnut Hill
Located in Brookline’s Chestnut Hill area, Hammondswood as it is usually referred to, was built in 2008 with 59 units. Although not in the heart of Brookline, it’s on the outer edge by the Chestnut Hill Mall and The Street, when it was built it was filling a a major desire of buyers and downsizers. Units are of decent size, have modern amenities and layout, garage parking, central air in addition to exercise room, extra storage and security. The T and Shaws supermarket are right close by as well.
Harris House
Situated on the southern edge of Coolidge Corner at 31 Harris Street, right by the Stop and Shop on Harvard Ave, Harris House was built in 1977. It is a small association of 13 units with basic 1 and 2 bedroom layouts. There is garage parking and an elevator but no central air-conditioning.
High Street Condominiums
The High Street Condominiums are on the south side of Brookline Village, adjacent to The Margaret Robinson Playground and on the #60 bus route. Built iin 2002, this 12 unit association was built with todays buyers in mind. Units have high ceilings, open layouts, oversized bedrooms, gas cooking, fireplaces and outdoor space. There is also garage parking and elevator. Pets are allowed.
Holly Heath Court Condominiums
Holly Heath Court is located at 26 Holly Lane in Brookline Chestnut Hill. It is just south of Boylston Street and west of Hammond Street near the Chestnut Hill Mall, The Street and Star Market. Built in 1984 and consisting of 18 units, what many people love about this complex, besides the elevator and garage parking, is that many of the 2 bedroom units offer 1.5 or 2 bathrooms and outdoor space consisting of patio or balcony. Unfortunately, pets are not allowed.
Lawrence Manor Condominiums
Lawrence Manor, located at 15 Francis Street, is in the heart of the Longwood area and moments to the hospitals, The Riverway, Parson Field and Longwood Playground. Lawrence Manor was built in 1968 and converted into condominiums in 1978; there are 31 units in the association. The units are typical of 1960s construction with lower ceilings and boxy feel but it’s highly desirable due to its location to Longwood, elevator and garage parking. Units also have outdoor space, balconies, which many associations don’t offer. Pets are allowed.
Longwood Towers:
Longwood Towers is situated at 20 Chapel Street and is one of the most well known landmarks in Brookline. It was originally built in 1924 as a very prestigious residential hotel. It was converted into condos in 2012 with a total renovation of the units and the grandeur of common areas such as the lobby retained. There was an additional tower built and the property offers a combination of rentals and condos. There are 241 units in the association. Longwood towers offers character and charm in addition to some amazing views as you get to the higher floors. Amenities include: 24 hour concierge/doorman, community room, updated fitness area and bike room. Of course, there is central air and elevators. There is garage parking available but unlike many associations it is valet parking with the right to park in the garage but not a particular spot that is dedicated to the unit. Pets are accepted with certain restrictions.
Longyear at Fisher Hill
Referred to as “Longyear” by many people, this high-end association sets the benchmark for luxury living in Brookine. Situated at 120 Seaver Street on Fisher Hill, this complex was built in a few phases and consists of 5 buildings on the old 8 acre estate of Mary Beecher and John Munroe Longyear. The Fisher Hill area was designed by the noted landscape architect of Frederick Law Olmsted and even today the feel of his touch and design is evident in the neighborhood. The units at Longyear are spacious and highend, even the feel from the outside makes this evident. Amenities in the complex include: security, swimming pool, fitness room, sauna/steam room, heated garage parking, outdoor space and extra storage. Pets are allowed.
Park Place at Chestnut Hill
Park Place at Chestnut Hill is located at 640 Hammond Street. Park Place is adjacent to the Baldwin School Playground and Soule Recreation Center. Built in 2002, it consists of 9 Luxury condominiums offering high ceiling, spacious rooms, gas fireplaces and balconies giving people access to outdoor space. In addition to an elevator, units come with 2 garage parking spots. Just moments to the Chestnut Hill Mall, The Street and Chestnut Hill T stop, many love the location. Pets are allowed with restrictions.
Park Place Condominiums
Park Place Condominiums is a 9 unit association built in 2005. Located by the corner of Auburn Street and Park Street, residents love that it is just steps away from Griggs Park and a short walk to Coolidge Corner. The residences have direct access elevator, high ceilings, bay windows, and fireplaces, crown moldings, laundry room and 2 parking spots. There are multiple T stops close by and easy access to Brookline Village, Washington Square and Longwood Medical area.
Peabody Terrace Condominium
Literally in the heart of Coolidge Corner, 60 Babcock Street, Peabody Terrace Condominiums is one of the few high rises right there in the midst of it all. Consisting of 99 units and built in 1968 the units are typical of the era with lower ceilings but spacious rooms and good closet space. The higher floors offer fabulous views and units do have good size private balconies. There is an elevator but not all units have parking and laundry is situated in a common laundry room. Pets are not allowed
Regency Park Condominiums
Located at 1731 Beacon Street in Brookline, Regency Park is located just west of Washington Square in an area known as Beaconsfield. This high rise was built in 1984 although the cement look makes it appear much older. The location is ideal giving access to multiple T stops and access to Washington Square and Cleveland Circle. There are a number of amenities in the building including: 24 hour doorman, security, swimming pool, fitness room, sauna/steam room, clubroom and extra storage. Most units do have garage parking and there is an elevator. Pets are not allowed.
Saint Aidan
Saint Aidan is the culmination of a number of years of work where the original church, Saint Aidan which is on the register of historic landmarks, was converted into a 59 unit complex comprised of 3 buildings. Not only does the complex include 9 luxury units in the original church building but 20 rental units and the remaining units were sold to first-time moderate income home buyers. Situated at 201 Freeman Street, the complex is centered around a beautiful courtyard with a 150 year old beach tree as its anchor. The 9 luxury units comprise its own association and features all of today high-end finishes, character and detail. There is garage parking and pets are allowed with restrictions.
Saint Paul Arms
Built in 2007, Saint Paul Arms is right in the heart of Coolidge Corner at 150 Saint Paul Street at the corner of Sewall Avenue. Part of the complex was a gut renovation combined with the new construction for a total of 40 units that offer all of today’s amenities and finishes that buyers want. Units are primarily 2 and 3 bedroom units with 2 plus baths and the kind of space that downsizers/right sizers desire. Typically the units are open floor plans, high end stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, marble baths and have in-unit washer and dryers. There is an elevator, heated garage parking, additional storage and fitness facility. Being just seconds to Coolidge corner, shops, restaurants, markets and both the C and D line of the T put this complex up towards the top of the list of many buyers.
