Coolidge Corner - Brookline, MA Area Guide

Coolidge Corner's development brought Brookline from an era of farming into one of a thriving, independent town. In 1857, William J. Griggs and David S. Coolidge opened Coolidge and Brother general store at a coach line stop on the route to Boston. Tycoon Henry M. Whitney widened Beacon by 1886, leading to the first elevated streetcar on Beacon Street. Property values sharply increased as homes, apartments and businesses sprouted everywhere, including the S.S. Pierce Building.

The S.S. Pierce Building acts as a prominent landmark in this neighborhood that boasts a large Jewish population. Originally the S.S. Pierce grocery store, the Tudor-style building has hosted many businesses throughout its history and now houses a Walgreens, a Radio Shack and many second-floor offices. From virtually anywhere in Coolidge Corner, you can see the building's iconic clock tower.

Located on Harvard Street, the Coolidge Corner Theatre has hosted film lovers for over 80 years, showing both independent films and new releases. Robert Altman, Martin Scorsese and Meryl Streep have all hosted panels here over the years. Grab a seat in the 14-seat screening area, and feel like a movie director.

If you enjoy political history, check out the JFK National Historic Site on Beals Street. John F. Kennedy lived here for six years. His mother, Rose Kennedy, restored the home to its former state, and she even donated over 200 heirlooms, including JFK's bassinet. Free tours run from May through October.

You wouldn't think that such a small area could boast an impressive array of food and entertainment choices, but Coolidge Corner offers just that, all in a compact area at the corner of Harvard Street and Beacon Street. From Kosher delis to elegant sit-down restaurants, your dining choices seem to never end. Once the sun goes down, hit one of the nightspots to join the locals for a time you won't soon forget.

Make Michael's Deli, which sits just a few doors down on Harvard Street, your go-to place for a great sandwich in Coolidge Corner. Michael's offers a complete menu packed with salami, roast beef and pastrami sandwiches. The Corned Beef Rachel reigns supreme, with Russian dressing, Swiss cheese and coleslaw, all on toasted pumpernickel. Don't forget to stop by before work for bagels and lox or breakfast sandwiches.

After dark, locals gather at one of the few bars in the area: the Coolidge Corner Clubhouse. When a local sports team plays, you can expect a rowdy good time. The CCC has over 20 HD televisions and nearly 15 draft beers available. Put your sports knowledge to the test on Trivia Night while you dine on some nachos.

Coolidge Corner offers its residents surprising convenience for an area this busting. The Mass Pike, which provides eastern access into Boston and western access to New York, sits less than a half mile to the north. You have easy access to Interstate 93, which can take you to Cape Cod or New Hampshire, and Route 9, another major east-west road in the state.

The MBTA's #66 bus serves the area along Harvard Street, taking residents and visitors from Harvard Square to Dudley. Buses arrive frequently, and a convenient MBTA rider app even tells you the exact estimated arrival of the next bus.

The "C" Green Line serves the area with an above-ground subway service. It runs along the dedicated median track location, serving along Beacon Street. Walkers can get virtually anywhere in the area with ease.

Coolidge Corner does not offer a lot in the way of parks. Opportunities for bikers and hikers can be tough to find; however, you can still find some green spaces to enjoy, especially if you have kids.

Parents can expect to spend plenty of time at the Minot Playground and Rose Garden on the outskirts of CC on St. Paul Street. Small kids love this park, and parents love the "no dogs allowed" policy. The park has well-maintained playground fixtures, plenty of benches for parents, a surrounding fence and even a rose garden. An adjacent dog park and grassy area exists for those with canine companions.

Griggs Park sits just outside Coolidge Corner, with weeping willows, benches, green areas, playground equipment, ducks in the spring and a picnic table. You can enjoy watching the kids play or just lying out under the shade while reading a good book.

Living in the affluent Coolidge Corner neighborhood comes at a price, both in housing and the cost of goods and services. Those that live here generally can afford to live here.

The quarter-mile expanse has nearly 7,000 residents, a per-square-mile number that exceeds the rest of Brookline. The median rent surpasses $1,500 per month for a one bedroom. Living costs exceed those of Boston as a whole, but not by much.

Statistics show that people who come here are typically those from out of state seeking Coolidge Corner's affluent style of living. Across Massachusetts, 63 percent of residents were born in the state. That number drops to under 32 percent for CC, as people come from everywhere to find a spot here.

As you might expect of an area this packed with businesses, shopping opportunities abound in Coolidge Corner, especially near the corner of Harvard and Beacon Streets. Whether you need a little black dress for a night on the town, or a fruit platter to serve with dinner, the area has you covered.

You could spend an entire day at the Brookline Booksmith on Harvard Street and still not feel satisfied. The store offers bestsellers, new arrivals, staff picks and even an entire area for used books. The first floor also has an extensive area dedicated to unique gifts. Be on the lookout for readings and discussions by major authors.

If you desire a funky boutique where you can find quirky dresses and a friendly staff, Mint Julep on Beacon Street should be your first stop. Locals know the store best for its chic and cute dresses.

Major grocer Stop & Shop exists a bit further down on Harvard Street, but you can stay in Coolidge Corner for your grocery needs. Trader Joe's on Beacon Street has everything you and unlike other locations, long lines don't exist thanks to checkout counters at each end of the store.